Epic Alps Cycling Cols
Amazing Alps Cycling Holidays
17 Epic Alpine Cols Amazing Col de la Forclaz, Col de l'Arpettaz, Col de la Colombiere, Col des Saisies, Col des Glieres
Alps cycling holidays, experience past and present classic Tour de France cols in the French Alps right from the doorstep of your hotel at the perfect cycling location Annecy.
Unpack Once & Ride Everyday with a choice of the ultimate cycling test with 17 epic alpine cycling cols. Take the test of 1, 2 or 3 unbelievable cycling cols on offer each day with spectacular routes in the alps and total confidence in the support of the PB team. An amazing selection of alps cycling routes crafted together by the professional for your epic alps cycling holiday.
With over 20 years of unique local knowledge and cycling expertise riding the roads of the French Alps. This is the ultimate cycling in the alps experience with ride routes based on the alpine stages of the Tour de France.
Alps Cycling Holidays
With numerous Tour de France legendary Cols available, this is just the start of what you will experience with your Epic Alps Cycling Cols! Based in the heart of ‘Cycling Paradise’ you are among an endless variety of spectacular roads, terrain and cols. From Semnoz (1665m) 10.7km @ 8.5% to the Col de la Croix-fry (1477m) cat1 – 11.3km @ 7% and you’ll get to immerse yourself in the best rides of your life during your Alps cycling holiday week.
Epic Bike Rides
The spectacular Time Trial around Lake Annecy, Tour de France 2009. The final mountain stage of the 2013 Tour de France, Annecy to the summit of Semnoz mountain. 20 editions of the Tour de France climbing the Aravis mountain range. A few of the reasons why Annecy is a mecca of cycling in the French Alps. Your ultimate epic bike tour is about tailoring the ideal rides each day. With our unique cycling experience and skill set, exceptional local knowledge of the roads of the French Alps, expect only the best ride routes from this amazing alps cycling experience.
Whether your preparing for an event, improving your climbing technique or ticking the boxes of famous cols whilst riding on historic cycling routes of the Tour de France. It’s your ultimate cycling test with the PB professionals in the French Alps.
7 Classic Cycling Cols
Alps Cycling Holidays are not all the same, your ideal challenge is to ride spectacular routes then relax, chill and enjoy… take a look at the FRENCH ALPS BIKE TOUR!
Tour Type 
Epic Cycling Tour
Cycling Guided
PB Cycling Guides & Support Vehicle
Small Group
2 – 8 Guests
Cycling Level
Epic 110km / 68mi per day
Packages
Quality Tour:
4*Plus Hotel Accommodation AUD $4891 pp
4* Hotel Accommodation AUD $4609 pp
3* Hotel Accommodation AUD $4265 pp
2* Hotel Accommodation AUD $3865 pp
Rides Only:
Without Accommodation AUD $3111 pp
Custom Tour
Contact Us:
Request a private, customised version of this tour for yourself or cycling group.
Centre Based Cycling
Annecy, France
Season
April – October
Duration
7 Nights / 8 Days
Distance
650km / 400mi
Elevation
11,300m / 37,000ft
Optional Extras
Single Room – AUD $737
Bike Hire – AUD $600
Annecy Centre Based Cycling
The perfect one hotel destination for your epic alps cycling holidays
Since our very first visit to Annecy in 1998 Practice Bicycle Tours have been cycling, living and experiencing all that this remarkable cycling area of the world has to offer. Sharing this wealth of personal cycling knowledge and experience with you today with your epic alps cycling holidays.
Packed full of classic Tour de France Cols with your hotel in Annecy at the centre of the Grand Alps, the perfect location for epic alps cycling and recovery each day.
Our epic cycling tours offer the ultimate alps cycling holidays. With the most amazing testing cycling routes, including several cols each day all with the convenience of returning to your own perfect cycling base in the town of Annecy. This is your ultimate alps cycling tour.
If I said the alps rides were truly spectacular, it would be an understatement!
