French Alps Bike Tours

Cyclists on alpine roads during French Alps bike tours from Annecy Challenging French Alps cycling routes surrounding Annecy Panoramic French Alps bike tour scenery for Annecy cycling holidays

French Alps Bike Tours

Annecy Cycling Holidays French Alps

Our French Alps Bike Tours based in Annecy is designed for experienced riders who value well-planned routes, strong local knowledge, and a consistently challenging but enjoyable riding experience. Daily rides include classic Alpine climbs such as Col des Pitons (1335m) and Col du Vorger (707m), selected for their steady gradients, scenery, and riding quality.
See what makes our cycling experiences different →

Centre-Based Cycling in Annecy
This bike tour is based in the beautiful lakeside town of Annecy, allowing you to unpack once and ride a different route each day. From a single, comfortable hotel base, you’ll access a variety of French Alps ride routes without the need to change accommodation, keeping the focus on riding, recovery and enjoyment.

Expertly Designed Ride Routes
Annecy’s location provides direct access to a range of respected Alpine cols, including Col de la Croix-Fry (1477m), Crêt du Châtillon (1660m), and Col de la Forclaz (1157m). Routes are designed to offer meaningful climbing and quiet roads, with options adjusted daily to suit the group’s ability and conditions.

Guided by Experience
All rides are fully guided by the Practice Bicycle team, bringing over 20 years of first-hand experience riding and hosting in the French Alps. Our emphasis is on good pacing, clear guidance, and smooth logistics, ensuring a relaxed and well-supported cycling holiday.

A Tour Tailored to You
This French Alps bike tour is tailored to your riding experience, fitness level, and personal goals. Whether you are preparing for an event, maintaining your climbing fitness, or simply enjoying the challenge of riding classic Alpine roads, this tour offers a balanced and rewarding cycling experience in one of Europe’s premier cycling regions.

The Practice Bicycle Difference

Every French Alps bike tour we design is shaped by decades of professional cycling experience and a passion for authentic travel. With small groups, expert hosts, and beautifully curated routes, you’ll experience each destination the way cyclists truly love to ride.

Discover the Practice Bicycle Difference
Tour Type question mark-01

Challenging Bike Tour

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PB Cycling Guides & Support Vehicle

Small Group

8 Guests

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Challenging  85km / 52mi per day

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4*Plus Hotel AU$ 6180 pp
4* Hotel AU$ 5890 pp
3* Hotel AU$ 5310 pp
2* Hotel AU$ 4980 pp
Self Stay AU$ 4200 pp
(Accommodation not included)

Custom Trip question mark-01

Prefer different dates or a private experience?

Contact Us:
Tell us what you’re looking for and we’ll shape the perfect cycling experience around your plans.

Centre Based Cycling

Annecy, France

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April – October

Duration

6 Nights / 7 Days

Distance

425km/265mi

Elevation

6,060m/20,000ft

Climbs

10 Cols

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Single Occupancy AU$ 955
Bike Hire AU$ 500

Unpack Once, Ride Everyday

Your Cycling Holiday, Reimagined

Imagine arriving at your cycling destination, settling into one beautiful hotel, and knowing you won’t have to repack again. No rushed check‑outs, no daily transfers, no stress — just pure riding pleasure.

Our French Alps bike tours centre‑based model is designed by Practice Bicycle Tours to give you the most effortless and immersive cycling experience possible. Every route begins and ends at your hand‑picked hotel, letting you relax, explore, and truly feel at home.

Annecy is the ideal base for a centre‑based cycling holiday. From your lakeside hotel, world‑class riding unfolds in every direction — iconic Tour de France climbs, quiet alpine valleys, rolling countryside, and the sparkling shoreline of Lake Annecy itself. Every route offers breathtaking scenery and enjoyment, all just moments from the heart of one of France’s most beautiful towns.

