Alpine Classic Cols
- Cycle the classic climbs of the French Alps! Discover stunning mountain scenery on this fabulous full-support cycling tour
- Climb legendary Tour de France Alpine cols: Col de l'Iseran, Col du Télégraphe, Col du Galibier, Alpe d’Huez, Lacets de Montvernier and more!
- Flexible itinerary to suit mixed ability groups; optional extra climbs each day for those looking for more of a challenge
- Comfortable and friendly 2* and 3* hotels with local cuisine geared to cyclists
- Exceptional support from two customised support vans and two expert, proactive and fun guides, focused on making your holiday the best it can be
Days on the bike
Quote
From start to finish it was excellent. The best cycling trip I have done, and the best value for money. I will be back next year.
Introduction
This road cycling holiday in the French Alps has been carefully crafted so you can cycle the most scenic and challenging cols of the Tour de France. You'll experience the best cycling that this world-class mountain range has to offer on our comprehensive circular route. You'll cycle all the classic climbs of le Tour: Cormet de Roselend, Col de l'Iseran, Col du Télégraphe, Col du Galibier, Alpe d'Huez, Col de la Croix-de-Fer and Col de la Madeleine, as well as other magnificent climbs that we've included in this incredible itinerary.
With two to three route options daily, our 'Classic' route starts as gently as the Alps allow, gradually cranking up the daily altitude gain from 1200 to 2100 m throughout the week. Each day there are optional extra climbs on our 'Challenge' route which increases the possible daily ascent to over 2600 m. Due to the variety of routes to choose from each day, this road cycling holiday is ideal for mixed-ability pairs and groups. With a typical group size of around 20, we find that smaller groups tend to form, comprised of riders with similar pace and aspirations to each other.
While this is a group holiday, our guides are experts in helping you achieve your goals as an individual. With our two customised support vehicles, they work tirelessly to help you have the best possible cycling experience - one that you'll never forget!
To get a flavour of this trip, you can head to our You Tube channel to watch our Alpine Classic Cols video. You can also watch our breathtaking drone footage of the Lacets du Montvernier. If you're interested in other cycling holidays in the Alps, check out our other itineraries Classic Cols of the Southern Alps and Northern French Alps, both equally spectacular!
For the latest travel advice from the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, including security and local laws, plus passport and visa information, check www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice
✓ Included in your Holiday cost:
- 6 days of stunning cycling with route options daily
- Detailed GPS route files provided for all route options
- On-the-road support from two friendly and knowledgable guides both in customised support vehicles
- Water and unlimited snacks (fruit, cake, nuts, snack bars etc) at support stops
- 7 nights twin-share hotel accommodation including breakfasts
- 6 three-course evening meals, with wine, beer or soft drinks included
- Airport transfers on arrival and departure days at specified times
- Our photos of you and your holiday, shared with you after the trip
- Tips paid to evening meal restaurant staff on behalf of the group
- Your money financially protected by ABTOT
- Added consumer confidence and support via our ABTA membership
+ Optional extras subject to availability for a supplementary cost:
- BOOKED IN ADVANCE: Your own single-occupancy hotel room for the whole trip
- BOOKED IN ADVANCE: Hire bike - titanium frame with hi spec components, safety checked by your guides each day
- ON-TRIP: Spare bike tyres, tubes and components in case you need them in an emergency
- ON-TRIP: CO2 canisters to borrow (and pay for if you use them)
- Marmot Tours x Stolen Goat cycling kit available exclusively from our online shop
×Not included in your Holiday cost:
- Flights to and from the destination airport
- Insurance for you and your own bike. See FAQs for detail
- Spending money for lunches and cafe drinks during the day. We encourage you to support local businesses
- Dinner on one night in St Jean de Maurienne, so that you are free to explore the local restaurants
- Tips for your guides
- Energy gels, powders, or recovery drinks/snacks (please bring your personal favourites with you)
- Spare parts specific to your own bike, definitely bring your own spare hanger! See Essential Info
- GPS navigation device and handlebar mount
- Bike lights (whether hiring or bringing your own bike)
- HIRING A BIKE: Bring your own pedals (saddles are provided but we recommend you bring your own to be comfortable)
Weather
We hope you’ll have sunshine and perfect cycling temperatures during your holiday, but obviously it’s the one aspect of your trip over which we have no control! Weather in the mountains can be highly changeable, and sometimes extreme. You’re likely to encounter a range of conditions and temperatures during your trip. You should bring warm and waterproof layers to protect you from the cold and rain. This is particularly important for the long descents that you’ll encounter on this trip.