We have ridden with many cycling tour groups in many places around the world. You guys are the best! Your passion for cycling, meticulous planning and personalised service made possible with your focus on small groups. Your intimate, up to date knowledge of the network of alpine roads & climbs, the people and sights of the Haute Savoie make all the difference. We are planning our next trip with PB to explore new roads in the French Alps
We have ridden with many cycling tour groups in many places around the world. You guys are the best! Your passion for cycling, meticulous planning and personalised service made possible with your focus on small groups. Your intimate, up to date knowledge of the network of alpine roads & climbs, the people and sights of the Haute Savoie make all the difference. We are planning our next trip with PB to explore new roads in the French Alps
James – Australia
Dates
Test your legs with the epic alps cycling holidays click the “Book Now” button next to the tour date.
2023
2024
Looking for a custom Epic Alps Cycling experience?
If you or your group prefer a tailored alps cycling holiday, don’t hesitate to contact us about arranging a custom epic alps cycling vacation!
17 Epic Alps Cycling Cols
Total Distance 650km/400mi, Total Elevation 11300m/37000ft, Total Number of Cols 17
Epic Alps Cycling routes each day of 80-140km / 50-87mi suitable for avid cyclists with daily elevation of 1360-2240m / 4500-7300ft
Epic Alps Cycling Cols
Arrival Day in Annecy / Welcome Dinner
Arrival Time: 3.00pm
Epic Alps Cycling holidays, welcome to the town of Annecy on the edge of the spectacular 42km’s of Lake Annecy.
Today is arrival day with your private transfer from Geneva International Airport (Switzerland) to your hotel in the centre of Annecy.
Once checked-in, relax and take the time to enjoy one of the most perfect towns in the world for your epic cycling week. Explore the medieval streets and the canals of the ‘Venice of the Alps’ and un-wind from your travels. Take a leisurely drink, enjoy a ‘carbo fuelled’ welcome dinner together, chat about the week, time for the excitement of your amazing French Alps ride week to begin!
Epic Alps Cycling holidays, welcome to the town of Annecy on the edge of the spectacular 42km’s of Lake Annecy.
Today is arrival day with your private transfer from Geneva International Airport (Switzerland) to your hotel in the centre of Annecy.
Once checked-in, relax and take the time to enjoy one of the most perfect towns in the world for your epic cycling week. Explore the medieval streets and the canals of the ‘Venice of the Alps’ and un-wind from your travels. Take a leisurely drink, enjoy a ‘carbo fuelled’ welcome dinner together, chat about the week, time for the excitement of your amazing French Alps ride week to begin!
Epic Alps Cycling Cols
Val d'Arly Bike Tour
Epic Ride Route:
Distance 105km/65mi
Ascent 1360m/4500ft
Col de l’Arpettaz (1581m) cat1 – 16.3km @ 7.1%
Col de la Forclaz – Queige (870m) cat2 – 5.6km @ 8%
Distance 105km/65mi
Ascent 1360m/4500ft
Col de l’Arpettaz (1581m) cat1 – 16.3km @ 7.1%
Col de la Forclaz – Queige (870m) cat2 – 5.6km @ 8%
With the legs fresh and fully charged it’s an Epic ride route in more ways than one today as we start our climbing with the little-known testing climb of the Col de l’Arpettaz (1581m).
Narrow switchback roads between the alpine trees eventually becomes the high French Alps pastures. This is a long climb and deserves a steady pace along with the rewards of incredible views on top of the world.
If the suns shining or we’ve passed through the clouds, we can almost touch the white mountain (Mont Blanc 4808m) the summit of Europe.
We’ve ticked off the big one for the day, and as we like to say, there is always another climb, if you wish…
Epic Alps Cycling Cols
Le Grand-Bornand Bike Tour
Epic Ride Route:
Distance 115km/71mi
Ascent 2000m/6500ft
Col de la Colombiere (1618m) cat1 – 11.8km @ 5.9%
Col des Fleuries (932m) cat4 – 5.6km @ 5%
Distance 115km/71mi
Ascent 2000m/6500ft
Col de la Colombiere (1618m) cat1 – 11.8km @ 5.9%
Col des Fleuries (932m) cat4 – 5.6km @ 5%
With an endless choice of the world’s best bike rides with your Practice Bicycle French Alps cycling tours, it’s always great to head in all directions. Climbing out of Annecy with the Tete du Parmelan shadowing the ride route along the contour of the French Alps. We have two classified Cols on this Epic ride route, with these magnificent alpine roads that are brilliant for cycling and often used with local cycling sportive events.
