Our cycling holidays in the Alps

Discover the Alps by bike

Cycling in the Alps can be an exciting and stimulating experience, offering breathtaking scenery and sporting challenges.

The Alps, which stretch for some 1,200 kilometers across eight countries including France, Switzerland, Italy, Austria, Germany, Liechtenstein, Slovenia and Monaco, are a majestic and diverse mountain region. These mountains are characterized by rugged peaks, deep valleys, glaciers and alpine lakes. The Rhône, one of Europe’s major rivers, rises in the Swiss Alps, adding a further dimension to the region’s beauty. Each Alpine country has its own portion of the Alps, with distinct geographical features. For example, the French Alps are renowned for their iconic mountain passes, while the Swiss Alps are renowned for their majestic peaks. This makes them a prime location for cyclists seeking challenge and adventure.

The climate in the Alps varies with altitude. In general, temperatures decrease with altitude. Summer temperatures can be pleasant at lower altitudes, but cooler at higher altitudes. Winters are generally cold, with heavy snowfalls in mountainous areas. The Alps are home to a diversity of wildlife. Species such as chamois, ibex, deer, fox, mountain hare and a variety of mountain birds, including the golden eagle, can be found here. Marmots are also common in some areas.

In addition to its natural wealth, the Alpine ecosystem is protected and enhanced by a number of nature parks, including the Ecrins National Park in France, the Stelvio National Park in Italy, and the Swiss National Park. These parks play a crucial role in conserving biodiversity, providing refuges for the region’s unique flora and fauna. The high altitude forests, alpine meadows and wetlands are home to a variety of rare and endemic plants.

The Alps are a popular destination for a variety of outdoor activities, including skiing, hiking, climbing and mountain biking. Winter sports attract enthusiasts from all over the world, while hiking trails offer spectacular views in summer. The rock faces of the Alps are a playground for climbers, and mountain bike trails offer another exciting way to explore the region. Year-round sporting events such as ski competitions, trail races and climbing competitions add to the appeal of this unique destination, offering a complete experience combining nature and adventure.

Between sporting challenges…

The Alps are home to several legendary passes that have been made famous by professional cycling races. Some of these iconic passes include:

• Col du Galibier, France: the Col du Galibier is a high-altitude pass in the French Alps, marked in the 2011 Tour de France by an intense battle between Andy Schleck and Alberto Contador.
• L’Alpe d’Huez, France: Alpe d’Huez is a famous climb in the French Alps, and is often used in the Tour de France. The 21-turn ascent has become emblematic and has established Alpe d’Huez’s reputation as one of the Tour de France’s most fearsome and prestigious passes.
• The Stelvio, Italy: the Passo dello Stelvio is one of Europe’s highest road passes, located in the Italian Alps and made legendary in 1953, when Italian cycling legend Fausto Coppi completed an incredible ascent of the Stelvio under extreme weather conditions, with snow and intense cold.
• Col du Tourmalet, France: the Col du Tourmalet, although in the Pyrenees, is often included in the alpine itineraries of the Tour de France. It was first included in the competition in 1910, making it one of the oldest Alpine passes used in the race.
• Col de l’Iseran, France: the Col de l’Iseran is the highest road pass in the French Alps, culminating at an impressive 2,764 meters. This height makes it one of the highest mountain passes in Europe.

… and rejuvenating rides

The Alps offer a multitude of cycle tourism routes, allowing cycling enthusiasts to discover the beauty of the mountains, picturesque villages and breathtaking panoramas:

• The Route des Grandes Alpes, France: one of the most emblematic cycle tourism routes. Spanning some 700 kilometers, it crosses legendary passes such as the Col du Galibier, Col du Tourmalet and Alpe d’Huez. It links Lake Geneva to Nice, offering an unforgettable experience through the French Alps.
• Via Claudia Augusta, Germany, Austria, Italy: this ancient Roman road has been transformed into a popular cycling route through the Alps. Starting from Donauwörth in Germany and heading towards Venice in Italy, this route offers a unique cycling experience through varied landscapes.
• La Vélodyssée des Alpes, France: this route follows the rivers and lakes of the Alps through the departments of Savoie and Haute-Savoie in France. Cyclists can explore the Alps while enjoying mountain scenery, crystal-clear lakes and charming villages.
• The Ciclovia Alpe Adria, Italy, Austria, Slovenia: this cycle route links Salzburg in Austria to Grado in Italy, crossing the Alps and offering a diversity of landscapes, from mountains to plains. It follows the Drava River through Slovenia, offering an immersive cycling experience.
• Rhône à Vélo, France, Switzerland: this route follows the course of the Rhône from its source in Switzerland to the Mediterranean Sea in France. Through the Alps, cyclists can enjoy magnificent mountain views as they follow the river.
• Transalp Bike Route, Germany, Austria, Italy: designed especially for mountain bikers, this route crosses the Alps from north to south, offering mountain trails, technical descents and spectacular panoramas.