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Raid Alps Cycling Tour
Climb mythical cols of the Tour de France such as the Izoard, Glandon, and the most eminent, Alpe d’Huez
Embark on the Raid Alps and experience cycling legend firsthand. Conquer the famed cols of the Tour de France, including the iconic Galibier, Glandon, and the legendary Alpe d’Huez. This exhilarating cycling challenge spans from Thonon-les-Bains to Nice, offering six days of intense riding through the breathtaking Alpine landscape, covering a total of 750 kilometers on some of the world’s most storied routes. With every detail expertly managed by the team at Échappée Cycling Tours, you can focus fully on what truly matters: immersing yourself in the unforgettable experience of a premier cycling holiday in the Alps.
Difficulty: 5/5
Upcoming Tours:
7-14 September 2025
If you want us to organize at a different time, please e-mail x.lopez@echappee-cycling-tours.com
Itinerary Overview
Day 1
Arrival in Bonne, customized pick up at your arrival location can be arranged. Introduction to the Echappée Cycling Tours staff, go over the schedule, route, safety as you complete the Echappée Cycling Tours, and respond to any questions left unanswered. Gift bags that include an Echappee Cycling Tours cycling jersey, water bottles and road book will be distributed to each guest, and for those who have chosen to rent a bike from Bike Basque, we will assist in setting it up to your specs.
Hotel: Baud****
Day 2
Bonne – Praz sur Arly – 80 km – 2 000m D+
After yesterday’s verbal introduction to your Raid Alps cycling challenge, today, you will enter straight into cycling folklore as you confront the first mythical climb of this trip, the Col de la Colombiere, steep in its second part. Then the rolling ascension of the Col des Avaris will bring your first day in the Alps to a close.
Difficulties:
-Col de la Colombiere (15 km at 7.2%)
-Col des Aravis (7 km at 6.2 %)
Hotel: La Griyotire***
Day 3
Praz sur Arly – Brides-les-Bains – 121 km – 2 600m D+
The Col des Saisies is a great first climb to warm you up for the day’s challenges. It has a good road surface and is long enough to prepare you for the Cormet de Roselend, one of the longer climbs in the Alps. As you pedal along near the top, you will have the chance to admire the fantastic Lake de Roselend, located at approximately 1,600 m of altitude.
Difficulties:
-Col des Saisies (13.4 km at 5.1 %)
-Cormet de Roselend (20 km at 6 %)
Hotel: Le Chalet***
Day 4
Brides-les-Bains – Allemont – 118 km – 3 400m D+
The longest, and most likely, the hardest day of riding of this Raid Alps cycling adventure, you will be pedaling a minimum of 118 km, with 45 kilometers of that total distance dedicated to climbing
Difficulties:
-Col de la Madeleine (25 km at 6 %)
-Col du Glandon (19.5 km at 7.3 %)
Hotel: La Douce Montagne***
Day 5
Allemont – Briançon – 120 km – 3 100m D+
Today’s ride is positively the most legendary of your entire Raid Alps cycling challenge. You will be climbing the 21 famous switchbacks of Alpe d’Huez and you will tackle the Lautaret taking you to the Glandon. Tonight, you will definitely deserve a hearty dinner and good night’s rest!
Difficulties:
-Alpe d’Huez (13.8 km at 7.9 %)
-Col du Lautaret (19.2 km at 4.7 %)
-Col du Galibier (8,6km at 6,7%)
Hotel: Le Vauban***
Day 6
Briançon – Barcelonnette – 113 km – 2 700m D+
The day begins the Izoard and its “Casse Déserte”, a daunting and barren landscape that takes over in the final kilometers of this demanding climb, the day then concludes with the sporadic percent grades of the Col de Vars, so get ready for a few steep sections as you make your way to the top.
Difficulties:
-Col d’Izoard (14 km at 7.3 %)
-Col de Vars (19.1 km at 5.5 %)
Hotel: Azteca***
Day 7
Barcelonnette – Nice – 171 km – 2 500m D+
Welcome to the last day of your Raid Alps adventure. The Mediterranean climate of the Var region means more arid terrain as we pedal along the Med. You will confront one of the highest-paved roads in Europe, your legs will face the long but paced Col de la Cayolle rising above 2 000 m in altitude. The rest of the ride has no significant or extremely long difficulties, but the day will be long, but most of the time downhill, as we make our way to Nice on the beautiful French Riviera, otherwise known as the “Côte d’Azur”.
Difficulties:
-Col de la Cayolle (25 km at 4,2 %)
-Col de St.Raphael (7,4 km at 6 %)
-Ascros (4,3 km at 5,4 %)
Hotel : Villa Victoria****
Day 8
Leaving day: Nice airport is only 20min away from the city center by taxi, or 30min by tram.
What is included?
-8 Days/7 Nights in Premium Hotels: Enjoy stays in carefully selected 3- or 4-star accommodations for comfort after each day’s adventure.
-Full-Board Meals: Indulge in daily breakfasts, “en route” lunches, and gourmet dinners at top local restaurants to fuel your journey.
–Expert Local Guides: With a 1:5 guide-to-guest ratio, our knowledgeable guides ensure a seamless, personalized experience on every route.
-Support Vehicles: Our dedicated support vehicles are available to assist you throughout the tour.
-Luggage Transport: We handle all luggage transfers, so you can focus solely on the road ahead.
-Energy Snacks & Drinks: Stay energized with a variety of refreshments provided during each ride.
-Exclusive Echappée Cycling Tours Gear: Receive a complimentary day bag with a jersey, water bottles, and other essentials for your cycling adventure.
–15 climbs in the Alps
–16 800m of climbing
–743 km of cycling
What is not?
–Flights: International and domestic flights are not covered.
–Road-bike rental : High-quality road bikes are available to rent for an additional 300€ per bike.
–E-bike rental: Choose an electric bike for enhanced ease and comfort, available for an additional 450€ per bike.
–Personal and Travel Insurance: We strongly recommend securing personal and travel insurance for peace of mind throughout your journey.
