This is the definitive traverse of the French Alps. From the crystal waters of Lake Annecy to the sun-drenched Promenade des Anglais in Nice, this tour is a high-altitude odyssey through the most storied landscape in cycling.
Over seven riding days, you will conquer a “greatest hits” reel of Tour de France icons, including the Galibier, Izoard, and the legendary Cime de la Bonette—the highest through-road in Europe at 2,802m. We’ve paired these world-class climbs with boutique stays and the finest regional cuisine. This is more than a cycling holiday; it is a rite of passage for every serious rider.
Rated 4 out of 4 our Epic tours are designed for people who train 3 or 4 times a week and are looking to push themselves on back to back challenging days on the bike. Riders should be confident riding in a small group, comfortable on extended climbs (at your own pace) and have good bike handling skills on corners and descents. E-bikes are available on all of our tours.
Welcome to the Venice of the Alps. After meeting at the Hotel Les Tresommes, we’ll assemble bikes and head out for a classic warm-up. We’ll skirt the turquoise waters of Lake Annecy, keeping the legs spinning before the big mountain days ahead.
For those with climbing in their sights early, an optional ascent of the Col de la Forclaz offers the first panoramic views of the Haute-Savoie. We return to the lakeside for a welcome dinner to toast the start of our journey.
>> Key Highlights: Lake Annecy | Col de la Forclaz
The real climbing begins. Leaving Annecy, we head south toward the Maurienne Valley, the world’s largest cycling domain. The headline act today is the Col de la Madeleine.
At 1,993m, it is a Tour de France icon, offering a long, steady grind through lush pastures with a stunning backdrop of Mont Blanc. A fast, technical descent brings us into Saint-Jean-de-Maurienne, the gateway to the legendary giants of the Alps.
>> Key Highlights: Col de la Madeleine (1,993m)
Today is about scale and scenery. We tackle the Col du Glandon and the Col de la Croix de Fer. These climbs are famous for their rugged, wild character and irregular gradients that demand respect.
After cresting the “Iron Cross,” we descend toward the Oisans valley. We finish the day in Bourg d’Oisans, the cycling capital of the world, sitting at the foot of Alpe d’Huez. We’ll enjoy a well-earned dinner at Hotel Oberland.
>> Key Highlights: Col du Glandon | Col de la Croix de Fer
A legendary day in the high mountains. We leave Bourg d’Oisans and head up the Romanche Valley toward the Col du Lautaret, a long preamble to the main event: the Col du Galibier.
At 2,642m, the Galibier is a high-altitude masterpiece. The air thins and the views expand as we reach the summit. A spectacular descent follows, dropping us into the historic fortified town of Briançon, the highest city in France.
>> Key Highlights: Col du Galibier (2,642m) | Col du Lautaret
The landscape shifts today as we enter the Southern Alps. We face the Col d’Izoard, famous for the Casse Déserte—a lunar landscape of weathered rock that has seen the greatest battles in Tour history.
After a technical descent into Guillestre, we tackle the Col de Vars before arriving in the charming town of Barcelonnette. Tonight, we rest at the elegant Hotel Spa Azteca.
>> Key Highlights: Col d’Izoard | Casse Déserte | Col de Vars
This is the “Queen Stage.” Today we climb the Col de la Bonette. The road loops around the Cime, reaching 2,802m, making it the highest through-road in Europe.
It is a majestic climb through the Mercantour National Park with marmots often whistling from the sidelines. After a mammoth descent, we find sanctuary in the Vésubie Valley at the OSTAN Hôtel boutique.
>> Key Highlights: Cime de la Bonette (2,802m)
The mountains meet the sea. Our final day features the winding hairpins of the Col de Turini, famous for the Tour de France and the Monte Carlo Rally.
From the summit, it’s a celebratory descent toward the coast. The air turns salty as we reach the Promenade des Anglais. We roll into Nice to finish at the St. Paul Hotel for a final celebratory dinner overlooking the Mediterranean.
>> Key Highlights: Col de Turini | Nice Promenade des Anglais
Enjoy a final breakfast before you depart!
FULL SUPPORT
Enjoy full ride support from our professional guide team & support vehicle.
The ride support vehicle is stocked with natural ride nutrition, electrolytes and water, as well as a full set of tools to resolve any mechanicals. On selected days the support crew will serve a delicious picnic lunch in a scenic location en route. Enjoy local foods chosen to keep you feeling energized and healthy.
Eat Sleep Cycle guides are experienced riders from all walks of life united by a love of cycling who’ll help to keep the group safe, motivated and savouring the trip of a lifetime.
All guests will receive access to our digital Road Book and routes, giving everyone the flexibility to ride at their own pace.
Hotels shown are examples and are subject to change
An elegant 1930s villa perched above Lake Annecy with 52 refined rooms. Choose between forest-side serenity or panoramic lake views, all set within a lush regional park just a short stroll from the historic old town.
A bright and welcoming beachfront hotel situated just 15 minutes from Perpignan. The 23 rooms offer a mix of Mediterranean sea views and quiet courtyard outlooks, providing a relaxing coastal base with a family-run feel.
A family-run mountain hotel in the “Valley of 72 Waterfalls.” Unassuming, cozy rooms offer spectacular views of the Staubbach Falls and the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau peaks, providing a central but peaceful alpine base.
A traditional late-19th-century residence located between the UNESCO-listed Vauban Old Town and the high-alpine slopes of Serre Chevalier. Comfortable, well-equipped rooms provide a quiet, authentic retreat with views of the surrounding Parc des Écrins.
A characterful villa in the heart of Barcelonnette, blending Alpine tradition with a unique Mexican influence. Spacious, bright rooms offer views of the surrounding Ubaye peaks and provide a quiet sanctuary just steps from the town square.
A carefully restored family home turned 9-room boutique hotel in the heart of the Vésubie Valley. Expect refined, warm decor and views of the surrounding Mercantour mountains or the village of Belvédère.
Le Saint Paul occupies a special location overlooking the sea in Nice, just 30 metres from the beach. The hotel was built in a former 19th century theological seminary which has recently been fully renovated. Enjoy breakfast on the terrace with panoramic sea views, take a stroll around the gardens and enjoy easy access to Nice port & Nice centre.
Bike hire is not included in the tour. Add bike rental to the trip from €60 per day.Bikes shown here are examples and are subject to availabilty at the time of booking. We'll let you know the available options in your size when you book with us.
Our top of the range road e-bike from Wilier. Enjoy a hi-mod lightweight carbon fibre frame, carbon wheelset and Shimano Ultegra Di2 shifting. The Filante Hybrid has a range of 1,000-2,000m of elevation, or constant use 1.5-2hrs. Range extenders are avialable to hire which doubles this range.
Originally from Cardiff, Gethyn is a well-balanced guide who loves the social side of cycling. Whether he’s talking endlessly about the world or enjoying a “marriage made in heaven” (cold beer and pork scratchings), he finds his peace on the road between Tossa and Sant Feliu or swimming in a forest river.
The soaring peaks and deep green valleys of the Alps stretch north from the French coast through northern Italy and beyond. Best experienced in summer, these dramatic landscapes are home to legendary climbs such as the Passo Stelvio, The Passo Mortirolo and the Passo Gavia in Italy, and the Col du Télégraphe, Col du Galibier, Col de la Madeleine and the Alpe d’Huez in France, many of which are commonly featured in the Tour de France.
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