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Bienvenue! Our trip starts in the chic mountain village of Megeve, a cyclist’s dream spot as the town is surrounded by famous passes. The town hosted two stages of the 2016 Tour de France.  Our trip begins with a recon ride of the Col des Aravis, offering spectacular views of the Chaines des Aravis mountains. Chef Christophe Cote welcomes us with his refined alpine cuisine in the plush setting of our hotel restaurant.

Ride distance: 25 miles Overnight: Megeve/Hotel Lodge Park

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The Col de Croix Fry is a hefty introduction into what the French Alps are all about. 12 kilometers at 7% grade.  The climb has appeared in the Tour de France 4 times, first in 1994 and the most recent in 2013. The benefit to this climb? The stunning views of the Aravis mountains and the charming village of Manigod.

Ride distance: 35 or 55 miles Overnight: Megeve/Hotel Lodge Park

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The Col de Colombiere slices through the Aravis mountains, making its claim as one of the most demanding in this region. The pass has been crossed 20 times in the Tour de France, six of those up the 16.3 km ascent we climb.  32 year old chef Julian Gatillon welcomes us to his restaurant Le 1920, a staple in the Rothschild empire that began when they founded the village.

Ride distance: 40 or 60 miles Overnight: Megeve/Hotel Lodge Park

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The Cormet de Roselend is one of the most scenic routes in the Alps. The 20 km climb from the village of Beaufort has featured 9 times in the Tour de France, including 1992 on stage 13- the day of Italian climber Claudio Chiappucci’s 192 kilometer solo ride to Sestrieres.  Our ride finishes as Stephane Vandenville welcomes us at his oasis of tranquility, Chateau des Allues.

Ride distance: 55 or 75 miles Overnight: St. Pierre d’Albigny/Chateau des Allues

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In 1952, Fausto Coppi won the first ever mountain top finish in the Tour de France at l’Alpe d’Huez. Coppi, with his panache and modern day superhero antics, single-handedly ushered cycling into the modern era.  Since 1976, the Alpe has been part of cycling lore, its conquerors honored on each of its legendary 21 switchbacks. Its not the most scenic nor the most difficult, but its fame is hard to argue.

Ride distance: Multiple options Overnight: St. Pierre d’Albigny/Chateau des Allues

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Perhaps the most daunting climb in the Alps, the duo of the Col duTelegraphe and Col du Galibier ascends for 35.5 kilometers and takes one to the rooftop of the Alps. Along the way, visions of the greatest feats on two wheels occupy your mind- the legends of Coppi, Gaul, Bahamontes, Ocana and Merckx- a route that is often shrouded in mist, clouds, snow and drama.

Ride distance: 55 miles Overnight: St. Pierre d’Albigny/Chateau des Allues

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The Col du Glandon is one of the most scenic-and challenging- climbs in the Alps. Never the bride and always the bridesmaid, the climb is often overshadowed by its neighbor, the Col de la Croix de Fer. The 21 km ascent averages 6.9%. First used in the Tour de France in 1947 and then not again until 1977, the only rider to lead over the Glandon and win the stage was Steven Rooks in 1988 at l’Alpe d’Huez.

Ride distance: 35 or 60 miles Overnight: St. Pierre d’Albigny/Chateau des Allues

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The Col de la Madeleine is our final ascent.  A wickedly deceptive climb, the 20 km Madeleine hides itself in the forest below St. Francois Longchamps ski station, before the final 7 kilometers, of which no portion of the road nor the top is visible. A mighty climb, the final reward is a rapid descent and final leg to Albertville.

Ride distance: 40 or 65 miles Overnight: Talloires/Auberge de Pere Bise

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Au Revoir! Tired yet fulfilled, its a week of riding for the record books. 8 days, 10 climbs, countless stages of the Tour de France whisking through our minds as we chased the ghosts of our beloved sport.  A perfect day for traveling home or recovering in the old center of Geneva.  Wherever you need to get to for your departure or overnight, we’ll get you there.