Our Geneva to Nice tour has just finished and our fantastic riders covered 550 kms in six days, crossing the French Alps, savouring its spectacular beauty.

Riding “La Route des Grandes Alpes”

Geneva to Nice, or “La Route des Grandes Alpes” is one of our most popular tours. Starting from Geneva near Mont Blanc, our riders take in eleven alpine passes including the highest paved road in Europe, Bonette, the ‘shoelaces of Mont Montvernier’, and some real cycling treasures such as col de Izoard.

This year, our heroes had to overcome another cycling challenge: The Weather!

Temperatures soared for the whole week. Gradient climbing in the heat required better hydration and extra care. This was a real contrast to last year when the weather was foggy and a touch on the cold side.

Arival in Geneva - After meeting at the hotel our intrepid riders built and tested thier bikes and found time to relax before the start of thier cycling adventure! 

  First day! - Col des Aravis day followed.  The sky was spotless and the sun was hot, 30°C.  Lunch was had at the sumit of Aravis, and every rider did well.

 Albertville to St Jean de Maurienne, over “le col de la Madeleine” (1990 m altitude with 1733 m climbing) and finished with the little jewel “les lacets de Montvernier” - The legs were aching at the end of the 17 hairpin bends of Montvernier, but every rider would agree the journey was spectacular!  

 Col du Télégraphe (altitude1561 metres) followed by col du Galibier (altitude 2640 metres) - If you have ridden our Marmotte tour you will know these two well.  The relaxing spa at the end of the ride was most welcome!

 1229 metres climbing in Izord and 1177 m in col de Vars - No time for pictures at the top of Vars as a thunderstorm was approaching fast.  We still got these ones though!

 La Cime de la Bonette 2802 m altitude, the highest paved through road in Europe and col de St Martin - What a day! Reached the highest point on the trip and Nice within touching distance.  The weather hot, our riders amazing, this is what Geneva to Nice is all about!

Nice! And the Medeterranian Sea! - Our heroes enjoy a well deserved glass of champagne and a well deserved swim in the sea after their heroic achievement!  

 Join us on the next Geneva to Nice tour.  You will ride some of the best climbs in cycling, experience mountain life, and have the most memorable cycling holiday of your life.
See Geneva to Nice Holiday details here!

Submitted: 19/06/2017
Updated: 10/2/2020