French Alps Bike Tour

Come and ride 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 spectacular French Alps bike tours. Offering the very best selection of cycling routes in the Alps with a combination of breathtaking, tailored, challenging and epic rides. Challenging weeks of French Alps cycling designed and proven with over 20 years of unique local knowledge of riding the roads of the French Alps. Including the ultimate challenge with ride routes based on the alpine stages of the Tour de France an unforgettable Alps bike tour experience.
With numerous Tour de France legendary Cols available, this is just the start of what you will experience with your French Alps bike tours! Based in the heart of ‘Cycling Paradise’ you are among an endless variety of spectacular roads, terrain and Alpine Cols. From Semnoz (1665m) 10.7km @ 8.5% to the Col des Glieres (1440m) 9.4km @ 7.1% and you’ll get to experience the best of them with a selection of the best rides of your life during your Alps cycling holiday week.
The roads of the final mountain stage of the 2013 Tour de France, Annecy – Semnoz. Fully guided all the way with the professionals in this mecca of cycling in the French Alps. Your perfect challenging bike tour is about tailoring the ideal rides each day. With our world class cycling skills and incredible local knowledge of the roads of the French Alps, expect only the best ride routes from this amazing French Alps bike tour.
This French Alps Cols cycling vacation is tailored to your cycling experience, ability and goals. Whether your preparing for an event, improving your climbing technique or enjoy the challenge of riding on historic cycling routes of the Tour de France. It’s your ultimate cycling escape with the PB professionals in the French Alps.
If you prefer a slower pace cycling holiday with leisurely bike rides and gem restaurant lunches join a Lake Annecy Bike Tour!
Challenging Bike Tour
Experienced Cycling Guides
Challenging – 70km/43mi – 110km/68mi
Quality Tour:
5* Hotel accommodation AUD $3919 pp
4* Hotel accommodation AUD $2496 pp
3* Hotel accommodation AUD $2175 pp
Rides Only:
Without accommodation AUD $1333 pp
Contact Us:
Request a private, customised version of this tour for yourself or cycling group.
Annecy, France
May – September
7 Days / 6 Nights
2 to 8 people
Single room – AUD $843
Bike hire – AUD $500
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 experience with you today with your French Alps cycling tours.
Alps cycling holidays complete with Tour de France Cols don’t have to be isolated on the side of a mountain, Lake Annecy at the base of the Grand Alps offers the best of cycling and relaxing.
Our challenging bike tours offer the ultimate French experience. With the most amazing cycling routes combined with the very best French Alps destination. Spectacular days spent cycling in the French Alps with tailored classic challenging and epic rides, and the convenience of returning to your own perfect cycling base in the town of Annecy. This is your bike tour with a difference.
Take the French Alps Cycling Tours challenge click the “Book Now” button next to the tour date.
If you or your group want a tailored cycling week, don’t hesitate to contact us about arranging a Custom French Alps Cols Bike Tour!
Welcome to Annecy and your French Alps cycling vacation.
This afternoon remove the effects of your travels and start your Challenging Alps Cycling along the shore of the spectacular turquoise waters of Lake Annecy, one of the most exhilarating pedaling experiences in the world.
Our first ride of the tour is the Col de Tamie (907m, 10km @ Average 3.9%) this delightful gentle climb is for everyone and not considered particularly high from an Alpine perspective. The lower slopes wind up past the Château de Faverges before the route flattens into this glacial valley making it the perfect introduction to your Alps cycling holiday.
The gradual terrain gives you plenty of time to enjoy the forest views and the sound of the river on its way to the Grotte et Cascade de Seythenex. Once at the summit get your breath back and enjoy the isolation of your first day in the Alps and the impressive Abbaye Notre-Dame de Tamié.
Take in the breathtaking views as we begin to descend back towards your perfect cycling base for the week, returning to Annecy by the excellent bike path.
We are always spoilt for choice when it comes to picking and tailoring your Challenging Alps Cycling routes with so many Cols around Annecy some famous others not so well known. It’s also more interesting to see these amazing sights, delights and challenges in every direction, today we are heading North and following the edge of the Alps and the sheer rock face of the Tete du Parmelan.
These impressive panoramas of the mountains are part of your daily ride routine with Practice Bicycle Tours, today is no exception as we climb through the forest of the Col de Frettallaz (670m) and all the splendor of Alpine views. These secret country roads have everything from Chateaux’s to Plateau’s perfect to escape and appreciate all the pleasures from great cycling in the French Alps.
This historic area was a strong hold of the French Resistance during World War 2 and the Plateau Glieres has an impressive National Monument to the Resistance.
The climb of the Col des Fleuries (932m, 5.6km @ average 5%) is your challenge today enjoy the peace and tranquility of this Alpine region and the views of Switzerland in the distance.