Fitness
Our Classic, flexible-pace holiday itineraries offer a lot of flexibility, with a Classic and a Challenge route available each day (and sometimes an additional easier route too - see the trip description on the webpage for details of the route options available each day). Have a look at the daily stats of distance and climbing on the trip webpage. Although we move on most days, the distance and altitude gain between hotels are manageable for most people who road-cycle regularly.
Hotels
We stay in comfortable 2* and 3* hotels with ensuite facilities.
We have selected the hotels for their location and for their customer service towards cyclists. You will be sharing a twin room with another client (of the same gender) unless you book a single room for a supplement (contact [email protected] for availability). Each hotel has a garage/locked room to ensure that your bike has a comfortable night too.
All the hotels have WiFi but it is not always reliable! Some only have WiFi in reception as opposed to in individual rooms. Also, WiFi can be slower in the evenings when many riders choose to upload their routes to Strava, stretching the bandwidth.
We move on most nights of this trip, so opportunities to use hotel laundry facilities (where they exist) are limited. However, we can help dry your hand-washed kit, so consider bringing some hand-wash detergent with you.
Dietary requirements
The hotels and restaurants we use can cater for most dietary needs and allergies if we know what these are well in advance. Each day, your guides will also double-check with the kitchen, to ensure they have something suitable planned for you. You can let us know about any special dietary requirements on the booking form or via email. Please note that we request you stick to your dietary preference for the entire trip, as it’s very complicated for the hotels (and guides) if an individual has dietary requirements for some meals and not for others.
Timings
Your day will usually start with breakfast from around 08:00 with set off time at around 09:00 to 09:30. Lunch is typically served in restaurants and cafes from 12:00 to 14:00. Depending on which route you choose each day, you’ll be back at the hotel any time between 14:00 and 18:00. Dinner is usually served at 19:30. Your guides may occasionally need to adjust these timings depending on the needs of the group or the weather conditions.
Lifts in the van
Our holidays are cycling holidays (with an emphasis on cycling!), but you are welcome to have a lift in our vans during the day if you need one, for example if you’re injured, exhausted, or unsure about riding in challenging weather conditions. If you become ill or injured and are not planning to ride for the whole day (or if you would just like a day off the bike!), then we will normally recommend that you take a taxi directly to the next hotel. This will give you the maximum possible time to rest and recover at the hotel, or to enjoy other activities off the bike.
Carbon Wheels
If you have rim brakes on your carbon wheels then we definitely do NOT recommend you bring them on this holiday - this is because we have witnessed several cases of sudden and catastrophic delamination of these wheels on descents. Take a look at our blog about this issue.
Bike spares
If you’re bringing your own bike, then please also bring:
-
bike lights
-
a pump
-
tyre levers
-
inner tubes
-
brake pads
-
a chain link
-
a spare rear derailleur hanger.
Tools for bike assembly are not required as Marmot Tours has them available for you to use on arrival (including a torque wrench).
See FAQS for more detail.
Travel documents
If you are a non-EU national, to enter the EU you will need a passport issued within the last 10 years, that is also valid for at least 3 months after the date you intend to leave the EU.
Residents of many countries can enter the EU for short stays without a visa. From 2027, all non-EU visitors to the EU will require an ETIAS electronic travel authorisation.
Travel insurance is essential for all Marmot Tours holidays and anyone without insurance is not able to take part in the tour.