Descending into the next valley we’re deep into the Grand Alps and for many it’s time to head back to Annecy. For the avid rider the Col de la Colombiere is waiting and a great challenge worth every pedal stroke! don’t worry this marvelous but epic cycling loop ends with a long descent back to Annecy.
Epic Alps Cycling Cols
Massif des Bauges Bike Tour
Epic Ride Route:
Distance 80km/50mi
Ascent 1750m/5700ft
Col de Leschaux (900m) cat3 – 3.6km @ 6.1%
Cret de Chatillon (1699m) cat1 – 13.4km @ 5.7%
Cote de Puget (796m) cat2 – 5.4km @ 5.9%
Col de Leschaux (900m) cat3 7.2km @ 4%
Distance 80km/50mi
Ascent 1750m/5700ft
Col de Leschaux (900m) cat3 – 3.6km @ 6.1%
Cret de Chatillon (1699m) cat1 – 13.4km @ 5.7%
Cote de Puget (796m) cat2 – 5.4km @ 5.9%
Col de Leschaux (900m) cat3 7.2km @ 4%
We target the famous Cret de Chatillon (1699m) with your selection of Alpine Cols on today’s route, but first we head into the UNESCO Massif des Bauges park. This was where the 2013 Tour de France was decided with a final massive stage that bounced over these fantastic cycling roads before the finish line at the summit of Semnoz Mountain – Cret de Chatillon.
Climbing away from Lake Annecy through the woodlands and pastures in this huge bowl-shaped valley, perfect cycling training roads and often used by the world tour professional cycling team Ag2r, who are based in the nearby town of Chambery.
Epic Alps Cycling Cols
Chaine des Aravis Bike Tour
Epic Ride Route:
Distance 140km/87mi
Ascent 2240m/7300ft
Col des Saisies (1657m) cat1 – 13.4km @ 5.2%
Col de Bluffy (630m) cat4 – 5.5km @ 3%
Col des Aravis (1486m) cat2 – 5km @ 6.4%
Col de la Croix-Fry (1477m) cat1 – 11.3km @ 7%
This is one of the PB Teams favourite local epic days that they like to share with you into the Grand Alps, with many Alpine Col’s of varying difficulties and duration accessible from Annecy the Aravis Mountain range is one of the most spectacular.
These roads are often in the Tour de France, tick these famous Cols off your bucket list whilst you climb in what is known as the Aravis chain of mountains. This makes for an Epic alpine ride and a steady tempo with correct gear selection essential for this long day of climbing in the Northern French Alps.
Don’t forget to look up and absorb the incredible views that change around every switchback in the road, as we ride together high into the Alps. Spectacular climbing in the French alps makes for an unforgettable day of epic cycling.
Distance 140km/87mi
Ascent 2240m/7300ft
Col des Saisies (1657m) cat1 – 13.4km @ 5.2%
Col de Bluffy (630m) cat4 – 5.5km @ 3%
Col des Aravis (1486m) cat2 – 5km @ 6.4%
Col de la Croix-Fry (1477m) cat1 – 11.3km @ 7%
This is one of the PB Teams favourite local epic days that they like to share with you into the Grand Alps, with many Alpine Col’s of varying difficulties and duration accessible from Annecy the Aravis Mountain range is one of the most spectacular.
These roads are often in the Tour de France, tick these famous Cols off your bucket list whilst you climb in what is known as the Aravis chain of mountains. This makes for an Epic alpine ride and a steady tempo with correct gear selection essential for this long day of climbing in the Northern French Alps.
