


Womens French Alps Cycling Tour

The French Alps is a highlight for everyone who rides a bike, with our Womens cycling tour its taken to the next level.
With Practice Bicycle Tours you expect fully guided quality rides, unique group cycling skills, individual support and the tailored challenge. With a life time of cycling experience Bridget (Owner/Operator) has a love of cycling waiting to share with you, whether your ‘looking at the trees’ or ‘looking at the Alps’ it’s spectacular fun all the way.
Unpack Once & Cycle Everyday with your Womens cycling tour comprising a selection of the best bike rides of your life all from your Hotel each morning in the beautiful town of Annecy. Bridget Evans first challenged the French Alps in 1998 and soon discovered why she called it her ‘Cycling Paradise’. Now its your turn to find your cycling paradise as she shares the journey with you. Spectacular French Alps bike rides ridden together at the perfect pace, with a cycling story around every corner. Sometimes these stories can take your breath away as much as the unbelievable panoramic sights or your effort on the pedals.
With the town of Annecy nestled at the base of the Northern Alps, you expect to find it surrounded by famous Tour de France Cols. That’s true they come in all shapes and sizes and your going to experience the perfect climbs tailored to your cycling ability. It’s more than only Cols, its about enjoying the moment together, the challenge on the bike and also the cafe and patisserie off the bike.
From Col de Leschaux (900m) to the Col de l’Epine (947m), from valley roads to country roads a selection of unique ride routes discovered by Bridget, tailored to you today as she rides by your side as you too discover yourself in cycling paradise with this French Alps Womens cycling tour.
You’re not on this cycling tour to tick boxes in the French Alps or get left behind. It’s not necessary to tick the box because there are to many cols to tick and our unique skill set is what sets us apart when it comes to group riding. With Bridget’s experienced legs pedaling by your side and the complete support of the professional team with over 20 years of coaching and cycling knowledge. Experience the difference with this ultimate fully guided womens cycling tour.
Take a look at our Luxury Lake Annecy Bike Tour with comfortable rides each day and hidden gem restaurant lunch stops!
Women Bike Tour
Challenging – From 70 km to 100 km/day
Quality 7 Day Tour:
4* Hotel accommodation, $2432 per person
3* Hotel accommodation, $2178 per person
2* Hotel accommodation, $2006 per person
Rides Only:
Without accommodation, $1351 per person
Or make it custom, from $2306 per person
May – September
Annecy, France
7 Days / 6 Nights
2 to 6 people
Single room – $512
Bike hire – $500
Since Bridget Evans (Owner/Operator) very first visit to the French Alps in 1998 she new this was the perfect cycling destination to enjoy Cycling in the French Alps.
Your cycling holiday does not have to be spent isolated on the side of a mountain to have fun in the French Alps. These Northern alpine cols are easily accessed from Geneva Airport. Offering the unique balance of the perfect stay in the town of Annecy with your cycling in the French Alps vacation.
Magnificent days spent cycling in tranquility with breathtaking scenery around every corner, with the luxury of returning to the chic town of Annecy to relax and enjoy everything that this “little pearl in the box” has to offer. Your very own “petit Paris” whilst on a cycling holiday with a difference.
We run our Womens French Alps Cycling Tours between May and September. Below are all our scheduled small-group weeks for this fun cycling vacation.
If you or your group of ladies want a tailored cycling week, don’t hesitate to contact us about arranging a Custom Womens French Alps Cycling Vacation!
Distance 75km/47mi
Ascent 770m/2500ft
ARRIVAL TIME: Midday
Welcome to your Favourites of the French Alps cycling vacation.
Check in to your Hotel and unpack ready for a memorable week of cycling together. If you’re not feeling overly tired or you have been in France for a day or two it’s a good idea to check out the bikes and enjoy the fresh mountain air of the French Alps with our get to know each other ride.
It’s one of the most beautiful views of any bike ride on earth riding by the side of the spectacular turquoise waters of Lake Annecy. We’ll soon turn onto the slopes of the Col de l´Epine (947m 7km @ average 7%) it’s hidden among the trees and zig zags up the side of the valley into the Alps. We like this Col because you feel hidden almost like you have disappeared whist your climbing, the truth is you can see everything, with amazing views all the way to the top. These views are priceless and a reason many of us Practice Bicycle today.