Departure Dates & Prices
We are pleased to offer some tempting discounts off the basic trip cost (not including extras such as single rooms or bike hire):
- Book & pay your deposit more than 6 months in advance of the start of your holiday for our 5% early bookers discount
- Get a group of 10+ people together for a 7.5% group discount and, as the group organiser, receive a £150 voucher for your next holiday
- Be rewarded for your loyalty by receiving a 10% discount from your third Marmot Tours road cycling holiday onwards
Please note that there is a maximum 10% discount on any holiday.
Map
Itinerary
Day 0: Arrival day
We offer included transfers from Geneva Airport (GVA) to our start hotel in Albertville, a journey of around 1 hr 30 min. Meet your guides, assemble your bike, gather with your fellow riders for a welcome briefing and enjoy a great dinner.
Day 1: Albertville to Bourg-Saint-Maurice
Let's go! We leave Albertville following the river Doron to the beautiful market town of Beaufort for a coffee stop. The road then changes tempo and you climb up through the forest to the stunning Lac de Roselend and a well-positioned restaurant for lunch.
The final 7 km of the climb to the Cormet de Roselend (1967m) is a wonderful showcase of classic Alpine scenery. From here you descend to Bourg-St Maurice and our hotel. Those keen for more can take on the legendary Col de Petit St Bernard (2188m) - a fabulous climb but there's nothing 'petit' about it!
Classic : 62 KM with 1650m ascent [ride profile]
Challenge : 124 KM with 3000m ascent [ride profile]
Day 2: Bourg-Saint-Maurice to Lanslebourg-Mont-Cenis
Today you take on the immense climb of the Col de l'Iseran (2764m), the second highest surfaced col in Europe. Initially, you'll ride on a fairly busy road but the cars soon give way to marmots, wild flowers, and far-reaching views.
What goes up must come down and the 30 km descent to Lanslevillard is truly magnificent - and well deserved!
For those wanting extra climbing, there are the options of making a detour up to the stage ending of Tignes/Val Claret (2007m) in the morning, or heading up to the cafe on the top of Col du Mont-Cenis (2083m) at the end of the day. Tonight we stay in the ski resort of Lanslebourg-Mont-Cenis.
Classic : 83 KM with 1995m ascent [ride profile]
Harder : 100 KM with 2615m ascent [ride profile]
Challenge : 114 KM with 3030m ascent [ride profile]
Day 3: Lanslebourg-Mont-Cenis to La Grave
Today you find out why French cyclists call the Col du Galibier the 'Giant of the Northern Alps'! A run down the valley takes us to the steady climb of the Col du Télégraphe (1568m) before enjoying a short descent to the ski town of Valloire. From here you commence 22 km of climbing through astonishingly beautiful terrain, to the Col du Galibier (2646m).
You'll be thankful that it's downhill for the rest of the day to our hotel in the charming resort of La Grave.
As for optional extra climbs, the first, early in the day, is up to the ski resort of Valmeinier (1800m) while the second is to do the 'Galibier double', and climb the Col du Galibier (2646m) from the south side as well - it is the 'Challenge' route after all!
Classic : 96 KM with 2090m ascent [ride profile]
Harder : 109 KM with 2525m ascent [ride profile]
Challenge : 127 KM with 3260m ascent [ride profile]
Day 4: La Grave to L'Alpe d'Huez
Today starts with a long and very scenic descent to Bourg d'Oisans, at the base of the mountain beneath Alpe d'Huez (1845m). Since 1952, this iconic climb has featured in the Tour de France multiple times, and is the grand finale of the La Marmotte cyclosportive. Despite its 21 relentless hairpin bends, it is not the longest climb on this tour and you may well be done and dusted by lunchtime! This leaves you free to spend the afternoon soaking up the sun and atmosphere in L'Alpe d'Huez or enjoying a bit of retail therapy in the many bike shops in town.
