French Alpes Tour: Alpes and Ventoux

4.9/5 (13)
7 nights
53 miles/day
Self guided from EUR € 2550
Bike tour in France
Rider Level: Enthusiast

French Alpes Tour: Alpes and Ventoux

4.9/5 (13)

Rider Level: Enthusiast

7 nights
53 miles/day

Self guided from EUR € 2550
Bike tour in France

Tap above to jump to different sections of this tour

  • Discover the phenomenal beauty of the arresting French Alpes

    This cycling tour allows you to experience for yourself the most legendary climbs of the world-famous Tour de France: conquer the commanding Col de la Croix de Fer, cycle to the top of the awe-inspiring Alpe d'Huez, climb the captivating Col du Galibier, and ascend the magnificent Mont Ventoux! Along the way, enjoy the spectacular natural beauty of the astounding French Alpes and explore charming Provencal villages.

    If you're an experienced and passionate cyclist seeking out the ultimate challenge, then this French Alpes and Mont Ventoux cycling vacation is definitely for you!

    • Avignon, Provence, France. Jurre Houtkamp@Unsplash
    • Macarons in France! Melanie Kreutz@Unsplash
    • French Alpes Tour: Alpes & Ventoux Bike Tour
    • Sunflower fields in France! Julian B Solter@Unsplash
    • Chris Froome & Nairo Quintana taking on Mont Ventoux, 2013 Tour de France. Marianne Casamance@Unsplash
    • Mont Ventoux in France. Adrien Delforge@Unsplash
    • Mont Ventoux in France. Minova@Flickr
    • Mont Ventoux, France. Adrien Delforge@Unsplash

    View more photos

    Highlights

    • Col du Lautaret
    • Col du Glandon
    • La Croix-de-Fer
    • L’Alpe d’Huez
    • Le Col du Galibier
    • Mont Ventoux
    • Challenging climbs
    • Tour de France routes

    Learn More

    Learn more about self-guided tours.


    French Alpes Tour

    Photos 

  • Traveler photos

    •  (photo by Jon V)
    •  (photo by Jon V)
    • Col du Croix de Fer (photo by Julian McManus)
    • Top of Ventoux (photo by Daniel Radosevich)
    • Alpe d'Huez climb (photo by Daniel Radosevich)
    • Croix de Fer (photo by mdoyler)
    • Team Bubba (photo by Hillbilly)

    French Alpes Tour

     Tour Description Daily Program 

  • Daily program

    Day 1: Arrival
    Travel from Grenoble to the hotel in Le Freney-d'Oisans where you'll be welcomed with an introductory meeting, orientation, and bike setup. Stay in a charming hotel in Le Freney-d'Oisans.

    Overnight in Le Freney-d’Oisans.

    Day 2: Loop ride to Col du Glandon and La Croix-de-Fer (68 miles/110 km; elevation gain 11,880 feet/3,621 m)
    The first climbs of the tour take place today - Le Glandon and La Croix-de-Fer. La Croix-de-Fer is a very long and irregular col! When you reach the crossroad with the Glandon, you can make a small detour of 1 mile (1.5 km) to reach the top of La Croix-de-Fer and enjoy the excellent view. This pass has been included in the Tour de France numerous times, for the first time in 1947, and most recently in 2022. The total ascent is 11,880 ft/3,621 m.

    Overnight in Le Freney-d'Oisans.

    Day 3: Loop ride to Alpe d’Huez (option: 30 miles/49 km; elevation gain 5,748 feet/1,752 m or 43 miles/69 km; elevation gain 7,034 feet/2,144 m)
    A legendary day. This vertical climb up the Alpe d'Huez is nearly 9 miles long (14 km), 3,733 ft high (1,120 m), and features gradients between 7.7% and 12%, as well as switchbacks that make it one of the most historic and heroic sections of the Tour de France. The ride is 49 km, but you'll have the option to climb Les Deux Alpes as well (total distance would be 37 miles/69 km).

    Overnight in Le Freney-d'Oisans.