Don’t forget to look up and absorb the incredible views that change around every switchback in the road, as we ride together high into the Alps. Spectacular climbing in the French alps makes for an unforgettable day of epic cycling.
Epic Alps Cycling Cols
Plateau Glieres Bike Tour
Epic Ride Route:
Distance 100km/62miles
Ascent 2150m/7000ft
Col des Glieres (1440m) cat1 – 9.4km @ 7.1%
Col des Pitons (1335m) cat2 – 12km @ 4.5%
With the Tour de France visiting the Plateau Glieres in recent years we have added it to your Epic Alpine Cols cycling week. With your amazing growing list of French Alps Cols climbed throughout your PB cycling tour, the legs will be recognizing your effort and this classic col will be worth all the effort when you reach the Plateau. It almost cost Ritchie Porte his Tour de France Podium when he punctured on the gravel section, we won’t take any risks and keep to the sealed roads.
These secret country roads have everything as we disappear on the slopes of the Col des Glieres (1440m). This historic area of France was a strong hold of the French Resistance during World War 2 and an impressive memorial awaits us at the summit.
Distance 100km/62miles
Ascent 2150m/7000ft
Col des Glieres (1440m) cat1 – 9.4km @ 7.1%
Col des Pitons (1335m) cat2 – 12km @ 4.5%
With the Tour de France visiting the Plateau Glieres in recent years we have added it to your Epic Alpine Cols cycling week. With your amazing growing list of French Alps Cols climbed throughout your PB cycling tour, the legs will be recognizing your effort and this classic col will be worth all the effort when you reach the Plateau. It almost cost Ritchie Porte his Tour de France Podium when he punctured on the gravel section, we won’t take any risks and keep to the sealed roads.
These secret country roads have everything as we disappear on the slopes of the Col des Glieres (1440m). This historic area of France was a strong hold of the French Resistance during World War 2 and an impressive memorial awaits us at the summit.
Epic Alps Cycling Cols
Forclaz Montmin Bike Tour / Farewell Dinner
Epic Ride Route:
Distance 110km/68mi
Ascent 1800m/5900ft
La Sambuy (1146m) cat2 – 10.6km @ 6%
Col de la Forclaz (1157m) cat1 – 9.8km @ 6.9%
Col du l’Epine (947m) cat1 – 7km @ 7%
Lake Annecy is the centre piece of this Epic ride route, a favourite PB cycling experience for many of our cycling guests. This trio of famous Cols are used in both the Criterium Dauphine and Tour de France World Tour professional races, take the challenge at your own pace with this Epic day on the bike.
With incredible panoramic views above the lake just one of the rewards for your riding effort, heading along the valley tick off these classic cols from your list whilst you pinch yourself that you are riding in the incredible French Alps. Get your breath back on the descent before the final climb of the day, amazingly this Col can be ridden from different directions!
Your climbing complete what a great cycling day in the French Alps to end your Epic alpine cols cycling week with Practice Bicycle Tours
Distance 110km/68mi
Ascent 1800m/5900ft
La Sambuy (1146m) cat2 – 10.6km @ 6%
Col de la Forclaz (1157m) cat1 – 9.8km @ 6.9%
Col du l’Epine (947m) cat1 – 7km @ 7%
Lake Annecy is the centre piece of this Epic ride route, a favourite PB cycling experience for many of our cycling guests. This trio of famous Cols are used in both the Criterium Dauphine and Tour de France World Tour professional races, take the challenge at your own pace with this Epic day on the bike.
With incredible panoramic views above the lake just one of the rewards for your riding effort, heading along the valley tick off these classic cols from your list whilst you pinch yourself that you are riding in the incredible French Alps. Get your breath back on the descent before the final climb of the day, amazingly this Col can be ridden from different directions!
Your climbing complete what a great cycling day in the French Alps to end your Epic alpine cols cycling week with Practice Bicycle Tours
Epic Alps Cycling Cols
Departure Day from Annecy
Departure Time: Midday
Today is your departure day from Annecy and your Epic French Alps cycling tour. Your team will say goodbye this morning and transfer you to Geneva International Airport (Switzerland).