After yesterday’s ride to the North, today we show you the contrast of this ‘Cycling Paradise’ as we explore some of the undulating roads to the West of Annecy, away from the Grand Alps and in the direction of one of France’s main rivers the Rhone.
Gently winding away from town we are on the very best cycling roads in the world and what feels like slightly downhill all the way as we are heading into the next valley dotted with local vineyards and amazing views. It’s only the vertical over hanging rocks of the valley road that separates you from the Rhone River and with the natural site of the Val du Fier we’re in a totally different landscape and area of France the department of L’Ain.
The Rhone is an impressive river system with changes in currents and colors a reflection of the hydro-electric power systems nearby. More impressive are the green shrouded mountains either side, referred to as the pre-Alps and often included in the Tour de France route, your Challenging Alps Cycling includes one of these climbs the Cote du Mont-des-Prince (696m 6km @ average 6.2%)
With today’s challenge complete enjoy quite traffic free roads returning to Lake Annecy with panoramic views all the way.
Today we have chosen one of the Practice Bicycle teams favorite climbs the Col du Marais, this challenge with its constant grade and relatively short duration makes it a French Alps pleasure for all!
This route like many of these amazing rides can be ridden from a variety of directions, we will head south down the valley following the side of Lake Annecy. Ready to take on your own Alpine climb at your pace with the slopes of the Col du Marais (10km @ Average 4%, 843m Altitude), the air is fresh and the views are magnificent and you can experience for yourself why the French Alps are world famous!
Your little taste of the grandeur of the Alps continues descending through the village of Thones, a beautiful town and the center of the famous local “Reblochon” cheese production industry.
With all this cycling effort there is always a reward and today is no different with a favorite cafe and patisserie stop. Enjoy the rest of the ride as it’s nearly all downhill back to your hotel not forgetting unforgettable views all the way.
Riding on great roads is not just about the climbing, it’s about the view waiting for you at the top! The Practice Bicycle team are used to great views and can’t wait to share this one with you, with a panoramic view of the city of Geneva, Lake Leman and Switzerland.
Twisting country roads of France warm up the legs before we cross the Pont de la Caille, this medieval bridge was the only way of crossing the river Les Usses and getting to near by Geneva. We can see Mont Saleve waiting for us in the distance and our challenge for the day the Col des Pitons (1335m) 12km @ 4.5% ! It’s 1992 since the Tour de France passed over this climb, although most of the surrounding roads have seen the Grande Boucle in more recent years. This will be the longest climb on your Challenging Alps Cycling itinerary, this allows for plenty of time to enjoy both the views and great cycling together.
Get your breath back and make the most of these valuable moments in time with spectacular panoramic views the perfect reward for this great bike ride.
Departure Day and Its unfortunately time for your French Alps Bike Tour – Challenging Alps Cycling adventures to draw to an end.
PB Cycling Tours wish you ‘Bon Voyage’, safe cycling until we Practice Bicycle together again
Challenging Alps Cycling Itinerary:
Total Distance 420km/260mi, Total Elevation 4770m/15600ft, Total Number of Cols 8
Combination French Alps Cycling Itinerary:
Total Distance 495km/307mi, Total Elevation 6430m/21000ft, Total Number of Cols 10
Welcome to your French Alps Bike Tour in the perfect one location town of Annecy, surrounded by the magnificent French Alps around spectacular Lake Annecy. Start your PB cycling experience with the breathtaking route of La Tournette, enjoy the ride route around the edge of the Lake and unwind the legs from your travels before the real fun begins with an introduction of cols away from the edge of the Lake. Warm up on the slopes of Cote de Talloires, where Contador gained time on Cancellara to win the Annecy Time Trial at the 2009 Tour de France, followed by the Cote de Bluffy. Finally head back to Annecy with a taste of these country roads, short sharp and sweet a perfect introduction ride to your Epic Alpine Cols cycling week in the French Alps.
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.
Our first official climb of the day takes us up to 932m, before descending into the next valley and the Gorge des Eveaux. 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.
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. Once in the hub of this green cycling valley, follow the Tour de France route climbs and take the final challenge of the summit on top of the world! The descent deserves all our attention and skills with twisting testing roads, great riding only achievable with these unique PB Tours Epic ride routes.
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 todays rewards for your riding effort, heading South along the valley tick off the Col du l’Epine (947m) 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, the Col du Tamie (907m), amazingly this Col can be ridden from 3 different directions!
Our climbing complete retrace back to Annecy with time to relax and recover ready for another Epic ride route with your PB cycling experience.
This is one of the PB Teams favourite local challenges 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 with the Col de la Colombiere, Col du Croix-fry and Col des Aravis, 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 cycling.
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 final challenge 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.