    Day 4: Loop ride to Col du Galibier (42 miles/67 km; elevation gain 6,677 feet/2,035 m)
    Today features two tough but rewarding climbs - the Col du Lautaret and the Col du Galibier. You'll climb the Col du Lautaret (25 ft/40 km) from the village of Le Bourg-d'Oisans. The vertical climb is 4,593 ft/1,400 m, with an average gradient of 3.8% (max 9%). If that's not enough, you'll then tackle the climb to the Galibier (5.3 miles/8.5 km), featuring a vertical climb of 1,950 ft/585 m and an average gradient of 6.9% (max 12%).

    Overnight in Freney-d'Oisans.

    Day 5: Bedoin and Mount Ventoux
    Depart from the Alpes after breakfast with a 10:00 am transfer to the village of Bedoin at the foot of Mont Ventoux. Allow 4 hours travel time. In Bedoin, you'll have free time to explore the village or relax in preparation for the rides ahead.

    Overnight in Bedoin.

    Day 6: Loop ride to Mont Ventoux (options: 40 miles/64 km, elevation gain 3,550 feet/1,082 m; 45 miles/73 km, elevation gain 4,944 feet/1,507 m; or 55 miles/89 km, elevation gain 6,496 feet/1,980 m)
    Today you'll conquer the magnificent Mont Ventoux. The itinerary begins with a warm-up ride between the vineyards of Bédoin, followed by the challenging climb and descent of Mont Ventoux. Climbing this mountain is an experience that will stay with you for a long time! Total ascent is 6,496 ft/1,980 m (if you choose the 55 mile ride).

    Overnight in Bedoin.

    Day 7: Loop ride to Beaume de Venise (55 miles/89 km)
    Enjoy a beautiful ride through the vineyards of Ventoux and the Rhône Valley. You'll pass through the wine villages of Beaumes de Venise, Vacqueyras, Gigondas, and the more famous wine villages of the Upper Vaucluse before you return to Bedoin.

    Overnight in Bedoin.

    Day 8: Transfer to Avignon – Departure
    Departure after breakfast. Transfer to Avignon included.


    French Alpes Tour

     Photos Accommodation 

  • Accommodation

    Hotels

    These are sample hotels and may vary based on availability.

    3-star hotels

    Freney-d'Oisans: Hotel Cassini

    Bedoin: Hotel Les Pins

    Note: upgraded hotel options are possible; please inquire for pricing.

    Interested in visiting other areas before or after your tour? Visit our hotels page to learn more about lodging options.


    French Alpes Tour

     Daily program Bikes 

  • Bikes

    Bikes available and included in the tour cost (must be booked in advance):

    • Road bikes

    Equipment included:

    • Saddlebag containing toolkit, tire levers, patch kit, 2 spare tubes
    • Helmet
    • Odometer
    • Lock

    Additional details about the road bikes:

    Model: Canondale, Synapse Carbon 105 6
    Cannondale's carbon construction method uses precisely placed high stiffness fibers over a base of high tensile strength fibers and high impact resins to deliver extreme light weight and perfectly tuned stiffness, without sacrificing strength. Sizes: XS, S, M, L, XL

    • Frame: Synapse, BallisTec Carbon, Di2 ready, SAVE PLUS, BB30A
    • Fork: Synapse SAVE PLUS, BallisTec Carbon, 1-1/8" to 1-1/4" tapered steerer Headset: Synapse Si, 1-1/4" lower bearing, 25mm top cap
    • Chain ring & crank arms: Shimano 105; 50/34 for front. Rear is 11-speed , 11/32 Brakes: Shimano 105
    • Stem: Cannondale C4 Alloy, 31.8, 6 deg.
    • Saddle: Cannondale Stage Ergo w/ Crmo Rails
    • Seat post: Cannondale C3, 6061 Alloy, 25.4x300mm (48-51) 350mm (54-61) Tires: Schwalbe Lugano, 700x25c

    Tandem bikes are available to rent for an additional fee.

    Pedals:
    The bikes will have flat pedals. If you bring your own pedals, be sure to bring your own shoes and also the necessary equipment to change the pedals.

    Helmets:
    Helmet rental is available on this tour; however, we recommend that you bring your own helmet for safety and hygiene purposes.

    Bike Protection:
    Bike protection can be purchased at the time of booking. You can read more about that HERE.