Naturally, there are more cycling options, both involving the picturesque Col de Sarenne, which is surrounded by high pastures with spectacular views over the Ecrens National Park. The Col de Sarenne (1999m) from the west is a very pleasant undulating ride. Meanwhile, our Challenge route takes on the Col de Sarenne (1999m) from the eastern and much steeper side. Although steep, this is a spectacular loop involving a narrow balcony road to get back up to the start of the climb by the Lac du Chambon, and it'll be a highlight of your cycling holiday.
Classic : 43 KM with 1180m ascent [ride profile]
Harder : 61 KM with 1535m ascent [ride profile]
Challenge : 92 KM with 2800m ascent [ride profile]
Day 5: L'Alpe d'Huez to St Jean de Maurienne
Descending from l'Alpe d'Huez, you traverse the Oisans valley, winding your way down a balcony road to the start of the climb to the Col de la Croix-de-Fer (2067m). The gradients of this long and interesting climb are generally kind, except for a few really mean sections! After a well-earned lunch on the col, you descend to St Jean de Maurienne where we stay the night.
As always, there are options for those wanting more this afternoon! Firstly, a detour up to the remote and beautiful Col du Mollard (1630m) and secondly the much-feared Tour de France stage ending of La Toussuire (1705m)!
**Dinner tonight is not included. There are a number of lovely, smaller restaurants in town for you to choose from.**
Classic : 74 KM with 1550m ascent [ride profile]
Harder : 83 KM with 1950m ascent [ride profile]
Challenge : 117 KM with 3100m ascent [ride profile]
Day 6: St Jean de Maurienne to Albertville
It may not be the longest or the highest but the Col de la Madeleine (2000m) is a cheekily steep climb, with the average gradient hovering around 8 or 9% for most of the 19 km! The col itself is a fitting finale to our tour with an amazing view of Mt Blanc to the north and the climbs you have conquered to the south. Linger as long as you like over lunch on the col, as once over the other side, you'll free-wheel down to Albertville, where it all began six fabulous days ago!
Today's optional extra is another Tour de France classic, thanks to its beautifully engineered hairpin bends: the Lacets de Montvernier. It leads you on to the beautiful Col du Chaussy (1533m) and then neatly back to the Classic route.
Classic : 76 KM with 1550m ascent [ride profile]
Harder : 84 KM with 1840m ascent [ride profile]
Challenge : 88 KM with 2200m ascent [ride profile]
Day 7: Departure day
Sadly, it's the end of your tour, and time to head home. We guarantee that your memories of an amazing week will last a lifetime! We offer included transfers from Albertville back to Geneva Airport (GVA) at set times.
✓ Included in your Holiday cost:
- 6 days of stunning cycling with route options daily
- Detailed GPS route files provided for all route options
- On-the-road support from two friendly and knowledgable guides both in customised support vehicles
- Water and unlimited snacks (fruit, cake, nuts, snack bars etc) at support stops
- 7 nights twin-share hotel accommodation including breakfasts
- 6 three-course evening meals, with wine, beer or soft drinks included
- Airport transfers on arrival and departure days at specified times
- Our photos of you and your holiday, shared with you after the trip
- Tips paid to evening meal restaurant staff on behalf of the group
- Your money financially protected by ABTOT
- Added consumer confidence and support via our ABTA membership
+ Optional extras subject to availability for a supplementary cost:
- BOOKED IN ADVANCE: Your own single-occupancy hotel room for the whole trip
- BOOKED IN ADVANCE: Hire bike - titanium frame with hi spec components, safety checked by your guides each day
- ON-TRIP: Spare bike tyres, tubes and components in case you need them in an emergency
- ON-TRIP: CO2 canisters to borrow (and pay for if you use them)
- Marmot Tours x Stolen Goat cycling kit available exclusively from our online shop
×Not included in your Holiday cost:
- Flights to and from the destination airport
- Insurance for you and your own bike. See FAQs for detail
- Spending money for lunches and cafe drinks during the day. We encourage you to support local businesses
- Dinner on one night in St Jean de Maurienne, so that you are free to explore the local restaurants
- Tips for your guides
- Energy gels, powders, or recovery drinks/snacks (please bring your personal favourites with you)
- Spare parts specific to your own bike, definitely bring your own spare hanger! See Essential Info
- GPS navigation device and handlebar mount
- Bike lights (whether hiring or bringing your own bike)
- HIRING A BIKE: Bring your own pedals (saddles are provided but we recommend you bring your own to be comfortable)
Weather
We hope you’ll have sunshine and perfect cycling temperatures during your holiday, but obviously it’s the one aspect of your trip over which we have no control! Weather in the mountains can be highly changeable, and sometimes extreme. You’re likely to encounter a range of conditions and temperatures during your trip. You should bring warm and waterproof layers to protect you from the cold and rain. This is particularly important for the long descents that you’ll encounter on this trip.