Designed for riders who love a solid challenge. French Alps bike tours tackle iconic climbs like Semnoz, Forclaz, and the surrounding alpine passes, with rewarding descents and spectacular views. Every ride offers a satisfying mix of effort, achievement, and alpine beauty.

Settle in. Ride more. Experience cycling as it was meant to be.

Learn more about the Practice Bicycle Difference →

I am, indeed, in a paradise. Riding with Practice Cycling in Annecy and can't recommend them enough. Paul & Bridget make you feel looked after - patient, encouraging, and clearly passionate about what they do. The routes around the lake and into the mountains were stunning, with the highlight being a descent on a Tour de France segment in Haute-Savoie. Along the way, I picked up real wisdom on climbing, descending, and cornering plus great advice for my upcoming triathlon. If your riding in Annecy, book with these two - you won't regret it. ps the pictures look fantastic, thanks!
Testimonial by Adrian – Canada
Adrian – Canada

Dates

Low Season

2027

High Season

2027
  • 20 June — 26 June Enquire
  • 03 July — 09 July Enquire
  • 21 August — 27 August Enquire
  • 11 September — 17 September Enquire

Looking for different dates or fewer days?

If your travel plans don’t match our scheduled departures, we also offer:

• Private departures (May–September) • 1–3 day custom cycling experiences • Women‑specific private tours • Tailored itineraries for couples, friends, or small groups

Share your preferred dates and we’ll create the ideal ride for you.

Contact Us

French Alps Bike Tours Itinerary

A refined cycling experience built around challenging mountainous rides, Serious climbs, Expert guidance. A premium French Alps cycling experience.