    French Alpes Tour

     Accommodation Dates & Prices 

  • Dates

    Daily: Jun 1-Sep 15, 2024

    Prices

    Tour package

    Per person, double occupancy €2550
    Single use room (1 person/1 room) €2923
    Solo traveler (1 person in party with single use room) €3270

    Included services

    • 7 nights accommodations in 3-star hotels
    • 7 dinners and breakfasts
    • All luggage transfers
    • Detailed road book, including details maps, touristic information, step by step itinerary and cue sheets and comprehensive trip literature
    • Technical and emergency support available at all times
    • Orientation via telephone
    • Road bike rental
    • Transfer from Freney d'Oisans to Bedoin and Mont Ventoux (on Day 5 of program)
    • Garmin GPS OREGON (1 per 3 persons)

    Tour Company


    French Alpes Tour

     Bikes Other Details 

  • Surface and terrain

    The proposed climbs have an elevation of between 2,397 feet (719 m) and 8,520 feet (2,556 m). Gradients vary between between 3.8% and 12%.


    How to get there

    Tour start
    Nearest airport: Turin (TRN)
    Nearest train station: Grenoble

    Tour end
    Nearest airport: Avignon (AVN)
    Nearest train station: Avignon

    The local bus service from Grenoble is regular to Freney-d'Osains, or we can arrange a private transfer for an additional fee. Please inquire at the time of booking. Return transfer to Avignon at the end of the tour is included.


    French Alpes Tour

     Dates & Prices Tour Reviews 

    • Steven Ahrendt 3 months ago

      Fabulous experience

      Our group of eight thoroughly enjoyed our Bike Tours experience. The hotels were both comfortable with excellent breakfasts and multi course dinners featuring local cuisine. The bikes were as advertised and all in great working order. The guide picked us up in Grenoble and was fantastic. He accompanied us on the rides in van providing water as needed and set up a nice picnic lunch for us. He was also an avid cyclist and accompanied us on bike on additional supplemental rides when we encouraged him to. Overall the tour was 6 days of outstanding cycling and everything that was advertised and more!

    • Jon V 3 months ago

      Experience of a lifetime!

      Every single thing about this trip, from the planning, to the rides, the bike, the food, the hotels, were perfect! Do not hesitate to book this trip and anticipate an experience you will cherish. Suggest that you bring your own saddle so you are comfortable on the bike.

      What was the date of your tour?
      August 2024
      How many tours have you completed?
      1
      Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
      As expected
      Who is this tour suitable for?
      First-time bike tourists, Solo travelers
      Do you recommend this tour?
      Yes
      •  (photo by Jon V)
      •  (photo by Jon V)
      • 5/5 Value
      • 5/5 Included meals
      • 5/5 Bikes + equipment
      • 5/5 Hotels or boat
      • 5/5 Scenery
      • 5/5 Ease of navigation
      • 5/5 Tour documents
      • 5/5 Local tour company services
      • 5/5 Route selection
      • 5/5 Guides (if applicable)
    • Julian McManus 4 months ago

      Trip of a Lifetime

      Exceeded my expectations in every way. The routes, the climbs and the cuisine were superb. And adding a guide with a van took the experience to another level (water, food and even shelter in a rainstorm). The meticulous planning of routes, the well-maintained bikes and the personal touch all combined to make this a fantastic way to ride and enjoy some of the best of France at the same time!

      What was the date of your tour?
      August 2024
      Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
      As expected
      Do you recommend this tour?
      Yes
      • 5/5 Value
      • 5/5 Included meals
      • 5/5 Bikes + equipment
      • 5/5 Scenery
      • 5/5 Ease of navigation
      • 5/5 Tour documents
      • 5/5 Local tour company services
      • 5/5 Route selection
      • 5/5 Guides (if applicable)
    • Julian McManus 4 months ago

      Trip of a Lifetime

      Exceeded my expectations in every way. The routes, the climbs and the cuisine were superb. And adding a guide with a van took the experience to another level (water, food and even shelter in a rainstorm). The meticulous planning of routes, the well-maintained bikes and the personal touch all combined to make this a fantastic way to ride and enjoy some of the best of France at the same time!

