Full Description
A guidebook to cycling the 720km (447 mile) Route des Grandes Alpes through southern France. This long-distance cycle between Lake Geneva and Nice on the Mediterranean coast is suitable for experienced long-distance cyclists and can be cycled in 1-2 weeks.
Presented in 14 stages between 31-75km (20-46 miles)
6 routes variants are also described
Route takes in 17 major climbs, including the famous Col de l'Iseran (the highest paved pass in the Alps), the Col du Galibier and the Col d'Izoard
Route passes through Vanoise, the Écrins and the Mercantour national parks
Overnight stops include Thonon-les-Bains, Bourg-Saint-Maurice, Val d'Isère, Briançon, Saint-Martin-Vésubie, Sospel
Perfect for cycling late Spring through early autumn.
1:150,000 mapping and profiles are included for each route
GPX files available to download
Detailed information on preparation, equipment and accommodation
Contents
Map key
Overview map
Route summary table
Ride planner
Alternative schedules
Introduction
History of the Route des Grandes Alpes
Connection with the Tour de France
Natural environment
When to go
Riding in the mountains
Bike selection and preparation
eBike riding
Touring options
Accommodation
Food and drink
Getting there
Getting around
Getting back
Safety and emergencies
Using this guide
The route
Stage 1 Thonon-les-Bains to Cluses
Stage 2 Cluses to La Clusaz
Stage 3 La Clusaz to Beaufort
Stage 4 Beaufort to Bourg-Saint-Maurice
Stage 5 Bourg-Saint-Maurice to Val d'Is&##xe8;re
Stage 6 Val d'Is&##xe8;re to Val Cenis Termignon
Stage 7 Val Cenis Termignon to Valloire
Stage 8 Valloire to Briançon
Stage 9 Briançon to Guillestre
Stage 10 Guillestre to Barcelonnette
Stage 11 Barcelonnette to Valberg
Stage 12 Valberg to Saint-Martin-V&##xe9;subie
Stage 13 Saint-Martin-V&##xe9;subie to Sospel
Stage 14 Sospel to Nice
Variants
Variant 1 Saint-Jean-de-Sixt to Villard-sur-Doron
Variant 2 Bourg-Saint-Maurice to Saint-Michel-de-Maurienne
Variant 3 Val Cenis Lanslevillard to Briançon
Variant 4 Saint-Michel-de-Maurienne to Col du Lautaret
Variant 5 Guillestre to Barcelonnette
Variant 6 Jausiers to Saint-Sauveur-sur-Tin&##xe9;e
Appendix A Bike shops and Bosch eBike charging stations
Appendix B Recommended cycling essentials checklist
Appendix C Useful resources and essential information
Appendix D Glossary of cycling specific terms