It’s the time to recover, rest your legs and get ready for your next challenging bike rides ahead. PB wish you ‘Bon Voyage’, safe cycling until we ride together again.
Today is your departure day from Annecy and your Epic French Alps cycling tour. Your team will say goodbye this morning and transfer you to Geneva International Airport (Switzerland).
It’s the time to recover, rest your legs and get ready for your next challenging bike rides ahead. PB wish you ‘Bon Voyage’, safe cycling until we ride together again.
Epic Alpine Cols Cycling Itinerary:
Total Distance 650km/400mi, Total Elevation 11300m/37000ft, Total Number of Cols 17
*The itinerary comprises a selection of epic climbing ride routes, our extensive local knowledge of the roads of the French Alps allows for flexibility as required!
Tour Arrival & Departure Meet Point: Geneva International Airport (Switzerland).
Epic alps cycling holidays are based on the magnificent cycling roads surrounding the town of Annecy offering the ultimate epic alps cycling cols. This tour package includes airport pick-up and drop-off to your hotel in Annecy (3.00pm arrival/ midday departure).
We suggest International guests arrive 1 night prior to the tour to recover from your travels and adapt to the local time zone, our recommendation the Holiday Inn Express Geneva Airport which includes an Airport Shuttle.
Should you already be travelling in Europe you can join us in the town of Annecy, France by the following methods:
Air Travel: The two closest airports to Annecy are, Geneva Airport (Switzerland) a 45min transfer and Lyon Airport (France) 1hr 15mins transfer. Both these airports are serviced by many International carriers and low cost European airlines.
Bus Travel: Public Bus Transport operates between both Geneva and Lyon airports and Annecy alternatively convenient Taxi and Private Transfer Services are available.
Train Travel: the Rail Europe TGV Network brings you direct to Annecy from many of the capital cities of Europe, including Paris.
Car Travel: Many worldwide Car Rental companies are also available and the A41 French Autoroute network will bring you directly to Annecy.
We would personally like to thank you guys for our Custom French Alps Cols Cycling Holiday… We had a ball and you were able to take all the stress out of what could easily be a very difficult place to navigate around should you not have local guides. Your knowledge and advice prior and during the training rides was second to none and catering for the three of us and the Alps climbs on our wish list was extremely supportive and accommodating.
Again well done and I would highly recommend Practice Bicycle Tours to anyone traveling to the French Alps and looking for a fully catered and well organized tour.
Craig, Brett & Simon – Australia
Thanks for sharing all the local knowledge and your professionalism, fantstic rides, great pictures, Thankyou!
Regards Emily – USA
Pros – Fantastic Cycling with beautiful people in stunning countryside
Cons – Requires more than one jersey, plus expensive aftershave
The minibus never came!!!
Thank you for a great week of cycling, I throughly enjoyed it!
Martin– Australia
I had a wonderful time with Paul & Bridget who guided me through the beautiful Alps around lake Annecy. I was impressed by their superb knowledge of the area, they knew every pot hole, every dangerous descent, every bend on every Col we rode, and their utmost attention to safety was paramount on the rides. They were entertaining and fun so I would certainly recommend Practice Bicycle to other intending clients.
Lynton – Australia
My group of mates (4 of us) did a private, custom Alps cycling week, as a 50th birthday celebration. Annecy is beautiful! PB tailored the ride routes to the 4 of us, so we all enjoyed great climbs and pedalling, plenty of coke, cafe stops were offered, they set the perfect pace every day, we sat behind and chatted and admired the views, they were extremely accommodating for our later starts, and the Itinerary we received was extremely professional.
Thanks for a week we’ll never forget
Dean, Travis, John & Nathan – Australia
Practice Bicycle offer a choice of 4*Plus, 4*, 3* or 2* superior, quality air-conditioned hotel accommodation located in the hub of the French Alps, the amazing town of Annecy. Perfect for all your recovery and relaxation needs during your alps cycling holidays.
For the ‘solo traveller’ our choice 2* Hotel, is the perfect solution for an economical Alps Cycling Vacation.