      What was the date of your tour?
      August 2024
      Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
      As expected
      Do you recommend this tour?
      Yes
      • Col du Croix de Fer (photo by Julian McManus)
      • 5/5 Value
      • 5/5 Included meals
      • 5/5 Bikes + equipment
      • 5/5 Scenery
      • 5/5 Ease of navigation
      • 5/5 Tour documents
      • 5/5 Local tour company services
      • 5/5 Route selection
      • 5/5 Guides (if applicable)
    • Daniel Radosevich 5 months ago

      Awesome experience

      Overall I really enjoyed the tour. Everything from the hotels to the suggested climbs were fantastic. I trained pretty heavily for this and that definitely paid off in form of being able to complete the more difficult routes and not be too exhausted for the next day. The hotels were all great, especially Hotel Cassini in Freney. They went above and beyond to help us out, like when my bike came with the wrong pedals for my cleat type. They gave us a ride into town to the bike shop where we resolved the issue with Discover France/Biketours.com. The only other issue (the reason I removed a star) was the way the tour company sizes you for the bike. They went by height alone and manufacturer recommendation. I'm right on the line for sizes, but if they took inseam measurement into consideration, it would have been clear that I needed the smaller of the sizes. Unfortunately they assumed the larger size and there really wasn't time to rectify the situation. There was no "bike fitting" on day 1. The hotel showed us our bikes that had been shipped there and that was that. Even with the seatpost slammed all the down and saddle pushed far forward it hurt to ride. I made due with it, but I would have enjoyed it even more being able to ride comfortably. I left France with knee and Achilles pain unfortunately. I would suggest knowing your frame size and requesting that vs leaving it to chance and I would suggest the tour company take note of this review and start considering other measurements like inseam in the sizing process.

      The suggested routes were fine, but I would say trust the local knowledge, especially in Freney. Maarten at Hotel Cassini was very knowledgeable and helpful and can give you some insider recommendations should you want to deviate or add more to your day.

      Lastly time of year should be a consideration for this tour. We knew going in June might be iffy weather wise. We did have to miss the Galibier climb due to an avalanche, but again Hotel Cassini helped us out there with alternatives.

      What was the date of your tour?
      June 2024
      How many tours have you completed?
      3
      Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
      As expected
      Who is this tour suitable for?
      Solo travelers
      Do you recommend this tour?
      Yes
      • Top of Ventoux (photo by Daniel Radosevich)
      • Alpe d'Huez climb (photo by Daniel Radosevich)
      • 4/5 Value
      • 5/5 Included meals
      • 4/5 Bikes + equipment
      • 5/5 Hotels or boat
      • 5/5 Scenery
      • 5/5 Ease of navigation
      • 5/5 Tour documents
      • 3/5 Local tour company services
      • 4/5 Route selection
      • 5/5 Guides (if applicable)
    • Alexander Sandor 6 months ago

      Wonderful trip

      This was a challenging but highly rewarding trip. The food and hotels were excellent and contributed to our success on the bikes.

      What was the date of your tour?
      June 2024
      Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
      As expected
      Who is this tour suitable for?
      First-time bike tourists, Solo travelers
      Do you recommend this tour?
      Yes
      • 4/5 Value
      • 5/5 Included meals
      • 4/5 Bikes + equipment
      • 5/5 Hotels or boat
      • 5/5 Scenery
      • 3/5 Ease of navigation
      • 4/5 Tour documents
      • 4/5 Local tour company services
      • 5/5 Route selection
    • mdoyler September 5, 2019

      Once in a lifetime

      What an amazing trip. My wife and I will be talking about these rides for the rest of our lives. The accommodations were great, and the meals were an absolute delight. Don't be afraid to do an unguided trip such as this, it was incredibly safe and easy to navigate

      What was the date of your tour?
      8/22 - 8/29
      How many tours have you completed?
      0
      Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
      As expected
      Who is this tour suitable for?
      Solo travelers, First-time bike tourists
      Do you recommend this tour?
      Yes
      • Croix de Fer (photo by mdoyler)
      • 4/5 Value
      • 5/5 Included meals
      • 5/5 Bikes + equipment
      • 5/5 Hotels or boat
      • 5/5 Scenery
      • 4/5 Ease of navigation
      • 4/5 Tour documents
      • 5/5 Local tour company services
      • 5/5 Route selection
    • oldjoe June 19, 2018

      Fantastic scenery!

      A great mix of Alpine and Provence scenery. Wonderful small hotels with charming hosts and gourmet food! Challenging but not intimidating terrain with easy navigation. Would love to go back!