Once at the summit It’s easy to think we’re lost, we’re never lost, we just loose ourselves! Welcome to Bridget’s Favourites of the French Alps.
Practice Bicycle Tours wish you ‘Bon Voyage’, safe cycling until we PRACTICE BICYCLE together again
Welcome to Annecy and your French Alps cycling vacation.
This afternoon remove the effects of your travels and start your Taste of the 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 Taste of the Alps great ride 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 to 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 on the Tour de France routes, your Taste of the Alps Col is one of these 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 Alp 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 Col on your Tastes of the Alps itinerary, allowing for plenty of time to enjoy 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.
Each of your challenging rides during your Womens French Alps Cycling Tour will be tailored specifically to your goals and your level of fitness, so every ride will be the best ride of your life.
The ‘Favourites of the French Alps’ itinerary offers an amazing selection of ride routes suitable for the experienced women cyclist. Offering a combination of amazing and challenging rides each day with distances ranging from between 65 km/40 mi to 125 km /77 mi.
With Bridget Evans and the Practice Bicycle Team riding these wonderful roads since 1998 the ride options are endless with this Womens French Alps cycling holiday. If Bridget’s ‘Favourites of the French Alps’ itinerary is a little to demanding, we also offer the more moderate challenge with the ‘Taste of the Alps’ itinerary with 65 km/40 mi to 75 km/47 mi ride distances each day.
Absolutely! Look for our ‘Rides Only’ package to get on this challenging womens cycling week without using our accommodation.
Arrange your own stay in the beautiful town of Annecy, which has a comprehensive selection of apartment accommodation available and come to the rides just like you would back home!
Each day you will join the Practice Bicycle Team at a central Annecy meeting point. Meet your ride leader and let the fun begin with a variety of challenging rides in the French Alps all from the one ideal location.
This cycling tour does not include vehicle support/transfers 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.
With Bridget and the team having over 20 years’ experience of riding the amazing network of French Alps cycling roads. Not only do we plan the perfect week of French Alps 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 Womens Lake Annecy Bike Tours
The Womens French Alps Tours have a selection of quality, 2*, 3* or 4* Hotels available to make your stay in the town of Annecy the perfect cycling week.
With all modern amenities within walking distance of your hotel the town of Annecy is also known as the ‘Baby Paris’ perfect for all your recovery and relaxation needs during your womens cycling tour.
Our Womens French Alps Cycling Tours are located in the ideal cycling destination and the the most beautiful place in France, the town of Annecy. 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.
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.
The Womens cycling tour routes are a pick of the best and some of Bridget’s favorite bike rides in the French Alps suitable for experienced women cyclist who wish to enjoy the challenge of cycling in the French Alps. Experience counts for everything in this amazing part of the cycling world with our itineraries designed, proven and tailored for your ultimate cycling holiday.
Take a look at the choice of detailed itineraries above for what is waiting for you.
Practice Bicycle 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!
‘Unpack Once, Cycle Everyday’
The one location bike tour experience is the brain child of Bridget Evans (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 was tiring, stressful and time consuming. With insufficient time to relax, enjoy and experience the place before it was time to move on again.
With a life spent discovering the very best locations to Practice Bicycle, including the discovery of endless ride options exploring in every direction from the one perfect location.
Experience the very best cycling of your life when you Unpack Once, Cycle Everyday!
Paul Hughes and Bridget Evans operate Practice Bicycle Tours and have significant experience at the highest levels of international cycling, with over 20 years riding on the roads of the French Alps ready to share with you.
This team has extensive coaching knowledge & experience of all cycling ability levels and age groups including teams at professional elite racing level. In addition Owner Bridget Evans a very accomplished bike rider in her own right offers a wealth of cycling knowledge acquired as a professional bike rider on the world tour for over 10 years competing in many prestigious international races with great success.
These unique skills ensure that each of your daily rides make for the perfect cycling in the French Alps experience.
For your added convenience we have quality carbon road bikes as an optional extra available to you with your Womens French Alps Cycling 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, Haibike carbon bikes are recent models with Shimano Ultegra or 105 componentry.