French Alps to French Riviera
The ultimate high for Hammerheads
Ciclismo Classico’s French Alps to Riviera trip is a one-of-a-kind ride from the heart of the mountains made famous by Tour de France legends to the brilliantly blue Mediterranean Sea. Along the way, guests will have the chance to ascend Alp d’Huez, the Col du Galibier, the Col d’Izoard and the Col de Vars, four of the region’s most challenging climbs.
Other exciting adventures include a chairlift ride to the top of a glacier and a day rafting on the Verdon River. You will be escorted by Ciclismo’s expert guides the whole way to the French Riviera and they will show you the best Rhone-Alpes and Provence have to offer. Other highlights include the wines of Provence and the yummy local cheeses, pastries and delicious tapenade.
Tour Essence
- Spectacular riding through the Alps, Provence and the Cote d’Azur
- Full immersion in French culture
- Admire the stunning beauty of the Alps
- Challenge yourself on epic climbs featured on the Tour de France
- Discover the Gorges du Verdon by bike and water sport activities
- Savor the local alpine cheeses, the Provencale cuisine and wines
What to Expect
Terrain
MountainousStart Location
GrenobleEnd Location
Sainte-MaximeMileage
Average Daily: 51 miles Total: 357 miles
Once you have a trip confirmed, we will feed you a steady diet of additional pre-departure information that includes: How to train, prepare, pack and all the wonderful, inspirational and practical things you want and need to know before you go! Our Travel Advisors will be available to help plan your pre- and post-tour travel.
- Van support
- Expert, bilingual guides
- Water sport activity on the Verdon River
- Chairlift ride to glacier
- Shuttle at end of tour to Nice airport
What’s Included
- Use of our exclusive carbon road bike, La Classica Ribelle (or Equivalent Carbon Road Bike)
- Garmin Edge Explore GPS loaded with the GPX tracks of your rides
- Two water bottles
- Saddle bag with repair kit
- Optional: Map holder on handlebar
Pedal Options:
- Flat pedals
- Half-toe pedals (without straps)
What’s Not Included
- Helmet
- Optional: clipless/SPD pedals with shoes
- Optional: your own saddle
- All accommodations
- All breakfasts
- 2 lunches
- 6 dinners
Other exciting adventures include a chairlift ride to the top of a glacier and a day rafting on the Verdon River. Highlights include the wines of Provence and the yummy local cheeses, pastries and delicious tapenade.
Start Location
GrenobleFly Into
Lyon Saint Exupery (LYS), Grenoble Saint-Geors (GNB), or Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG)End Location
Sainte-MaximeFly Out Of
Nice Airport (NCE)Uriage-les-Bains, Grenoble
Average Mileage
17 milesElevation Gain
2,190 ft.Riding Terrain
HillyAccommodations
Grand Hotel Uriage
The 4-star Grand Hotel is located in the heart of Uriage. While the authentic character of the building has been preserved, modern facilities have been added in order to improve its comfort. All of the luxury rooms offer a special atmosphere inspired by the great names who have stayed at the hotel: Coco Chanel, Sendhal, and many others.
Montagne de Lauzier and Col de Muille
Average Mileage
41/62 milesElevation Gain
4,265/8,200 ft.Riding Terrain
MountainousAccommodations
Grand Hotel Uriage
The 4-star Grand Hotel is located in the heart of Uriage. While the authentic character of the building has been preserved, modern facilities have been added in order to improve its comfort. All of the luxury rooms offer a special atmosphere inspired by the great names who have stayed at the hotel: Coco Chanel, Sendhal, and many others.
L'Alp D'Huez and La Grave
Average Mileage
58 milesElevation Gain
7,544 ft.Riding Terrain
MountainousAccommodations
Auberge Edelweiss
Auberge Edelweiss is a favourite address with bon-vivant skiers and cyclists. It is a privately owned centuries old coaching inn, situated in the heart of the 12th century village of La Grave, off the main road, and is less than 5 minutes walk from the “Téléphérique”.
Col du Galibier, du Granon and Briancon
Average Mileage
34/47 milesElevation Gain
5,136/8,600 ft.Riding Terrain
MountainousAccommodations
Parc Hotel
After this hard day we’ll head into Briancon for a much-deserved beer at our hotel. Situated in the heart of the Southern Alps, the Parc Hotel offers spacious, comfortable rooms with great views.
Col D'Izoard, Col de Vars and Jausiers
Average Mileage
56 milesElevation Gain
7,550 ft.Riding Terrain
MountainousAccommodations
Villa Morelia
Spend the night at Ville Morelia, a 4-star hotel built in a wonderful closed park with magnificent panoramic views. Complete with a wellness center and restaurant, you will have a chance to relax and pick up your feet!
Jausiers to Verdon
Average Mileage
78 milesElevation Gain
5,900 ft.Riding Terrain
HillyAccommodations
Hotel des Gorges du Verdon
Hotel des Gorges du Verdon is a paradise in the heart of the Verdon Gorges! This lovely hotel with cascading terraces and swimming pool offers a unique panoramic view over the village, mountains and fields.
Verdon Rest Day
Average Mileage
15 milesElevation Gain
3,464 ft.Riding Terrain
HillyAccommodations
Hotel des Gorges du Verdon
Hotel des Gorges du Verdon is a paradise in the heart of the Verdon Gorges! This lovely hotel with cascading terraces and swimming pool offers a unique panoramic view over the village, mountains and fields.
Verdon to Sainte-Maxime
Average Mileage
73 milesElevation Gain
3,464 ft.Riding Terrain
HillyAccommodations
Hotel Les Jardins de Sainte-Maxime
At the foot of a hill, between pines and palm trees, this hotel combines comfort, sophistication and conviviality. You’ll be won over by the attentive and personalized welcome, the open and bright spaces. Built like an amphitheatre around the outdoor and heated indoor swimming pools, the entire hotel looks out over the terraces and gardens, where you can enjoy the warm and stable climate of the Cote d’Azur
