French Alps Bike Tours Spectacular Alps Cycling

Alps Cycling Challenge Col de la Forclaz, Col du Marais, Mont Revard, Col des Aravis, Mont Prince

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.

Tailored French Alps Cycling Holidays

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.

Challenging Bike Rides

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.

Looking for comfortable France bike tours?

Training CampsIf you prefer a slower pace cycling holiday with leisurely bike rides and gem restaurant lunches join a Lake Annecy Bike Tour!

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Tour Type question mark-01

Challenging Bike Tour

Fully Guided question mark-01

Experienced Cycling Guides

Cycling Level question mark-01

Challenging – 70km/43mi – 110km/68mi

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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

Custom Tour question mark-01

Contact Us:
Request a private, customised version of this tour for yourself or cycling group.

Centre Based Cycling

Annecy, France

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May – September

Duration

7 Days / 6 Nights

Small Group Size

2 to 8 people

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Single room – AUD $843
Bike hire – AUD $500

Annecy Centre Based Cycling

The Perfect Cycling Base for your French Alps Cycling Tours

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.

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.
Testimonial by S. Webber, B. Hall, C. Dennison – Australia
S. Webber, B. Hall, C. Dennison – Australia

Dates

Take the French Alps Cycling Tours challenge click the “Book Now” button next to the tour date.

2023
  • 24 June — 30 June Book Now Enquire
  • 22 July — 28 July Enquire
  • 19 August — 25 August Book Now Enquire
  • 02 September — 08 September Book Now Enquire

Looking for a custom French Alps Bike Tour experience?

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!

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Challenging Alps Cycling Itinerary

Total Distance 420km/260mi, Total Elevation 4770m/15600ft, Total Number of Cols 7

Challenging Alps Cycling routes each day of 65km/40mi – 75km/47mi suitable for regular riders with moderate climbs of 900m/3000ft altitude.
Arrival Day French Alps Bike Tour - Col de Tamie (907m)
Arrival Time: Midday
Challenging Ride Route:
Distance 75km/47mi
Ascent 510m/1700ft

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.

French Alps Bike Tour - Col des Fleuries (932m)
Challenging Ride Route:
Distance 65km/40mi
Ascent 900m/3000ft

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.

French Alps Bike Tour - Mont Prince (650m)
Challenging Ride Route:
Distance 75km/47mi
Ascent 850m/2800ft

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.

French Alps Bike Tour - Col du Marais (843m)
Challenging Ride Route:
Distance 65km/40mi
Ascent 540m/1800ft

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.

French Alps Bike Tour - Col des Pitons (1335m)
Challenging Ride Route:
Distance 75km/46mi
Ascent 1120m/3300ft

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.

French Alps Bike Tour - Col de Leschaux (944m)
Challenging Ride Route:
Distance 65km/40mi
Ascent 850m/2800ft
Many of your bike rides from Annecy include Cols that have been included in the famous Tour de France bike race, this is area has many, and we’re not leaving the best ride route until last although you may think so!
Enjoy these scenic slopes and the incredible vista offered of the Lake as the road winds its way upwards, it’s one of the local cyclists’ regular weekend challenges the Col de Leschaux (944m, 3.6km @ average 6.1%). This Col can be climbed from several other directions and just another reason why we call the home of Practice Bicycle Tours, ‘Cycling Paradise’.
It is a fantastic experience on the Challenging Alps Cycling routes, enjoyable, challenging and a great sense of achievement riding these famous Cols, enjoy climbing together one last time to cap off a great week on your Alps cycling holiday.
Departure Day from the French Alps
Departure Time: Midday

