Raid Alpine (Lake Geneva to Nice)
- Epic six-day cycling challenge through the French Alps from Lake Geneva to Nice
- 770 km route from North to South with almost 18,000 m of ascent
- Climb infamous Alpine cols including Col de l’Iseran, Col du Galibier, Cime de la Bonette, and more
- Peerless support on the road from two expert and fun Marmot guides with their two customised support vans, focused on helping you achieve your goals
- Comfortable 2* and 3* hotels with local cuisine geared to cyclists
- Includes all evening meals (plus wine with dinner)
- An iconic road cycling challenge, with medals for successful finishers
Days on the bike
Quote
Loved it! This was my fifth trip with Marmot. You can’t be beaten so why bother to look anywhere else!
Introduction
The Raid Alpine (Lake Geneva to Nice) is a classic road cycling challenge through the French Alps over some of the most legendary Alpine climbs, including two of the highest passes in the Alps, the Cime de la Bonette and the Col de l'Iseran. The scenery shifts dramatically from quintessential Alpine meadows in the north to magnificent rocky gorges and Mediterranean landscapes in the south. One of the delights of cycling the Raid Alpine is exploring the hidden corners of the Alps and lesser known cols, as well as the more recognised climbs and passes. Whilst the daily distances and ascents over six consecutive days can be daunting, this is a suitable first raid for cyclists with previous experience of climbing in the mountains.
Since 2004 we've been supporting cyclists to achieve their goals in the mountains of Europe. You'll be supported by two expert Marmot guides (in our highly customised support vans) who are attentive and energetic, and whose aim is to make your holiday the best it can be. We are passionate about what we do, and we pride ourselves on our attention to detail. This may be a group holiday, but we treat every cyclist as an individual, from receiving your enquiry to the last moment of your holiday.
If you're interested in road cycling in the Alps but don't want to do a raid, then take a look at our flexible route, flexible pace Alpine cycling holidays: Alpine Classic Cols, Classic Cols of the Southern Alps, Northern French Alps, and our 3.5 day Alpine Highlights Minibreak. You can also read more about cycling in the Alps and our adventure supporting Cyclist’s Big Ride Summits and Switchbacks which you can find on our In the Press page. To find out more about what it takes to cycle a raid, as well as the history and format, you can read our blogs RAIDS: A complete guide. All you need to know and more! and also Your Qs and As on Raid Cycling Challenges . Finally, you could also head over to our You Tube channel and watch our Alpine Classic Cols video, where you'll see plenty of climbs and cols that you'll be tackling on the Raid Alpine.
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 detailed GPS route files provided
- 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
- 7 three-course evening meals, with wine, beer or soft drinks included
- Airport transfers on arrival and departure days at specified times
- Raid registration and carnet. Plus medal/certificate for successful finishers
- 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
- 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
The Raid route is a very challenging ride, and you need to be a fit and experienced road cyclist to enjoy and get the most out of this trip. You should look carefully at the daily stats of distance and climbing on the trip webpage to make sure this itinerary is right for you before you book. See our blog about Raids, and please get in touch if you’d like further guidance.
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 each night 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.
Despite endless perseverance from us, some hotels still struggle at times to accommodate specific diets. It is possible you’ll encounter some repetitive dishes across the week.
Timings
Your day will typically start with breakfast from 07:00. Your set-off time will vary according to your riding pace and will usually be between 07:45 and 08:45 - your guides will advise you on a departure time that works for you and for the support of the group as a whole. Lunch is typically served in restaurants and cafes from 12:00 to 14:00. Arrival time at the hotel at the end of the riding day is usually between 17:00 and 20:00, depending on riding pace as well as on the weather, and any unforeseen problems. Dinner is usually served at 19:30 (the guides will arrange a later dinner for anyone getting in after this time). Your guides may adjust these timings depending on the needs of the group or the weather conditions.
Lifts in the van
This trip is all about completing the cycling challenge! You are of course welcome to have a lift in our vans if you need one, for example if you’re injured or exhausted. A lift in the van (unless it is downhill in bad weather conditions) will invalidate your Raid completion.
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 Thonon-les-Bains, a journey of about 1 hr. Meet your guides, assemble your bike, gather with your fellow cyclists for a welcome briefing, enjoy a great dinner, and start getting psyched up for your challenge!
Day 1: Thonon-les-Bains to La Clusaz
Enjoy a gentle warm up from the shores of Lake Geneva before the first climb of the challenge, the diminutive Col des Moises (1118m). From here your route takes you through quiet pine forests over the foothills of the Alps. Along the way, you'll pass the stunning Col de Terramont (1080m), Col de Jambaz (1027m), and Col de la Ramaz (1557m) before taking on the classic Col de la Colombiere (1613m) towards the end of the day.
Thonon to La Clusaz : 118 KM with 3200m ascent [ride profile]
Day 2: La Clusaz to Sainte-Foy-Tarentaise
Today is a beautiful ride through some of the most famous and scenic areas of the Alps. Tick off the final few km of the Col des Aravis (1487m) before crossing into the Savoie region and taking on the Col de Saisies (1633m) with a fabulous descent to Beaufort, a town famous for its cheese. Next up is the testing Col du Pré (1740m), before crossing the dam to the comparatively gentle Cormet de Roselend (1968m). You are rewarded with fantastic views all afternoon, and an epic 26 km descent to Bourg-Saint-Maurice before gently climbing the final few km to our hotel in Sainte-Foy-Tarentaise.