French Alps ride routes each day of 50-105km /31-65mi with daily elevation of 420-1390m / 1300-4500ft.
French Alps Bike Tour
Arrival & Alpine Welcome — Annecy
Welcome to Annecy and your French Alps Bike Tour.
Today is your arrival day and the start of your amazing French Alps cycling vacation in the wonderful town of Annecy nestled at the base of the French Alps and on the shores of spectacular Lake Annecy.
Your tour begins at Geneva International Airport (Switzerland) with your private transfer to your hotel in Annecy.
Once checked-in to your hotel, relax and take the time to enjoy one of the most stunning towns in the world, explore the medieval streets and the canals of the ‘Venice of the Alps’. Un-wind from your travels, take a leisurely drink and become a part of France for just a few days.
This evening enjoy welcome dinner a feast of French Flavours, the perfect preparation for your fantastic cycling days ahead.
French Alps Bike Tour
Alpine Panorama Ride — French Alps
*Ride Option
Distance 42km / 26mi Elevation Gain 480m / 1500ft
Distance 75km / 46mi Elevation Gain 1120m / 3700ft
Today’s ride sets the tone for the week: beautiful alpine roads, measured climbing, and unforgettable views.
Rolling out from Annecy, quiet countryside roads gently awaken the legs before reaching a historic crossing steeped in centuries of alpine travel. Ahead, a silhouette of the French Alps lays ahead and signals the day’s signature ascent.
The climb is long, steady, and perfectly paced—ideal for enjoying the scenery rather than chasing gradients. At the summit, sweeping panoramic views stretch across alpine borders, shimmering lakes, and distant mountain ranges, delivering a reward that defines cycling in the French Alps.
Many of today’s roads have featured in recent editions of cycling’s most prestigious professional race the Tour de France, adding heritage and prestige to an already exceptional experience.
*The itinerary comprises a selection of challenging ride routes, our extensive local knowledge of the roads of the French Alps allows for flexibility or route changes as required. Had enough for the day jump in the support vehicle for your ride back to Annecy.
French Alps Bike Tour
Grand Alpine Classics
*Ride Option
Distance 55km / 34mi Elevation Gain 660m / 2100ft
Distance 80km / 50mi Elevation Gain 1140m / 3700ft
With fresh legs and growing confidence, today delivers classic French Alps riding at its very best.
Riding directly from your Annecy hotel each morning adds to the ease of the experience—no transfers, no logistics, just pure cycling. Towering alpine peaks surround you from the very first pedal stroke, creating a spectacular start to the day.
Choose one or two iconic climbs, each offering flowing switchbacks and beautifully surfaced roads. A perfectly timed café stop in a postcard-worthy Alpine village provides time to refuel with coffee and Brioche.
The featured ascent is a true classic, revered by cyclists worldwide and frequently used in the Tour de France on six occasions. From the summit, expansive views across the majestic French Alps are one of the many rewards when cycling in the French Alps.
French Alps Bike Tour
The Switchback Challenge
*Ride Option
Distance 55km / 34mi Elevation Gain 420m / 1300ft
Distance 105km / 65mi Elevation Gain 1050m / 3400ft
A favourite among the Practice Bicycle team, today blends history, challenge, and pure riding pleasure.
Multiple climbs are on offer—some instantly recognizable from televised racing, others quieter and wonderfully undiscovered. One ascent stands out, its unique feature of a dramatic sequence of 13 numbered switchbacks that count you down to the summit, evoking comparisons to cycling’s most famous climbs ‘Alpe d’Huez’.
The sense of achievement at the top is incredible and immensely satisfying. Combined with flowing descents and well-chosen café stops, this day captures everything that makes French Alps cycling addictive.
Returning once again to your single luxury base in Annecy, the evening is yours to relax, recover, and enjoy exceptional dining just steps from your hotel.
French Alps Bike Tour
The Queen Stage Experience — French Alps
*Ride Option
Distance 54km / 33mi Elevation Gain 650m / 2100ft
Distance 80km / 50mi Elevation Gain 1400m / 4500ft
Today is the defining ride of the week—the ultimate French Alps bike tour.
Inspired by the legendary 2013 Tour de France race route which included both the start (Depart) on the shores of Lake Annecy and the Finish line (Arrivee) on the summit of the Semnoz Mountain.
The route offers a choice of up to three breathtaking climbs through protected alpine forests. Smooth valley roads transition seamlessly into sustained ascents, each more dramatic than the last.
The final climb delivers a true summit finish. Rising above the tree line, the world opens beneath you with one of the most memorable viewpoints in your French Alps bike tour.
This is cycling at its highest level: iconic terrain, pristine nature, and a sense of accomplishment few cycling experiences can match.
French Alps Bike Tour
Lake Annecy Finale & Hidden Climbs
*Ride Option
Distance 50km / 31mi Elevation Gain 630m / 2000ft
Distance 85km / 53mi Elevation Gain 1350m / 4400ft
Some say the best ride is saved for last—and today proves it.
Riding beside the turquoise waters of Lake Annecy, the scenery alone would make this ride unforgettable. Add a choice of two final climbs, each offering a completely different character, and you have the perfect finale with your French Alps bike tour.
One ascent winds quietly through forested slopes, offering solitude and immersion in nature. Though you feel hidden while climbing, the views that emerge above are expansive, dramatic, and unforgettable.
There is one more pinnacle with your French Alps cycling extravaganza, at the final lookout point, there’s time to stop, reflect, and savour the journey—a fitting conclusion to a remarkable week of French Alps cycling with Practice Bicycle Tours.
French Alps Bike Tour
Departure — Geneva Airport
After breakfast, it’s time to say farewell.
Your Practice Bicycle Tours team will transfer you back to Geneva International Airport (Switzerland) for onward travel. Legs may be tired, but spirits are high, memories are rich, and the sense of achievement is undeniable.

Until the next cycling challenge calls—bon voyage, and ride safe.

French Alps Bike Tour Overview

• Total distance: 425 km / 265 mi
• Total elevation: 6,000 m / 20,000 ft
• Number of major climbs: 10
• Fully supported · One luxury base in Annecy · Flexible routing

A premium French Alps cycling experience—refined, immersive, and unforgettable.