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

Combination of Challenging & Epic Alps Cycling routes each day of 70km/43mi – 100km/62mi suitable for experienced riders with a selection of climbs.
Arrival Day in the French Alps - Col de Bluffy Bike Tour
Arrival Time: Midday
Distance 50km/31mi
Ascent 520m/1700ft
Col de Bluffy (630m) cat4 – 5.5km @ 3%
Welcome to your French Alps Bike Tour in the perfect One Cycling Location town of Annecy on the edge of the spectacular 42km circumference Lake Annecy. If you find our ‘Challenging’ ride routes a little soft and the ‘Epic’ ride routes too ‘leg breaking’, then this Combination French Alps Cycling Itinerary is for you!
Enjoy your first PB cycling experience riding along the edge of the amazing Lake Annecy using the tiny hidden roads of the Col de Bluffy (630m) it’s the perfect introduction to the French Alps as we zig zag amongst these huge rock faces on the edge of the Grand Alps. With your travels forgotten your legs and eyes are now ready for the perfect ride week together with your Combination French Alps cycling week in the French Alps.
French Alps Bike Tour - Val d'Arly Bike Tour
Epic Ride Route:
Distance 105km/65mi
Ascent 1355m/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’, we’re descending into the Valley for climb #2, Col de la Forclaz – Queige (870m).
Not to be confused with the other Forclaz high above the Lake, which we can admire with our final kms as we return to Annecy.
French Alps Bike Tour - Château de Clermont Bike Tour
Challenging Ride Route:
Distance 60km/37mi
Ascent 750m/2500ft
Chateaux Clermont (654m) cat4 – 6.6km @ 5.2%
The French Alps Bike Tours offer an amazing selection of ride routes from Annecy, ‘Cycling Paradise’. The PB cycling experience is only possible with years of riding these unbeatable roads, it’s also this vast experience that makes this Combination French Alps cycling itinerary perfect for our cycling guests. Putting together great cycling weeks is our speciality, todays Clermont (654m) bike tour is the ideal selection after yesterday’s demands.
This ride heads West away from the Grand Alps and towards the Pre-Alps, with many of these Cols in previous editions of the Tour de France, including one of the most difficult climbs in France the Grand Colombier. Exploring this network of roads and the climb up to Chateau Clermont (654m) is the perfect example of why French cycling is such a unique cycling experience.
French Alps Bike Tour - Albertville Bike Tour
Epic Ride Route:
Distance 110km/68mi
Ascent 1330m/4400ft
Col du Vorger (707m) cat3 – 4.5km @ 7%
Collet de Tamie (960m) cat2 – 5.1km @ 7%
Sambuy (1146m) cat2 – 8.6km @ 7.4%
This Epic ride route, is a favourite of the PB Team heading towards the Winter Olympic town of Albertville, which is also often a Tour de France stage depart. Not all Cols are famous or seen on TV, although the pleasure and sense of achievement when reaching the summit becomes a familiar expectation and why we come back for more!
This is a multi-Col ride day with the Col du Vorger (707m) unique with its 13 turns (Virage 13) you might like to think of it as being a ‘little Alpe d’Huez’ above Albertville. This is the perfect Café stop before we push on with the Collet de Tamie (906m), you can see why French roads are confusing and it’s easy to get lost when there are 3 different ways to reach this summit. Heading back in the direction of Annecy, we have the final challenge of the Sambuy (1146m), great way to feel like a pro cyclist for the day with distance and climbing in one amazing day in the saddle.
French Alps Bike Tour - Côte de Copponex Bike Tour
Challenging Ride Route:
Distance 70km/43mi
Ascent 815m/2700ft
Côte de Copponex (736m) cat3 – 7km @ 4.6%
Show casing this cycling mecca with the opportunity for rides in every direction is another reason why you are in ‘Alps Cycling Paradise’ and what is Cycling without memories, it’s making memories that keep the pedals turning.
We smile together every time we enjoy riding the Cote de Copponex (736m), it was on this climb we watched the world-class sprinter Robbie McEwen, struggling like all good cyclists in the 1997 Tour de France and it was also included in the route of the 2021 Tour de France that passed through the Haute-Savoie department.
These roads North of Annecy and in the direction of Geneva (Switzerland), also separate Lake Annecy from it’s neighbor Lake Leman. This undulating terrain is full of tranquil country lanes dotted with farms and villages, testing roads for even the best of legs, with this challenging ride route!
French Alps Bike Tour - Mont Revard Bike Tour
Epic Ride Route:
Distance 100km/62miles,
Ascent 1660m/5500ft,
Col de Plainpalais (1173m) cat2 – 12.5km @ 4.7%
Mont Revard (1562m) cat2 – 9km @ 4.6%
Your final Epic ride with your PB cycling week takes to the roads of the 2013 Tour de France route, it was a huge day for cycling in Annecy, with both the Depart by the Lake and the Arrivee on the summit of the Semnoz Mountain – Cret de Chatillon (1699m).
The whole stage route was in the Bauges National Park, an area that we could easily enjoy riding together for an additional week with lots of superb valley roads and Cols everyway you choose to look. We climb two of these spectacular Cols within our 100km epic route to top off a perfect French Alps bike tour together. Col de Plainpalais (1173m) is another long climb, which leads straight into the summit of Mont Revard (1562m) making it a very long Col and a real box ticker.
With the hard work complete we’ll return to Annecy down another breathtaking valley before we celebrate your PB cycling experience together.
Departure Day from the French Alps
DEPARTURE TIME: Midday
Departure Day and Its unfortunately time for your Combination French Alps cycling itinerary to come to an end. Now is the time to recover and rest your legs ready for more great challenging bike rides to come.
PB Bike Tours wish you ‘Bon Voyage’, safe cycling until we ride together again

