Cycling the Route des Grandes Alpes

Cycle the Route des Grandes Alpes and take on one of the great challenges of European road cycling, a 720km (447-mile) journey from the southern shore of Lake Geneva to the Mediterranean coast at Nice, crossing 17 major alpine passes through the Vanoise, Écrins, and Mercantour national parks. Entirely on road and demanding throughout, this is a serious cycling adventure for well-prepared riders with experience of mountain roads.

Suitable for experienced long-distance cyclists, this trusted Cicerone guidebook by cycling writer Giles Belbin describes the full route in 14 stages of 31–75km (20–46 miles), completable in 1–2 weeks. Six route variants are also described for those who want to adjust the itinerary, and with plenty of eBike charging points along the way, the route is increasingly well-suited to electric bikes.

• Cycle the Route des Grandes Alpes in 14 stages from Thonon-les-Bains on Lake Geneva to Nice on the Mediterranean, passing through the Vanoise, Écrins, and Mercantour national parks and overnight stops including Bourg-Saint-Maurice, Val d'Isère, Briançon, and Saint-Martin-Vésubie.
• Conquer 17 major alpine climbs along the route, including the Col de l'Iseran, the highest paved pass in the Alps, the legendary Col du Galibier and Col d'Izoard, the Cime de la Bonette, the Col de la Cayolle, and the Col de Turini above the French Riviera.
• Choose from 6 route variants to adapt the itinerary to your schedule, fitness, and preferences, with alternatives described for stages across the Savoie, the Queyras, and the approach to the Mercantour.
• Navigate with confidence using 1:150,000 mapping and elevation profiles included for each stage, alongside GPX files available to download for the full route and all variants.
• Plan your Route des Grandes Alpes cycling trip with comprehensive practical information on bike selection and preparation, eBike riding and charging stations, accommodation, food and drink, getting there, and safety and emergencies in the mountains.
• Discover the highlights beyond the cols, including the medieval town of Briançon, the Guil Valley, the Grande Corniche, the lakeside town of Annecy, the dramatic Casse Déserte below the Col d'Izoard, and the final descent to the French Riviera at Nice.

Take on the Route des Grandes Alpes with confidence using this trusted Cicerone guidebook. From the shores of Lake Geneva to the warmth of the Mediterranean, this is the essential companion for one of the most demanding and rewarding long-distance cycle routes in the Alps.