cycling route in FRANCE, 6 days 5 nights

We will travel from Barcelona to Bourg d’Oisans on scenic routes through the Pyrenees and the French Alps. We will cross the Garrotxa Volcanic Zone Natural Park, crossing valleys and volcanic landscapes, with rich dark soils and lush vegetation. Immense corridors between spectacular rock formations.

After crossing a charming Pyrenean village, we descend into the Alps, where our camp awaits us in an idyllic alpine valley. We will have dinner by a crystal clear lake and sleep under the stars in this exclusive place.

75 km / 2,460 m ascent. Without the climb to Deux Alpes: 56 km / 1,860 m ascent.

We start from Alpe d’Huez to Deux Alpes, riding through some of the most spectacular scenery in the French Alps. The route begins with the iconic ascent of the 21 hairpin bends of Alpe d’Huez, famous for their panoramic views of alpine valleys and snow-capped peaks. At each bend, signs remind us of the Tour de France champions who have conquered this stage since 1952, starting with Fausto Coppi.

Legend has it that whoever leads at Alpe d’Huez keeps the yellow jersey until Paris, and many of the most memorable stories of the Tour de France have been written on these 21 bends. With an elevation gain of 1073 meters over 13 kilometers and an average gradient of 8%, the first 3 kilometers are especially challenging and require a good dose of encouragement.

Once we reach the top, we enter mountainous landscapes with green meadows and majestic rock formations. The descent is via La Sarenne, long known as the “hidden face” of this legendary pass. On the way back towards Bourg d’Oisans, we offer an additional option: the ascent to Les Deux Alpes. This 10-kilometer climb, with an average gradient of 6%, leads us to the winter resort.

110 km / 3,610 m elevation gain. Short option reducing km on the ascent to La Madeleine.

Let’s get ready for an epic day starting from Feissons-Sur-Isère towards the legendary alpine passes of La Madeleine, Croix de Fer and Glandon.

The challenge begins with the ascent of the Col de la Madeleine, classified as a special category, from both slopes: La Chambre and Isere. From Feissons, 25 km await us to overcome the 1573 meters of elevation gain, with an average gradient slightly above 6%.

After conquering La Madeleine, we will enjoy a dizzying 21 km descent to La Chambre before facing the imposing Col de Glandon and Croix de Fer. The ascent of the Glandon covers 22 km and a vertical drop of 1474 meters with an average of 7%. From this height, the views of the majestic Montblanc massif are simply spectacular. We continue to the Col de la Croix de Fer, adding 2.5 km more at 6.5%, reaching an altitude of 2067 meters.

After a short descent to the Glandon, a long and exciting 36 km descent to Bourg d’Oisans awaits us, with a small 100 meter climb on the route.

106 km / 3,470 m ascent. Without the Col de Granon: 86 km / 2,512 m ascent. Without the Granon and the Galibier: 69 km / 1,969 m ascent.

An exciting third stage awaits us from Bourg d’Oisans to Briançon, exploring one of the giants of the Alps: the Col du Galibier. We start our ride towards Briançon, moving towards this historic town.

We start by crossing the impressive Chambon Dam, illuminated by four tunnels (and remember that we must also bring our own lighting). We continue on to La Grave, recognized as one of the most picturesque villages in France, before tackling the ascent of the Col de Lautaret (2058 meters), the stepping stone to the Galibier, located 8 km away.

The final kilometers to the Col du Galibier immerse us in a high mountain atmosphere, with sublime scenery offering panoramic views of surrounding valleys and peaks. This pass, immortalized by the creator of the Tour de France, is described as if nature had created it especially for the race.

From the top of the Galibier, we descend back down to the Col de Lautaret and continue towards Briançon. In the middle of the descent, we find an additional option: the Col de Granon, an 11 km climb from Saint Chaffrey with an average gradient of 9%, including ramps reaching 12% to 15%.

For the more daring who accept the challenge of the Granon, they will be rewarded with an exciting descent of about 20 km to Briançon. Throughout the entire stage, we will cycle close to the borders of the Parc National des Écrins, with breathtaking views to our right.

130 km / 2,910 m ascent. Without the Refuge du Pré Madame: 93 km / 2,117 m ascent.
Our last stage takes us to the impressive Col d’Izoard, part of the Tour des Écrins. From Briançon, we ascend 19 km to the Izoard with gentle slopes at the beginning and a more demanding section near Le Laus, with an average of 9%. The summit gives us spectacular views and the descent takes us to Guillestre through the gorges of Le Roy.

We then explore secondary roads to the Refuge du Pré Madame Carle, in the Parc National des Écrins. From La Besse Basse, we ascend 24 km with moderate slopes to the 2060 mt elevation.