Combination French Alps Cycling Itinerary:
Total Distance 495km/307mi, Total Elevation 6430m/21000ft, Total Number of Cols 10

Epic Alpine Cols Cycling Itinerary

Total Distance 525km/326mi, Total Elevation 8880m/29000ft, Total Number of Cols 14

Epic Alpine Cols Cycling routes each day of 80km/50mi – 115km/71mi suitable for semi-pro cyclists with climbs of 1500m/4900ft altitude each day
Arrival Day French Alps Bike Tour- La Tournette
Arrival Time: Midday
Distance 55km/34mi
Ascent 490m/1600ft
Cote de Talloires (555m) cat4 – 1.6km @ 6.2%
Cote de Bluffy (734m) cat3 – 3.7km @ 6%

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.

French Alps Bike Tour - Le Grand-Bornand
Epic Ride Route:
Distance 115km/71mi
Ascent 2000m/6500ft
Col des Fleuries (932m) cat4 – 5.6km @ 5%
Col de la Colombiere (1618m) cat 1 – 11.8km @ 5.9%

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.

French Alps Bike Tour - Massif des Bauges
Epic Ride Route:
Distance 80km/50mi
Ascent 1750m/5700ft
Cote de Puget (796m) cat2 – 5.4km @ 5.9%
Col de Leschaux (903m) cat3 – 7.2km @ 4%
Cret de Chatillon (1699m) cat1 – 13.4km @ 5.7%

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.

French Alps Bike Tour - Forclaz Montmin
Epic Ride Route:
Distance 110km/68mi
Ascent 1800m/5900ft
Col de la Forclaz (1157m) cat1 – 9.8km @ 6.9%
Col du l’Epine (947m) cat1 – 7km @ 7%
Col du Tamie (907m) cat3 – 10.1km @ 3.9%

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.

French Alps Bike Tour - Chaine des Aravis
Epic Ride Route:
Distance 90km/56mi
Ascent 1450m/4700ft
Col de la Croix-fry (1477m) cat1 – 11.3km @ 7%
Col des Aravis (1486m) cat2 – 5km @ 6.4%

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.

French Alps Bike Tour - Plateau Glieres
Distance 80km/50miles,
Ascent 1390m/4500ft,
Col de Fretallaz (695m) cat4 – 5km @ 5%
Col des Glieres (1440m) cat1 – 9.4km @ 7.1%

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.

Departure day from the French Alps
DEPARTURE TIME: Midday
Departure Day and Its unfortunately time for your cycling holiday in the French Alps to come to an end. Now is the time to recover and rest your legs ready for more great challenging bike rides to come.
PB Bike Tours wish you ‘Bon Voyage’, safe cycling until we ride together again

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.

Cannondale Synapse Carbon Road Bike Shimano compact 50/34 x 12-32          Fuji Quality Carbon Road Bike Hire Shimano compact 50,34 x 12-34          Lapierre disc brake Quality Carbon Road Bike Hire Shimano compact 50,34 x 12-32          Lapierre e-Sensium Disc Brake Road Bike Hire Shimano Compact 50,34 x 11-34

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 

Le Palace de Menthon 5 Star Hotel on Lake Annecy France          Le Palace de Menthon 5 Star Hotel on Lake Annecy France views of Menthon Castle          Le Palace de Menthon 5 Star Hotel on Lake Annecy France Gastronomique Restaurant

Novotel Annecy Centre 4*Hotel 

Novotel Annecy Centre 4 Star France          Novotel Annecy Centre 4 Star Classic Rooms          Novotel Annecy Centre 4 Star Complete Breakfast Choice

Mercure Annecy Centre 4* Hotel 

Mercure Annecy Centre 4 Star Hotel          Mercure Annecy Centre 4 Star Hotel Classic Rooms          Mercure Annecy Centre 4 Star Hotel Buffet Breakfast

Hotel Campanile Annecy Centre 3*

Hotel Campanile Annecy Centre 3 Star France          Hotel Campanile Annecy Centre 3 Star Standard Room          Hotel Campanile Annecy Centre 3 Star Continental Breakfast

Hotel de Bonlieu 3* Annecy Centre Ville

Hotel de Bonlieu 3 Star Annecy Centre Ville          Hotel de Bonlieu 3 Star Annecy Centre Ville Bedroom          Hotel de Bonlieu 3 Star Annecy Centre Ville Buffet Breakfast

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!

