Cycling the Route des Grandes Alpes

Cycling the Route des Grandes Alpes

Abounding in history and dotted with cols coloured by stories about the world's greatest cyclists, the Route des Grandes Alpes (RdGA) is a must for competent, hill-hungry cycle tourers. Covering some 720km from Lake Geneva (Lac Léman) to mediterranean Nice, the route is described across 14 stages and can be completed in anywhere from 7 to 14 days - depending on how you'd like to spread out the 17,000m of climbing. Six variants are also described, ensuring no holiday is compromised or cut short if a col on route is closed.

Clear and concise route descriptions are provided for each stage (and variant), together with 1:150K mapping and extremely helpful gradient profiles. Also included is invaluable practical advise - everything from bicycle selection (including eBikes) and nutrition in the saddle, to logistical planning and accommodation options.

Showcasing some of the world's best Alpine cycling, the RdGA takes in 17 major climbs, including the famous Col de l'Iseran (the highest paved pass in the Alps), the Col du Galibier (favourite climb of Tour de France founder, Henri Desgrange) and the Col d'Izoard (synonymous with cycling legends Fausto Coppi and Louison Bobet). It also passes through some of the most spectacular national parks in France, including the Vanoise, the Écrins and the Mercantour.

Map key Overview map Route summary table Ride planner Alternative schedules Introduction History of the Route des Grandes Alpes Connection with the Tour de France Natural environment When to go Riding in the mountains Bike selection and preparation eBike riding Touring options Accommodation Food and drink Getting there Getting around Getting back Safety and emergencies Using this guide The route Stage 1 Thonon-les-Bains to Cluses Stage 2 Cluses to La Clusaz Stage 3 La Clusaz to Beaufort Stage 4 Beaufort to Bourg-Saint-Maurice Stage 5 Bourg-Saint-Maurice to Val d’Isère Stage 6 Val d’Isère to Val Cenis Termignon Stage 7 Val Cenis Termignon to Valloire Stage 8 Valloire to Briançon Stage 9 Briançon to Guillestre Stage 10 Guillestre to Barcelonnette Stage 11 Barcelonnette to Valberg Stage 12 Valberg to Saint-Martin-Vésubie Stage 13 Saint-Martin-Vésubie to Sospel Stage 14 Sospel to Nice Variants Variant 1 Saint-Jean-de-Sixt to Villard-sur-Doron Variant 2 Bourg-Saint-Maurice to Saint-Michel-de-Maurienne Variant 3 Val Cenis Lanslevillard to Briançon Variant 4 Saint-Michel-de-Maurienne to Col du Lautaret Variant 5 Guillestre to Barcelonnette Variant 6 Jausiers to Saint-Sauveur-sur-Tinée Appendix A Bike shops and Bosch eBike charging stations Appendix B Recommended cycling essentials checklist Appendix C Useful resources and essential information Appendix D Glossary of cycling specific terms