Our final ride together takes us North from Annecy, it’s not long before you’re riding in the shade of the forest and on the climb of the Col de Fretallaz (695m) your first challenge. These secret country roads have everything as its time to 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.
Once at the plateau, we’re on top of the world a great achievement and deserving reward of great cycling in the French Alps to end your Epic alpine cols cycling week with Practice Bicycle Tours.
Epic Alpine Cols Cycling Itinerary:
Total Distance 525km/326mi, Total Elevation 8880m/29000ft, Total Number of Cols 14
The French Alps bike tours are a pick of the best cycling routes in the French Alps suitable for regular and experienced cyclists who wish to enjoy the challenge of this cycling mecca. Experience counts for everything in this amazing part of the cycling world with your PB cycling itineraries designed, proven and tailored for your ultimate cycling in the French Alps week.
Take a look at the Challenging Alps (420km, 4770m, Cols 7), Combination French Alps (495km, 6430m, Cols 10) and Epic Alpine Cols (525km, 8880m, Cols 14) detailed itineraries above for your perfect PB cycling experience.
PB Tours have over 20 years of French Alps cycling experience, developing an incredible 100+ ride routes exploring in every direction a life time of the very best bike rides ready to share with you.
If you or your group are looking for a Custom French Alps Bike Tour we specialize in tailoring the best cycling experience of your life, Get in touch today!
Absolutely! Look for our ‘Rides Only’ package to get on this challenging French Alps cycling tour without using our accommodation or add-ons.
Arrange your own stay in the fantastic town of Annecy with one of the many apartments or camp sites 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 challenging & epic rides in the French Alps the ultimate cycling holiday
* Highly experienced French Alps ride leader & professional cycling coach
* Sports drinks & nutrition for each ride
If you or your group are looking for a custom experience for your perfect French Alps cycling vacation Contact Practice Bicycle today!
For your added convenience we have quality carbon road bikes as an optional extra available to you with your French Alps bike tour.
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.
Depending on availability and size we have several brands available including Cannondale, Fuji, Lapierre carbon and E-Road bikes are recent models with Shimano Ultegra or 105 componentry.
Whether you have years of cycling experience or have only recently picked up the passion for cycling, the variety of terrain and routes on offer in this area of the French Alps is unbelievable.
Each of your challenging rides during your French Alps Bike Tour will be tailored specifically to your goals and your level of fitness, so every ride will be the best ride of your life.
These choice French Alps cycling itineraries offer an amazing selection of ride routes suitable for the regular and also the experienced cyclist. Offering a combination of amazing rides and climbing each day with distances ranging from between 65km/40mi to 110km /68mi depending on the cycling itinerary that you choose.
The French Alps Bike Tours are based on the magnificent cycling roads surrounding the town of Annecy offering the ultimate French Alps cycling each day. The closest and most convenient airport is Geneva International Airport (Switzerland), which is only a short transfer to Annecy. See transfer options below;
Air Travel: The two most convenient airports to Annecy are, Geneva Airport (Switzerland) a 45min transfer and Lyon Airport (France) 1.15hrs transfer.
Both these airports are serviced by many International carriers and low cost European airlines.
Train Travel: the Rail Europe TGV network brings you direct to Annecy from many of the capital cities of Europe.
Bus Travel: Public bus transport operates between the airports and Annecy alternatively convenient Taxi and Private transfer services are available.
Car Travel: Many worldwide Car Rental companies are also available and the A41 French Autoroute network will bring you directly to Annecy.
Depending on availability, Practice Bicycle offer a choice of proven 5*, 4* & 3* quality, air-conditioned hotel accommodation located in undoubtedly the most beautiful town in France, Annecy. Perfect for all your recovery and relaxation needs during your French Alps Bike Tour.
Palace de Menthon 5* Hotel on the shores of Lake Annecy
Novotel Annecy Centre 4*Hotel
Mercure Annecy Centre 4* Hotel
Hotel Campanile Annecy Centre 3*
Hotel de Bonlieu 3* Annecy Centre Ville
The French Alps cycling tours do not include vehicle support/transfers with the package to maintain the greatest value and flexibility to all our cycling guests. Should you require a support vehicle for each days ride, then this can be arranged as an Optional Extra, please contact us for further information.
The team have over 20 years’ experience riding the amazing network of French Alps cycling roads that are available to you, this allows us to tailor each daily ride to the requirements of our guests. Not only do we plan the perfect week of French Alps Cols cycling we also have a unique skill set and unparalleled local knowledge of the roads which allows for the flexibility to alter or shorten ride routes should it be required.
If you prefer a more relaxed, luxury cycling holiday including vehicle support and restaurant lunches, take a look at our Signature Lake Annecy Bike Tours
‘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!