Your French Alps Bike Tour begins and ends at Geneva International Airport (Switzerland), where we personally meet you for your included airport transfer to Annecy. Arrival day transfers depart at 2.00pm, giving you time to settle in before the week of riding begins. On departure day, we return you to the airport by midday for onward travel

We recommend international guests arrive one night before the French Alps bike tours to rest, adjust to the local time zone, and enjoy a smooth start to your cycling holiday. A convenient option is the Holiday Inn Express Geneva Airport, which offers a complimentary airport shuttle.

If you’re already travelling in Europe, Annecy is easy to reach by several comfortable and reliable transport options:

Air Travel
The closest airports are:
Geneva International Airport (Switzerland) — approx. 45 minutes
Lyon Airport (France) — approx. 1 hour 15 minutes
Both are well‑served by major international airlines and low‑cost European carriers.

Bus Travel
Regular public buses operate from both Geneva and Lyon airports directly to Annecy.
Private transfers and taxis are also readily available if you prefer a seamless door‑to‑door option.

Train Travel
Annecy is connected to the TGV high‑speed rail network, with direct services from major European cities, including Paris.

Car Travel
If you’re driving, the A41 French Autoroute brings you directly into Annecy.
All major international car‑rental companies operate from Geneva and Lyon airports.

Your French Alps bike tour accommodation in Annecy is chosen for comfort, convenience, and a relaxed atmosphere — the perfect base for exploring the French Alps. Each hotel is ideally located for easy access to the lake, the old town, and our daily ride start point, allowing you to settle in and enjoy the rhythm of the week without any transfers or packing.

Annecy offers a wonderful blend of alpine charm, lakeside beauty, and French café culture. After each day’s ride, you can unwind by the water, stroll the historic streets, or simply relax at your hotel and soak up the atmosphere of this remarkable town.

If you prefer to arrange your own accommodation, our Self‑Stay option gives you complete flexibility while still enjoying the full Practice Bicycle riding experience.

                                        4*Plus Best Western Carlton Hotel Annecy                                                          4* Mercure Annecy Centre Hotel

                 

 

                                   3* Hotel Campanile Annecy Centre Ville                                                                   2* Hotel de Nord Annecy Centre Ville

                 

Great cycling deserves great food, and Annecy is one of the most rewarding places to enjoy it. French Alps bike tours begin with a welcome dinner celebrating the flavours of the French Alps — a relaxed evening to meet your hosts, connect with fellow guests, and ease into the week ahead.

Evenings in Annecy and the French Alps are a pleasure in their own right — a chance to wander the old town, enjoy the lakeside atmosphere, and choose from a wonderful selection of local restaurants just steps from your hotel. Rather than fixing the group to a set menu, we leave dinners open so you can follow your appetite each night. From Savoyard specialities to modern French cuisine or a relaxed bistro in the medieval streets, you’re free to dine where the mood takes you.

If you’d like recommendations or a reservation, we’re always happy to help.

Whether you bring your own bike or prefer to hire one, we make the process smooth and effortless. Our hire bikes are expertly maintained, perfectly suited to the French Alps bike tours alpine terrain, and set up for you with care so you can enjoy every climb and descent with confidence.

If you’re travelling with your own bike, we’re here to help with assembly, adjustments, and daily support. Each ride includes a support vehicle, carrying everything you might need — including extra layers — so you can focus entirely on the road ahead.

We also provide sports drinks and nutritional bars each day to keep you fuelled throughout the week.

You’ll find a selection of our bike options just below, allowing you to choose the setup that suits your riding style.