La Clusaz to Sainte-Foy-Tarentaise : 109 KM with 3150m ascent [ride profile]
Day 3: Sainte-Foy-Tarentaise to Valloire
The mighty Col de l’Iseran (2770m) stands between you and your hotel tonight - a whopping 36 km climb that means your carnet stamp at the top is well earned! Enjoy a superb descent to Lanslebourg before climbing up onto the balcony road over the Côte d'Aussois (1519m). Your next stretch takes you to the foot of the Col du Télégraphe (1566m), one of the most recognised climbs in the Alps. With that ticked off, you head to the pretty mountain resort of Valloire for the night.
Sainte-Foy-Tarentaise to Valloire : 126 KM with 3060m ascent [ride profile]
Day 4: Valloire to Barcelonnette
Another fantastic day's riding packed with classic Alpine climbs, starting with the infamous giant, the Col du Galibier (2642) with its sting in the tail (10% average gradient for the last km). After the long descent into Briançon, we start the second big climb of the day, another epic 19 km climb to the Col d’Izoard (2361m) with its monuments to Fausto Coppi and Louison Bobet. Another exhilarating descent takes you to the base of the Col de Vars (2105m) with its gorgeous views of classic Alpine meadows. Following this relatively quiet and idyllic climb you enjoy a sublime 20 km descent and a final brief dash along the valley to our hotel in Barcelonnette. Tonight you can reflect on having travelled a very, very long way!!
Valloire to Barcelonnette : 155 KM with 3470m ascent [ride profile]
Day 5: Barcelonnette to Valberg
You warm up your legs this morning by retracing 9 km back along the valley to Jausiers. The town is nestled quietly at the base of today's main event and the highest paved road in Europe - the infamous Cime de la Bonette (2802m). It is a long but steady climb (23 km), and earns you an incredible 53 km descent to St-Sauveur-sur-Tinée. Just one more cliff-hugging climb to go: the Col de la Couillole (1678m), before you reach the iconic ski town of Valberg for a well-earned rest.
Barcelonnette to Valberg : 117 KM with 3130m ascent [ride profile]
Day 6: Valberg to Nice
You start today with a stunning descent through the Gorges du Cian, before climbing the Col de Saint-Raphaël (876m) and undulating across some fabulous countryside, which becomes drier and distinctly Mediterranean. The last main col of the Raid Alpine is the Col de Bleine (1439m) followed by a 27 km descent to St-Vallier-de-Thiey. There's just one more little hill to cross: the Col du Pilon (786m), before you arrive in suburban Côte d’Azur. Head to the coast and along to the final night's hotel for your celebratory glass of bubbles to toast each other on your epic achievement!
Valberg to Nice : 160 KM with 2000m ascent [ride profile]
Day 7: Departure day
You may be sad to leave the Alops, but legs will be thankful that it's hometime! Our included transfers to Nice Airport (NCE) take just 10 min. We use the hotel's airport shuttle service which runs from 6 am.
✓ Included in your Holiday cost:
- 6 days of stunning cycling, with detailed GPS route files provided
- 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
- 7 three-course evening meals, with wine, beer or soft drinks included
- Airport transfers on arrival and departure days at specified times
- Raid registration and carnet. Plus medal/certificate for successful finishers
- 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
- 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
The Raid route is a very challenging ride, and you need to be a fit and experienced road cyclist to enjoy and get the most out of this trip. You should look carefully at the daily stats of distance and climbing on the trip webpage to make sure this itinerary is right for you before you book. See our blog about Raids, and please get in touch if you’d like further guidance.
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 each night 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.
Despite endless perseverance from us, some hotels still struggle at times to accommodate specific diets. It is possible you’ll encounter some repetitive dishes across the week.
Timings
Your day will typically start with breakfast from 07:00. Your set-off time will vary according to your riding pace and will usually be between 07:45 and 08:45 - your guides will advise you on a departure time that works for you and for the support of the group as a whole. Lunch is typically served in restaurants and cafes from 12:00 to 14:00. Arrival time at the hotel at the end of the riding day is usually between 17:00 and 20:00, depending on riding pace as well as on the weather, and any unforeseen problems. Dinner is usually served at 19:30 (the guides will arrange a later dinner for anyone getting in after this time). Your guides may adjust these timings depending on the needs of the group or the weather conditions.
Lifts in the van
This trip is all about completing the cycling challenge! You are of course welcome to have a lift in our vans if you need one, for example if you’re injured or exhausted. A lift in the van (unless it is downhill in bad weather conditions) will invalidate your Raid completion.
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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![[ride profile]](https://marmot-tours.co.uk/storage/media/images/general/rfi-d2-25-aravis-saisies-col-du-pre-cormet-roselend-raid-alpine-67ed62c2d3d91.gif){kind=link}
![[ride profile]](https://marmot-tours.co.uk/storage/media/images/general/rfi-d3-26-iseran-aussois-telegraphe-raid-alpine-mnuhrk7d-2wpyo-69da69241aa74.gif){kind=link}
![[ride profile]](https://marmot-tours.co.uk/storage/media/images/general/galibier-izoard-vars-raid-alpine-rfi-d4-ch-26-mt-moni4chg-zncxr-69f52d18e0c69.gif){kind=link}
![[ride profile]](https://marmot-tours.co.uk/storage/media/images/general/cime-bonnette-couillole-raid-alpine-rfi-d5-ch-26-mt-moni3p19-vpez3-69f52cfb3dca4.gif){kind=link}
![[ride profile]](https://marmot-tours.co.uk/storage/media/images/general/rfi-d6-25-saint-raphael-bleine-pilon-nice-raid-alpine-67ed62c3c79a0.gif){kind=link}