With a choice of fantastic, modern stays on offer, choose your style of hotel for you to unwind, relax, feel comfortable whilst you experience epic cycling.
4*Plus Best Western Carlton Hotel Annecy Centre
4* Novotel Annecy Centre Hotel
4* Mercure Annecy Centre Hotel
3* Hotel Campanile Annecy Centre Ville
3* Hotel de Bonlieu Annecy Centre Ville
2* Hotel de Nord Annecy Centre Ville
For your added convenience this package includes 2 Dinners, Welcome dinner and Celebration dinner both a 3 course (Entree + Plat + Desert) feast of local French flavours.
(Please note that drinks are not included in this trip package)
In a world of ‘individuality’ and cyclists various taste buds and eating habits, this is the perfect trip for you to choose when to eat, what to eat and where to eat!
Whatever your preference, you will find more than a weeks’ choice of great restaurants, bars & cafes all within a few strides from you hotel (for the tired legs!) Should you wish for evening dining suggestions, Practice Bicycle are happy to recommend some local favourites!
Cafe/boulangerie stops are facilitated during your rides each days.
Our very unique offering of the Rides Only package is the perfect solution to get on this epic alps cycling tour without using our accommodation
Arrange your own stay in the fantastic town of Annecy with one of the many hotels or apartments available to you. With complete flexibility enjoy this magnificent location and come to the daily rides just like you would back home!
What’s Included:
* 6 epic alps cols rides the ultimate cycling challenge
* 2 feast dinners to welcome and celebrate amazing cycling together
* Highly experienced French Alps ride leader
* Sports drinks & nutritional bars
* Support vehicle for the daily rides
* Airport pick-up & drop-off Geneva International Airport (Switzerland) (tour arrival 3.00pm & departure midday)
If you or your group are looking for a custom experience for your perfect cycling in the alps vacation Contact Practice Bicycle today!
For your added convenience we have quality carbon road bikes as an optional extra available to you when booking your Epic Alps Cycling Cols.
Many of our guests prefer their own bikes for maximum cycling pleasure. Should logistics and travel arrangements make this too difficult then our bike hire is the perfect solution.
We have several brands available including Cannondale, Fuji, Lapierre carbon, recent models with Shimano Ultegra or 105 componentry.
‘Unpack Once, Ride Everyday’
The one location bike tour experience is the brainchild of Bridget (Owner/Operator). On retiring from professional cycling it was the pure pleasure of cycling that evolved the proven Practice Bicycle philosophy of one location. Including everything enjoyable and removing the less pleasurable is our goal of your perfect cycling holiday experience.
Packing and Unpacking each day is tiring, stressful and time consuming. With insufficient time to relax, enjoy and experience the unique location before it is time to move on again.
With a life time spent discovering the very best locations to Practice Bicycle, including the discovery of endless ride options exploring in every direction all from the one hotel.
Experience the very best cycling of your life when you Unpack Once, Ride Everyday!
17 Epic Alps Cycling Cols is designed for the experienced avid cyclist looking for a choice selection of epic climbing ride routes each day in the alps.
With our center based cycling at the ideal location in Annecy to return to each day, there are no time constraints and no getting left behind. You can also opt out on route and take full advantage of the support vehicle.
Daily ride distances ranging from between 80-140km /50-87mi with the option of 1, 2 or 3 alps cols on offer each day.
Experience counts for everything in this amazing cycling mecca, PB Tours have over 20 years of alps cycling experience, developing an incredible 100+ ride routes exploring in every direction a life time of amazing bike rides ready to share with you.
If you prefer less cols with 65-75km / 40-47mi routes take a look at our French Alps Bike Tours for a perfect selection of challenging rides.
Our Challenging Bike Tours category, offers fantastic cycling opportunities in superb bike riding destinations including, Australia, Portugal, Italy, Switzerland and the the French Alps.
Epic Alps Cycling Cols include:
Epic Alps Cycling Cols Highlights:
Similar epic cycling tours
Small group one location epic cycling!
