Womens French Alps Cycling Tour
Conquer the Legendary Cols of Annecy — Together
Ready to take your cycling to the next level?
Join our Women’s Cycling Tour French Alps and experience the thrill of riding iconic Alpine climbs from the stunning lakeside town of Annecy.
This is more than a cycling holiday — it’s a transformational challenge designed exclusively for women who want to ride stronger, climb higher, and share unforgettable moments on two wheels.
See what makes our cycling experiences different →
Unpack Once. Ride Epic Routes Every Day
Based in beautiful Annecy, at the foot of the Northern Alps, you’ll unpack once and roll out each morning to conquer some of the most breathtaking roads in Europe. These are the same mountains that feature in the Tour de France — and now it’s your turn to ride them.
From the flowing ascent of Col de Leschaux to the scenic beauty of Col du Marais, you’ll experience perfectly selected climbs tailored to your ability. Valley roads, alpine passes, quiet countryside routes — each day delivers challenge, camaraderie, and panoramic views that quite literally take your breath away.
Designed for Women Who Love a Challenge
This tour isn’t about ticking boxes. There are too many cols for that.
It’s about:
Riding at the right pace
Building climbing confidence
Improving group riding skills
Being supported every kilometre
Celebrating at the café afterwards
Whether you’re “looking at the trees” or “looking at the Alps,” every ride is spectacular — and every achievement is shared.
Fully Guided. Expertly Supported. Personally Tailored
With over 20 years international cycling expertise, Bridget — Owner and Operator — leads with passion, experience, and a deep love for these mountains. Having first conquered the French Alps in 1998, she discovered her own “cycling paradise.” Now, she invites you to discover yours.
Expect:
Small, supportive groups
Skill-focused riding
Individual guidance and encouragement
Professional on-road support
A welcoming, empowering environment
You won’t be left behind. You won’t be overwhelmed. You’ll be challenged — and you’ll rise to it.
This Is Your Cycling Moment
The French Alps aren’t just mountains — they’re milestones.
If you’re ready to climb stronger, ride smarter, and experience the magic of Alpine cycling in an inspiring Womens cycling tour environment, this is your tour.
Your cycling paradise is waiting.
The Practice Bicycle Difference
Every 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.
Tour Type 
Womens Bike Tours
Fully Guided
PB Cycling Guides & Support Vehicle
Small Group
6 Guests
Cycling Level
Challenging 65km / 40mi per day
Packages
4*Plus Hotel AU$ 5605 pp
4* Hotel AU$ 5400 pp
3* Hotel AU$ 4995 pp
2* Hotel AU$ 4750 pp
Self-Stay AU$ 3690 pp
(Accommodation not included)
Custom Trip
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
Season
April – October
Duration
6 Nights / 7 Days
Distance
315km/195mi
Elevation
4,620m/15,000ft
Climbs
7 Cols
Add-Ons
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 centre‑based Womens cycling tour 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 exclusively for women who want to ride, explore, and connect in a supportive and inspiring environment. These tours bring together like‑minded cyclists for unforgettable days on the bike — from scenic routes to iconic climbs — all at a pace that feels empowering and enjoyable. With expert guidance, a relaxed atmosphere, and the comfort of a single, beautifully located base, every ride becomes an opportunity to build confidence, share experiences, and celebrate the joy of cycling together.
Settle in. Ride more. Experience cycling as it was meant to be.
After more than a few frustrating rides trying to get Garmin & Google Maps to play nice on unfamiliar roads in a different country, we decided to give guided tours a go for my 50th birthday holiday on Lake Annecy. What we found was a pure gem of a company in Practice Bicycle. Paul and Bridget are true professionals with decades of riding and racing experience (just Google Bridget’s palmares). They asked what kind of rides we wanted in terms of the terrain and time in the saddle and then all we had to do was enjoy the days. We rode on beautiful, low traffic rolling farm roads through gorgeous Alpine countryside at the perfect pace for both of us. Knowing the roads so well, PB gave us the option of coffee stops and we were also able to snap a few great photos of us along the way. We highly recommend them and will certainly call on them again!
M. Ferro – USA
Dates
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 • Tailored itineraries for couples, friends, or small groups
Share your preferred dates and we’ll create the ideal ride for you.
Womens French Alps Cycling Tour Itinerary
Ride the legendary cols of the French Alps from beautiful Annecy — and turn your next cycling holiday into the ride of a lifetime.
French Alps Cycling routes each day of 50-80km / 31mi -50mi & daily elevation of 540-1200m / 1800-3900ft.
Womens French Alps Cycling Tour
Arrival in Annecy
Welcome to your Women’s French Alps Cycling Tour.