      What was the date of your tour?
      6/1-7/18
      How many tours have you completed?
      5
      Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
      As expected
      Who is this tour suitable for?
      Solo travelers
      Do you recommend this tour?
      Yes
      • 4/5 Value
      • 5/5 Included meals
      • 4/5 Bikes + equipment
      • 5/5 Hotels or boat
      • 5/5 Scenery
      • 4/5 Ease of navigation
      • 4/5 Tour documents
      • 3/5 Local tour company services
      • 5/5 Route selection
    • Romeo July 29, 2016

      Bubba Goes to France

      Guides were Fantastic! The Accomodations were great! The food was Tremendous! The guides were able to adjust our rides on the "fly" to accommodate our hunger for more suffering. They made it so easy for us. The all inclusive aspect of this, meant we could focus on our riding only without worry about eating, transferring from place to place, etc. I can't wait for Bubba France 2!

      What was the date of your tour?
      July 2016
      How many tours have you completed?
      This is my First
      Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
      Somewhat easier
      Who is this tour suitable for?
      Solo travelers, First-time bike tourists
      Do you recommend this tour?
      Yes
      • 5/5 Value
      • 5/5 Included meals
      • 5/5 Bikes + equipment
      • 4/5 Hotels or boat
      • 5/5 Scenery
      • 5/5 Ease of navigation
      • 4/5 Tour documents
      • 5/5 Route selection
      • 5/5 Guides (if applicable)
    • Hillbilly July 8, 2016

      Bubba Goes to France

      After many months of training, our local group, Team Bubba, went to France to take on the Alps and Ventoux. I can't say enough good things about the local guides and the hospitality they showed us, as well as our wives, who went with us. Having local guides was definitely a distinct advantage. We are already planning our next trip to the Pyrenees.

      What was the date of your tour?
      6/19-6/25
      How many tours have you completed?
      0
      Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
      As expected
      Do you recommend this tour?
      Yes
      • Team Bubba (photo by Hillbilly)
      • 5/5 Value
      • 5/5 Included meals
      • 5/5 Bikes + equipment
      • 5/5 Hotels or boat
      • 5/5 Scenery
      • 5/5 Tour documents
      • 5/5 Local tour company services
      • 5/5 Route selection
      • 5/5 Guides (if applicable)
    • Garmin July 5, 2016

      Outstanding

      Trip was personalized to everyone's needs. Guides were excellent!

      What was the date of your tour?
      6/25/16
      How many tours have you completed?
      1
      Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
      As expected
      Who is this tour suitable for?
      Solo travelers, First-time bike tourists, Families with young kids, Families with teens
      Do you recommend this tour?
      No
      • 4/5 Value
      • 5/5 Included meals
      • 5/5 Bikes + equipment
      • 5/5 Hotels or boat
      • 5/5 Scenery
      • 5/5 Ease of navigation
      • 5/5 Tour documents
      • 5/5 Local tour company services
      • 5/5 Route selection
      • 5/5 Guides (if applicable)
    • Doktar July 2, 2016

      What was the date of your tour?
      6/25
      How many tours have you completed?
      1st one
      Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
      Somewhat easier
      Who is this tour suitable for?
      First-time bike tourists
      Do you recommend this tour?
      Yes
      • 5/5 Value
      • 5/5 Included meals
      • 5/5 Bikes + equipment
      • 5/5 Hotels or boat
      • 5/5 Scenery
      • 5/5 Ease of navigation
      • 5/5 Tour documents
      • 5/5 Local tour company services
      • 5/5 Route selection
      • 5/5 Guides (if applicable)
    • Greg3904 June 30, 2016

      Best Vacation Ever!

      My wife and I were blown away with the trip. We had never been to Europe and had no idea what to expect. Our expectations were exceeded beyond belief. It was a fantastic experience!

      What was the date of your tour?
      6/18/2016
      How many tours have you completed?
      First time
      Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
      Much easier
      Who is this tour suitable for?
      First-time bike tourists
      Do you recommend this tour?
      Yes
      • 5/5 Value
      • 5/5 Included meals
      • 5/5 Bikes + equipment
      • 5/5 Hotels or boat
      • 5/5 Scenery
      • 5/5 Ease of navigation
      • 5/5 Tour documents
      • 5/5 Local tour company services
      • 5/5 Route selection
      • 5/5 Guides (if applicable)

    French Alpes Tour

     Other Details Book this tour