For those who like to bike, read and weep
The four day tour will take you through France, Switzerland and Italy, climbing en route famous mountain passes such as the Grand St Bernard 2469m, Petite St Bernard 2642m, Cormet de Roseland 1968m and the Cols de Saises, Aravis and Columbiere. There are also ascents of some, perhaps, less well known cols such as Champex Lac and Colle San Carlo. The four day itinerary allows a total gain of around 10,000m of ascent and descent with an average of 100km or 62 miles per day.
The Cycle Tour de Mont Blanc is fully supported with a dedicated minibus and support driver providing luggage transfer each day. Additionally the support vehicle provides refuelling stops and lunch organised and laid out ready for you. The overnight stops allow time to relax in pretty Alpine villages and enjoy the local culture and sights.
Cycle Tour de Mont Blanc sample itinerary
DAY 1 - Travel to Chamonix
Mountain Adventure Guides will meet you at your Chamonix accommodation where you will be welcomed by their experienced team with an informal group talk about the cycle tour ahead and an equipment check. You will have the opportunity to purchase any extra gear or food you might need before starting the trip in the morning.
DAY 2 - Chamonix to Col de Montet and over to Switzerland
The Cycle Tour de Mont Blanc begins in the famous and spectacular Alpine town of Chamonix (1000m) with a short flat section along the valley before the first climb to the Col de Montet (1461m). Descending through Vallorcine the tour continues over the French/Swiss border at Chatelard before climbing up to the Col de Forclaz (1526m) where there will be a refuelling stop. This is followed by a fast and exciting 1000m descent over 17km, with amazing views of the Rhone valley, down to the town of Martigny. From Martigny the route heads up in the direction of the Grand St Bernard pass. On the way towards the pass we take a detour up a quiet winding road to Champex Lac (1598m) and a picturesque lunch stop by the lake. After lunch we descend back into the main valley to Orsieres (900m) to continue the ascent towards the Grand St Bernard pass. The first night's stop is half way up to the col at the tiny village of Bourg St Pierre (1650m).
DAY 3 - Switzerland Col du Grand St Bernard and into Italy From Bourg St Pierre (1650m) we cycle straight up to the Grand St Bernard pass (2470m). Known as the most ancient pass through the Western Alps, it was allegedly crossed by Hannibal in 217 BC and later by Caesar in 57 BC. A hospice for travellers was first built there in 1049 by St Bernard of Menthon. The outstanding mountain scenery en route to the col includes views of the Grand Combin 4180m and Mont Velan 3731m. Leaving the Grand St Bernard pass and crossing into Italy we embark upon an endlessly exciting 2000m vertical descent to Aosta. Then heading north towards Mt Blanc there is a welcome lunch stop between Aosta and Morgex. At Morgex we ride the beautiful and quiet road to the Col St Carlo – a 10km, 1000m classic Italian time trial ascent. After a break at the top we cycle down to the Alpine ski village of La Thuile (1440m), continue on up to the Petite St Bernard pass (2642m), crossing the Italian/French border, and finally head down to our accommodation for the night just below La Rosiere in France.
DAY 4 - Cormet de Rosalend, Beaufort and on to la Clusaz Day four starts with a descent to Bourg St Maurice to join the Route des Grandes Alps for the first ascent of the day – the famous Tour de France climb of Cormet de Rosalend (1968m).This 1150m climb over 20km is on a fantastic road which was recently resurfaced for the Tour de France. Steep at first, with a number of hairpin bends, the climb gradually eases as it nears the top. From this point we descend 20km past Lac de Rosalend to the picturesque village of Beaufort (810m). Climbing out of Beaufort up to the winter ski area at the Col de Saisies (1640m) we then begin another long 16km descent past the village of Notre Dame de Bellecombe and into the Gorge D’Arly. After crossing the river at Flumet (900m) we embark on our final ascent of the day past the village of Giettaz to the Col des Aravis (1486m). After a well earned rest at the Col there is only a short 8km descent to the hotel in La Clusaz (1025m).
DAY 5 - La Clusaz to Chamonix The final day of the tour is yet another exceptional day of riding with three cols to cross on the way back to Chamonix. From La Clusaz (1025m) the first climb of the day takes in the Col de Columbiere (1620m), and after a short break at the top, we descend to Reposoir (1090m) making a right turn to climb to the beautifully situated village of Romme (1297m). From Romme the descent leads to Cluses (490m); we pass over the Autoroute Blanche and take the minor road from Cluses to Sallanches. Lunch is normally eaten sitting by the huge impressive waterfall of Arpenaz and looking at the stunning view of Mt Blanc. The tour from here joins the cycle route of Mont Blanc passing through the villages of Passy and Servoz with the ever changing and dramatic views of Mont Blanc and the Chamonix Aiguilles. The final climb of the day is over the Col at Vaudagne (1120m) followed by a short descent into Les Houches, and then it is just a few kilometres more back into Chamonix to our starting point and a well deserved celebration.
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