La Route des Grandes Alpes 2025

We will be following the original La Route des Grandes Alpes, first established by the Touring Club de France in 1913, as closely as we possibly can.  This really is a bucket list tour for those that love a challenge and enjoy those classic European climbs (and descents).

Day 1 – 3:

We will start La Route des Grandes Alpes tour with a pick up from Geneva Airport at midday and transfer to our hotel in St Jean de Sixt.  We’ll use the first couple of days to properly unpack the suitcases and concentrate on getting the legs moving and blowing out the jet lag.  There are some fantastic loop rides from St Jean that are perfect for getting the body ready for the days ahead.  The first offical ride of La Route will be on day three.

Day 4 – 8:

From Days 4 -8 we will get into the transfer rides of La Route, working our way from St Jean de Sixt, Bourg St Maurice, Lanslebourg, Briançon and Barcelonnette.  This is big climb terrain – the famous lands where cycling legends are made and destroyed.  The brag box includes Col de la Colombiere, Col des Aravis, Le Cormet de Roselend, Col de l’Iseran,Col du Telegraphe and Galibier, Col du l’Izoard and Col de Vars – the list goes on.  These days vary from 62km to 112 km in length and from 1600m to 2600m climbing per day.  This is the most spectacular terrain of France, from the lush green alpine meadows, up the rugged river valleys to the stark rocky peaks – you are riding through the alpine postcard of France.

Day 9:

It’s time to assess the body for a day of all or nothing.  We’ve got two nights at Barcelonnette to settle down for a day. Choose a rest day (well earned) or head on up the 24km climb of Col de la Bonnett. This is on the ‘alternative route’ which we won’t be taking tomorrow.  It leads to the highest paved road in France – Cime de la Bonnett at 2802m.  The two dinners are not included at Barcelonnette – we figure some may want to enjoy a little personal space by now.

Day 10 – 12:

We continue the final phase of La Route des Grandes Alpes heading to Varberg, Roquebilliere and finally hitting the French Riviera at Menton.  There is still one more climb to over 2000m altitude – Col de Cayolle (2327m) as well as Col de la Croix de Valberg, Col de la Couillole, Le Col Saint Martin, Col de Turini and Col de Castillion. These Southern Cols offer a completely different beauty to the Northern Alps and make a truely tough decision picking a favourite. No matter the favourite – the rewarding dip into the Mediterranean will top off the whole experience.

Day 13 – 14:

We have included an extra night at Menton to round out our 2025 itinerary.  A chance to relax and enjoy a day at the waters edge at your own pace, without pressure to ride your bike, just to bathe in your achievements.  Our final drop off on 6th August is to you choice of the Menton Train Station or Nice Airport after our check-out.

What’s included in the tour package?

La Route des Grande Alpes 2025 Tour includes:

• 13 nights accommodation (share twin).
• all transport and transfers during the tour.
• All (13) breakfasts and ten (11) dinners.
• Pick up from Geneva Airport.
• Drop off at Menton train station or Nice Airport.
• Guided cycle rides.
• Support van on all rides.
• One set of Kiwi Style cycling jersey and bib shorts.

What is not included?

Airfares, travel insurance(compulsory) and meals unless indicated, are not included in the package.

The two dinners at Barcelonnette are not included.

Rental bikes are available for the La Route des Grandes Alpes Tour 2025 at a cost of $750.  These are a full carbon Trek Emonda SL5s with Shimano compact gearing (11-34 cassette) or similar.  If our Kiwi Style bikes are fully booked in your size, we will attempt to source an alternative, however cannot guarantee the make/model and price.

A single room booking is available. An accommodation supplement of $1250pp applies.

A deposit of $1000 is required to secure your spot on this tour.