Your journey begins with a private transfer from Geneva International Airport to your hotel in the heart of Annecy.
After check-in, unwind and soak up the magic of this lakeside town, often called the “Venice of the Alps.” Wander the medieval streets, stroll beside the canals, and ease into French life with a relaxed aperitif by the lake.
In the evening, join your fellow riders for a special welcome dinner — a celebration of regional flavours and the perfect start to an unforgettable week of cycling and camaraderie.
Your journey begins with a private transfer from Geneva International Airport to your hotel in the heart of Annecy.
After check-in, unwind and soak up the magic of this lakeside town, often called the “Venice of the Alps.” Wander the medieval streets, stroll beside the canals, and ease into French life with a relaxed aperitif by the lake.
In the evening, join your fellow riders for a special welcome dinner — a celebration of regional flavours and the perfect start to an unforgettable week of cycling and camaraderie.
Womens French Alps Cycling Tour
First Alpine Challenge
Distance 55km / 34mi Elevation Gain 780m / 2500ft
Your first ride introduces you to the rhythm of the Alps — stunning lake views, quiet mountain roads, and your first iconic summit of the week.
Expect breathtaking scenery, a rewarding climb, and that unforgettable moment standing at the top knowing you earned every metre. A café stop along the way sets the tone: this week is about challenge, support, and enjoyment in equal measure.
Return to Annecy to relax, recover, and relive the day’s highlights together.
Your first ride introduces you to the rhythm of the Alps — stunning lake views, quiet mountain roads, and your first iconic summit of the week.
Expect breathtaking scenery, a rewarding climb, and that unforgettable moment standing at the top knowing you earned every metre. A café stop along the way sets the tone: this week is about challenge, support, and enjoyment in equal measure.
Return to Annecy to relax, recover, and relive the day’s highlights together.
*The itinerary comprises a selection of classic cols 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.
Womens French Alps Cycling Tour
The Queen Stage
Distance 50km / 31mi Elevation Gain 1200m / 3900ft
Today is the “big day” — a true Alpine experience.
Two legendary ascents await, including the highest point of the week. It’s a day that builds confidence, resilience, and immense satisfaction. The panoramic views stretch across mountains and lake, offering constant reminders of why cycling in the French Alps is so special.
This is the ride that transforms a strong cyclist into a stronger one.
Today is the “big day” — a true Alpine experience.
Two legendary ascents await, including the highest point of the week. It’s a day that builds confidence, resilience, and immense satisfaction. The panoramic views stretch across mountains and lake, offering constant reminders of why cycling in the French Alps is so special.
This is the ride that transforms a strong cyclist into a stronger one.
Womens French Alps Cycling Tour
Hidden Roads & Alpine Panoramas
Distance 65km / 40mi Elevation Gain 900m / 3000ft
Today we explore a different side of the region — peaceful countryside, forest-lined slopes, and sweeping mountain vistas.
You’ll experience quieter roads, charming villages, and optional extra challenges for those who want to test their climbing legs again. Every rider sets her own pace, supported by expert guidance and encouragement throughout.
Back in Annecy, enjoy another evening of exceptional French cuisine just steps from your hotel.
Today we explore a different side of the region — peaceful countryside, forest-lined slopes, and sweeping mountain vistas.
You’ll experience quieter roads, charming villages, and optional extra challenges for those who want to test their climbing legs again. Every rider sets her own pace, supported by expert guidance and encouragement throughout.
Back in Annecy, enjoy another evening of exceptional French cuisine just steps from your hotel.
Womens French Alps Cycling Tour
Into the Grand Alps
Distance 80km / 50mi Elevation Gain 1200m / 3900ft
Anticipation builds this morning as you head deeper into the dramatic landscapes of the French Alps.
Today’s feature climb is long, steady, and incredibly rewarding — the kind of ascent that becomes a personal milestone. You’ll ride on roads made famous by the Tour de France, feeling the history beneath your wheels.
Well-earned café stops, spectacular descents, and shared celebration make this a true highlight of the week.
Anticipation builds this morning as you head deeper into the dramatic landscapes of the French Alps.
Today’s feature climb is long, steady, and incredibly rewarding — the kind of ascent that becomes a personal milestone. You’ll ride on roads made famous by the Tour de France, feeling the history beneath your wheels.
Well-earned café stops, spectacular descents, and shared celebration make this a true highlight of the week.
Womens French Alps Cycling Tour
A Final Alpine Favourite
Distance 65km / 40mi Elevation Gain 540m / 1800ft
Your final ride blends challenge with pure enjoyment.