French Alps Bike Tours include:

  • 6 nights 5*, 4* or 3* quality hotel accommodation in Annecy
  • 6 challenging & epic rides in the French Alps the ultimate cycling experience!
  • 6 continental buffet breakfasts to fuel up for the day
  • Highly experienced French Alps ride leaders & professional cycling coach
  • Sports drinks and nutrition for each ride

French Alps Bike Tour Highlights:

  • Experience quality ride routes each day from the PB team with over 20 years French Alps cycling
  • Unforgettable selection of challenging & epic ride routes, no maps, no GPS, no getting lost
  • Over 20 classic French Alps cols from previous Tour de France editions available from Annecy, your one hotel cycling location
  • Amazing variety of proven bike riding itineraries the Challenging Alps (420km/260mi), Combination French Alps (495km/307mi) & Epic Alpine Cols (525km/326mi)
  • Spectacular panoramic views of the French Alps, Lake Annecy and countryside of France
  • Achieve more unbelievable cycling in one week than you thought possible with your French Alps cycling holiday

French Alps Cols from Annecy:

  • Cote de Bluffy (734m) cat3 – 3.7km @ 6%

  • Col de la Forclaz (1157m) cat1 – 9.8km @ 6.9%

  • Cote du Puget (796m) cat2 – 5.4km @ 5.9%

  • Col du Glieres (1440m) cat1 – 9.4km @ 7.1%

  • Col des Aravis (1496m) cat1 – 11.5km @ 5%

  • Mont Revard (1463m) cat2 – 9km @ 4.6%

  • Col de Leschaux (900m) cat3 11.9km @ 3.7%

  • Col de Richemont (1051m) cat3 – 11.5km @ 3.7%

  • Semnoz (1665m) HC – 10.7km @ 8.5%

  • Col des Pres (1142m) cat3 – 3.4km @ 6.9%

  • Col de la Fretallaz (670m) cat4 – 5km @ 5%

  • Col du Tamie (907m) cat2 – 10.1km @ 3.9%

  • Col de Plainpalais (1174m) cat2 – 12.5km @ 4.7%

  • Col du Marais (843m) cat3 – 10km @ 4%

  • Col de l’Arpettaz (1581m) cat1 – 16.3km @ 7.1%

  • Cote Mont-Charvin (911m) cat3 – 3.6km @ 6%

  • Cote Allion-le-Vieux (929m) cat3 – 6km @ 4%

  • Col du Clergeon (979m) cat2 – 15km @ 5%

  • Col de la Croix-fry (1477m) cat1 – 11.3km @ 7%

  • Grand Colombier (1505m) HC – 18.3km @ 6.9%

  • Cote du Mont-des-Prince (696m) cat3 – 6km @ 7%

  • Col des Saisies (1657m) cat1 – 14.7km @ 5.1%

  • Col de la Forclaz – Queige (870m) cat2 – 5.6km @ 8%

  • Col de la Colombiere (1618m) cat1 – 11.8km @ 5.9%

  • Col du Frene (950m) cat1 – 9.6km @ 6.9%

  • Col du l’Epine (947m) cat1 – 7km @ 7%

  • Col des Pitons (1335m) cat2 – 12km @ 4.5%

  • Col du Meraillet (1605m) Cat1 – 11.8km @ 7%

  • Col du la Sapenay (917m) cat2 – 11.4km @ 5.9%

  • Col du Vorger (707m) cat3 – 4.5km @ 7%

  • Collet de Tamie (960m) cat2 – 5.1km @ 7%

  • Col de la Chambotte (650m)cat4 – 6.7km @ 4%

  • Col du Pre (1748m) Cat1 – 12.6km 7.7%

  • Sambuy (1146m) cat2 – 8.6km @ 7.4%

  • Col de la Biche (1325m) cat1 – 16.2km @ 6.5%

Challenging

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