Fitness
Our Classic, flexible-pace holiday itineraries offer a lot of flexibility, with a Classic and a Challenge route available each day (and sometimes an additional easier route too - see the trip description on the webpage for details of the route options available each day). Have a look at the daily stats of distance and climbing on the trip webpage. Although we move on most days, the distance and altitude gain between hotels are manageable for most people who road-cycle regularly.
Hotels
We stay in comfortable 2* and 3* hotels with ensuite facilities.
We have selected the hotels for their location and for their customer service towards cyclists. You will be sharing a twin room with another client (of the same gender) unless you book a single room for a supplement (contact [email protected] for availability). Each hotel has a garage/locked room to ensure that your bike has a comfortable night too.
All the hotels have WiFi but it is not always reliable! Some only have WiFi in reception as opposed to in individual rooms. Also, WiFi can be slower in the evenings when many riders choose to upload their routes to Strava, stretching the bandwidth.
We move on most nights of this trip, so opportunities to use hotel laundry facilities (where they exist) are limited. However, we can help dry your hand-washed kit, so consider bringing some hand-wash detergent with you.
Dietary requirements
The hotels and restaurants we use can cater for most dietary needs and allergies if we know what these are well in advance. Each day, your guides will also double-check with the kitchen, to ensure they have something suitable planned for you. You can let us know about any special dietary requirements on the booking form or via email. Please note that we request you stick to your dietary preference for the entire trip, as it’s very complicated for the hotels (and guides) if an individual has dietary requirements for some meals and not for others.
Timings
Your day will usually start with breakfast from around 08:00 with set off time at around 09:00 to 09:30. Lunch is typically served in restaurants and cafes from 12:00 to 14:00. Depending on which route you choose each day, you’ll be back at the hotel any time between 14:00 and 18:00. Dinner is usually served at 19:30. Your guides may occasionally need to adjust these timings depending on the needs of the group or the weather conditions.
Lifts in the van
Our holidays are cycling holidays (with an emphasis on cycling!), but you are welcome to have a lift in our vans during the day if you need one, for example if you’re injured, exhausted, or unsure about riding in challenging weather conditions. If you become ill or injured and are not planning to ride for the whole day (or if you would just like a day off the bike!), then we will normally recommend that you take a taxi directly to the next hotel. This will give you the maximum possible time to rest and recover at the hotel, or to enjoy other activities off the bike.
Carbon Wheels
If you have rim brakes on your carbon wheels then we definitely do NOT recommend you bring them on this holiday - this is because we have witnessed several cases of sudden and catastrophic delamination of these wheels on descents. Take a look at our blog about this issue.
Bike spares
If you’re bringing your own bike, then please also bring:
-
bike lights
-
a pump
-
tyre levers
-
inner tubes
-
brake pads
-
a chain link
-
a spare rear derailleur hanger.
Tools for bike assembly are not required as Marmot Tours has them available for you to use on arrival (including a torque wrench).
See FAQS for more detail.
Travel documents
If you are a non-EU national, to enter the EU you will need a passport issued within the last 10 years, that is also valid for at least 3 months after the date you intend to leave the EU.
Residents of many countries can enter the EU for short stays without a visa. From 2027, all non-EU visitors to the EU will require an ETIAS electronic travel authorisation.
Travel insurance is essential for all Marmot Tours holidays and anyone without insurance is not able to take part in the tour.
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