One last beautiful climb gives you the chance to spin the legs at your own rhythm, reflect on the week’s achievements, and soak in the crisp mountain air. Rolling through charming alpine villages — home to traditional cheeses and timeless French culture — you’ll understand why this region is considered cycling paradise.
A favourite café stop and a largely downhill return to Annecy provide the perfect finale.
This evening, celebrate your accomplishments together — stronger, prouder, and forever connected by the mountains.
Your final ride blends challenge with pure enjoyment.
One last beautiful climb gives you the chance to spin the legs at your own rhythm, reflect on the week’s achievements, and soak in the crisp mountain air. Rolling through charming alpine villages — home to traditional cheeses and timeless French culture — you’ll understand why this region is considered cycling paradise.
A favourite café stop and a largely downhill return to Annecy provide the perfect finale.
This evening, celebrate your accomplishments together — stronger, prouder, and forever connected by the mountains.
Womens French Alps Cycling Tour
Departure Day from Annecy
After breakfast, you’ll transfer back to Geneva International Airport.
You leave with more than kilometres in your legs.
You leave with confidence, friendships, and unforgettable Alpine memories
Womens French Alps Cycling Tour Overview
• Total distance: 315km / 195mi
• Total elevation: 4620m / 15000ft
• Number of major climbs: 7
• Fully supported · One luxury base in Annecy · Flexible routing
A premium women’s cycling experience — this is your cycling moment
You leave with more than kilometres in your legs.
You leave with confidence, friendships, and unforgettable Alpine memories
Womens French Alps Cycling Tour Overview
• Total distance: 315km / 195mi
• Total elevation: 4620m / 15000ft
• Number of major climbs: 7
• Fully supported · One luxury base in Annecy · Flexible routing
A premium women’s cycling experience — this is your cycling moment
Your Womens French Alps Cycling 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 Womens cycling tour 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 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. Your tour begins 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 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 Womens French Alps Cycling 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 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 day 3.00pm & departure day midday)
* Welcome dinner a feast of French flavours
* 5 amazing challenging rides in the French Alps the perfect cycling vacation
* Highly experienced PB ride leader, your perfect cycling companion
* Sports nutrition & drinks for every great ride
* Support vehicle for the daily rides
‘Unique’, Tailored, Personalised is the Practice Bicycle Womens Cycling Tour experience…
We thought our Alps cycling holiday was the best “value for money” we have ever received! The bike rides were exactly tailored to our needs. Your flexibility was invaluable. Nothing was ever too much trouble, our electric gears battery a case in point!!
One of the highlights of our time with Practice Bicycle was your choice of restaurants from Michelin star in Annecy to the Auberge in the high Alps for lunch. Your local knowledge has allowed for a seamless exposure to the French culture & cuisine. What a fantastic, stress-free experience!
Chris & Sheena – Australia
My ‘switchbacks’ French Alps cycling experience was amazing. With such short notice, having finished a hiking trip in Switzerland, I wanted to pedal up those amazing climbs! The hired bike, helmet supplied, yummy bike foods the beautiful cafe & cakes stops were very appreciated, to have Practice Bicycle pedal in front or beside you, we chatted everything about the mountains, Paul & Bridget was really fantastic, lots of great photos nothing was too much trouble for them to help me, (the pharmacy incident…they really cared to help me!) but these guys really know these mountains, to cycle with them was lovely.
Rosalynd -USA
We were looking for a cycling camp for 70.3 Ironman triathletes, with some BIG challenges ahead (Nice Ironman event) and really wanting to complete this tough event with a super hard bike course, we thought the French Alps would be perfect preparation. Coming from HOT climate, flat terrain, we needed to get a feel for weather/climbs/altitude/is this doable? I spoke with at length to Practice Bicycle (and we spoke about cycle coaching, type rides, terrains) they put together a ride week based on our requests…
From the Geneva pick-up to the great 4* Novotel Accommodation, we headed to a really nice French restaurant lunch, new bikes assembled in one piece, a great start! We were prioritizing constant power for flat & rolling areas 110-130w, if I could target 160w for the shorter climbs and 140w for the longer climbs as well as HR and cadence, the choice of climbs, duration/steepness/distance was just perfect was what we wanted. We also spent some time a couple of swim sessions in Lake Annecy and our recovery runs – amazing views!
With their knowledge of everything Annecy, from bike shops to gluten free bike foods, sports stores, bike problems, inclement weather, moving start times for us… a wonderful introduction to a variety of rolling routes to famous tour de france climbs, their safety, care and professionalism was well recieved.
Scottia & Caroline – Qatar
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.
Womens French Alps Cycling Tours Include
Womens French Alps Cycling Tour Experience
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