Lapierre Xelius Disc Brake Di2 Shimano 12 Speed  50,34 x 11-34
Raymon Electric Road/Gravel Carbon Disc Brake Bosch Compact Tube, 400 Wh, 36 V
Cannondale & Fuji Rim Brake Shimano compact 50,34 x 12-34

          Lapierre Disc Brake Di2                                   Raymon Electric Road                                            Cannondale Rim Brake                                          Fuji Rim Brake

                             

This French Alps bike tour is ideal for riders who enjoy steady climbing, rewarding distances, and the satisfaction of a good day’s ride. You don’t need to be fast — just comfortable spending several hours on the bike and confident on varied terrain. Our small‑group format allows us to support your pace while still offering a fulfilling alpine experience.

If you prefer to arrange your own accommodation, our Self‑Stay option offers complete flexibility while still enjoying the full Practice Bicycle French Alps bike tours experience. You’ll join us each day for the guided rides, support vehicle, airport transfers, and hosted dinners — all the elements that make our tours special — while staying in the accommodation that best suits your plans.

It’s an ideal choice for independent travellers, couples with different interests, or guests who simply enjoy selecting their own place to stay. We make everything seamless, so you can enjoy the same exceptional week of riding with the freedom to tailor your stay in Annecy.

What’s Included:
* Airport pick-up & drop-off Geneva International Airport (Switzerland) (tour arrival 2.00pm & departure midday)
* Welcome dinner a feast of French flavours
* 5 challenging ride routes in the French Alps the ultimate cycling holiday
* Highly experienced PB French Alps ride leaders
* Support vehicle for the daily rides
* Sports drinks & nutritional bars

French Alps Cycling ‘escapes’ are on most cyclists wish list, feedback on their Annecy “One Hotel Stay’ French Alps bike tours experience…

More than I expected #10 high enthusiasm and guides
Extremely Knowledgeable.
Dials it down to Ability & Need
Extremely Sensitive to Physical Capacity
Beautiful Tour – Beyond my Expectations!!
Quiet backroads, iconic climbs, perfect pacing, and the pure joy of discovering the French Alps with expert guidance — this is what makes Annecy their ‘cycling paradise’
Doug-USA

We met Paul & Bridget in Australia. We loved cycling with them and arranged our custom tour to cycle with them in beautiful Annecy, 5 days of simple joy & experiencing the region, Sad to leave!
Great Hosts, 5 Brilliant rides, Highly Recommended
Neil & Isolde – Australia

Stunning routes & amazing scenery! A cyclist’s paradise! Thank you Paul & Bridget for your expert guidance, local knowledge & expertise of the area and cycling! Unforgettable trip!
Best wishes Karen – USA

Great rides, Beautiful scenery, EXPERT area knowledge & Guidance! Bikes were perfect, great fit! Thank you Paul & Bridget
Bruce – USA

I had just done a point to point cycling holiday, rode most of my time on my own (not much fun!) my French Alps, half Alps bike rides was the perfect challenge. I’m a regular rider, PB company, conversation, safety, routes, cafe/cake stops were fantastic, they are part of the these landscapes, they know the local villages and local people, they made my ride week super enjoyable. Riding back into Annecy every day to the same hotel, has big advantages!
Thanks for a great bike rides.
John – Australia

I had cycled the Pyrenees, the French Alps were magnificent in every way, the Combination Ride Itinerary was fantastic. Amazing scenery, rode at my tempo, a great choice of historic climbs, varying routes and the mountain landscapes stunning. The bike hire was perfect, appreciated the cafe stops for a break, the PB guides really know the roads of the French Alps, a quality ride trip.
Greg – Australia

Thank you very much for the wonderful time we have had in Annecy and riding in the Alps. Your local knowledge and connections were invaluable and the rides and support were great. We thoroughly enjoyed the challenge of the riding in the Alps with the reward of a sense of achievement and breathtaking views. We wish you all the best for the remainder of the season in France. Merci beaucoup PB
David, Stephen and Samantha – Australia

