French Alps to the French Riviera
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French Alps to the French Riviera
Start in Uriage les Bains, Grenoble and take in some of the most dramatic mountain passes in the Alps - including Alp-d’Huez, Col du Galibier, and Col de l’Izoard - before descending to the beauty of the French Riviera.
Highlights
- Spectacular riding through the Alps, Provence and the Cote d’Azur
- Full immersion in French Culture
- Admire the stunning beauty of the Alps
- Challenge yourself on epic climbs featured on the Tour de France
- Discover the Gorges du Verdon by bike and canyoning, a local water sport activity
- Savor the local alpine cheeses, the Provencale cuisine and wines
Description
Ciclismo Classico’s French Alps to Riviera trip is a one-of-a-kind ride from the heart of the mountains made famous by Tour de France legends to the brilliantly blue Mediterranean Sea. Along the way guests will have the chance to ascend Alp d’Huez, the Col du Galibier, the Col d’Izoard and the Col de Vars, four of the region’s most challenging climbs. Other exciting adventures include a chairlift ride to the top of a glacier and a day rafting on the Verdon River. You will be escorted by Ciclismo’s expert guides the whole way to the French Riviera and they will show you the best this corner of France has to offer. Other highlights include the Provencal wines and the yummy local cheeses, pastries and delicious tapenade.
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Price
May: $4,695
Jul - Aug: $4,895 -
Single Supplement
$800
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Ability Level
Expert
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Terrain
Mountainous
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Distance
396 mi
Daily average 50 mi
Elevation gain ~38,000 ft -
Departing
Sainte-Maxime, Nice
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Arriving
Uriage les Bains, Grenoble
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Bike Rental
Included
- View our Suggested Reading
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Other Trips You'll Like
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Dates
- May 25, 2012
- Limited Availability | June 27, 2012
- July 9, 2012
- July 21, 2012
- August 25, 2012
Day 1–2: Uriage les Bains, Grenoble and Montagne de Lauzier
Day 1: The itinerary starts from Uriage les Bains, 8 miles from Grenoble, one of the gateway of the Alps and capital of the Isere department.
Day 2: Today we tackle the Col de Muille, a very scenic road along the Montagne de Lauziere, with the option to take the extra loop to Chamrousse, a quiet area, with several short climbs, perfect to find the right pedals stroke.
Day 3: L’Alp d’Huez and La Grave
Ride to Alpe d’Huez featuring one of the most famous climbs in cycling history: on the switchbacks of Alpe d’Huez, Dutch and Italian champions wrote legendary pages of the Sport. Relax overnight at a Chalet in La Grave.
Day 4: Col du Galibier, du Granon and Briancon
On our ride today, we’ll have the optional chance to explore the amazing mountain roads of Galibier and Granon, before a well earned cold beer in the quaint town of Briancon.
Day 5: Col d’Izoard, Col de Vars and Jausiers
This will be another amazing ride that will climb two famous passes: the Izoard and the Vars. We will leave the Hilly area of the Alps and will start approaching the South of France and its more laid-back cultural atmosphere.
Day 6–7: Jausiers-Verdon and rest day (biking and canyoning)
Day 6: Today we will leave the Hautes Alps behind and head into the Alps de Provence. Towards the second half of the ride the changes in landscape will be very evident.
We will end at the Gorges du Verdon, widely considered Europe’s most picturesque river with its gorge’s stunning beauty.
Day 7: Today you have the option to rest your legs or you can venture back out with the guides to explore the Verdon river valley by bike on the route des cretes. We have also the option to enjoy “acqua rando” in the afternoon: you will receive a wetsuit, helmet and life jacket and will descend the creek in the gorges transported by the water stream.
Day 8: Verdon to Sainte-Maxime
Today’s ride will be the last of the trip, but this awesome adventure is far from over. One last set of hills stands between you and the Mediterranean. Working our way through and over jagged peaks, we will ultimately end to a romantic and exclusive corner of the French Riviera: Saint-Maxime in the gulf of Saint-Tropez. This is the perfect location to end our tour in a quiet coastal town.
Day 9: Au revoir!
After breakfast we will provide a 50 min. group shuttle to Nice airport to make connections to other destinations in France, Italy, Switzerland, and other international airports.
Guides for this trip
Related Testimonials
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John R., Pittsford NY had this to say about Ciclismo Classico:
Each guide displayed exceptional courtesy and understanding of each guest's abilities and interests. They are the image of your company and Ciclismo has done well in hiring these folks who truly love their jobs. -
Susan P., Bristol WV had this to say about Ciclismo Classico:
I love biking, but Ciclismo adds so much more--the hiking, the wine tasting, the museums, a real chance to experience the people, the culture, the wine, the food…. -
Sandy B., Seattle WA had this to say about Ciclismo Classico:
We have been charmed by the magic of traveling with Ciclismo - why go with anyone else? -
Leon R., Mauston WI had this to say about Ciclismo Classico:
It is difficult to start with such praise of our guides. These gentlemen were superb cyclists, historians, and ambassadors. They knew the culture, the food, the grapes, the wine, the politics. I appreciated their patience with my limited language skills. Their respect and care for the participants was outstanding. Your guides are not just assets to the company - they are the company. -
Greg L., Overland Park KS had this to say about Ciclismo Classico:
My best memories are from Ciclismo tours, where I get to use all five senses experiencing the countryside. -
Julie G., Arlington VA had this to say about Ciclismo Classico:
Our Ciclismo Classico vacation was like the Italian dessert tiramisu, a fabulous ‘pick-me-up’ vacation with people, sights, and skies that you’ll remember for a long time! -
Bill H., Atlanta GA had this to say about Ciclismo Classico:
In challenging economic times, this company stands out because of the dedication and professionalism of its guides. Your product is unsurpassed.