My mates and I celebrated my 50th Birthday week with a Custom/Private French Alps Bike Tour ride week. Annecy is absolutely beautiful! We requested a variety of ride distances and our ‘hit list’ of climbs as we were not all of similar cycling abilities. Practice Bicycle put together a brilliant week based on our individual/group requests. Our later starts were no problem, long slow cafe stops were great, they know a cafe in every town! Paul’s cycling pace and understanding the dynamics of our ride group, is why he is an amazing cycling coach. The guided rides were fantastic, they set the pace on the front, we all chatted behind and enjoyed the stunning scenery! The safety aspect was apparent and the professional email contact they had with us and our questions, the Itinerary we received was extremely professional.
A fantastic week!
Travis, Dean, John, Nathan – Australia

A big thank you for the lovely ‘alps gift’ the lovely espresso cups a reminder of our trip to Annecy with PB. Our trip to France and our rides in the French Alps will always have a special place in our hearts
Best wishes PB
Sam– Australia

Our combination French Alps, Criterium Dauphine week was amazing. A big birthday celebration, having never ridden in the Alps, wow! We got to see our cycling heroes, and amazing bike rides for 10 days, we loved the climbing routes around the lake and the delicious restaurant lunch places (we would have never found) that we were taken to, our support vehicle was everywhere for us, the encouragement, bike shop help we received and all our questions, Practice Bicycle were really great, we all loved our time in Annecy.
Gen, Sue, Russell, Phil, Mark, Paul, Joanna – Australia

Annecy is one of the most enchanting places in the world to relax and explore — both on and off the bike. Often called the “Baby Paris”, the town blends alpine beauty with French elegance, offering turquoise lake views, medieval streets, and a wonderfully relaxed rhythm of life.

During your stay, you can wander the cobbled lanes of the old town, visit the Palais de l’Île or the Château d’Annecy, stroll through the Jardins de l’Europe, or simply sit by the lake and watch the light change across the mountains. Enjoy a leisurely boat trip, browse the markets, or savour a traditional “Le Goûter” tea‑time moment in one of Annecy’s charming salons de thé.

With our one‑location stay, you have the freedom to immerse yourself fully in French life. Whether you prefer to explore, shop, unwind, or enjoy long lakeside afternoons, Annecy offers endless ways to make the week your own. And when evening comes, our team is always happy to recommend superb local restaurants — the kind of places where you can dine just like a local and savour the flavours of the Haute‑Savoie.

A truly unforgettable destination, and the perfect home for your cycling holiday.

Our centre‑based tours mean you stay in one hotel for the entire trip. No packing, no transfers, no stress — just great riding every day from the same comfortable base.

French Alps Bike Tours Include

  • 6 nights quality 4* Plus, 4*, 3* or 2* hotel accommodation in Annecy
  • Welcome dinner featuring classic French flavours
  • 6 continental buffet breakfasts
  • 5 fully guided, challenging ride routes in the French Alps
  • Highly experienced French Alps ride leaders
  • Sports drinks and nutritional bars provided
  • Dedicated support vehicle for all daily rides
  • Airport pick-up & drop-off Geneva International Airport (Switzerland) (2:00pm arrival day, midday departure day)

French Alps Bike Tour Experience

  • Ride exceptional French Alps cycling roads—no maps, no GPS, no stress
  • Tackle up to 10 iconic French Alps Cols in one unforgettable week
  • Huge variety of terrain, views, and challenges from a single hotel base Annecy
  • Spectacular panoramas of French Alps mountains, lakes, and classic countryside of France
  • A perfectly balanced blend of challenge, comfort, and expert support
  • One week. One base. World-class French Alps cycling
challenging-bike-tours-icon

More cycling experiences in the French Alps

Curated rides chosen for their scenery, style, and premium feel

Private Guided Day Tours Annecy
Flexible 1–3 day guided rides on classic Alpine routes

Alps Cycling Classic Cols Tour
Ride the most famous cols of the Tour de France
France Bike Tour
Scenic, flexible riding around the shores of Lake Annecy
Women’s Cycling Tour – French Alps
A supportive, strong‑rider week on classic alpine routes