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France Biking Tours of Chamonix & the Alps
Duration
6 days
Site savings
$52
From
$5,143 USD
Explore the dramatic landscapes of the Alps on a 6 day bike and hike trip. Admire the gorgeous blue hues of Lake Annecy. Bike to iconic views of the storybook Savoy village of La Clusaz. Take in the glamour of breathtaking Chamonix on the foothills of Mont Blanc. Relax in elegant properties from Annecy’s Imperial Hotel, exuding cool luxury, to Relais & Châteaux’s illustrious 5-star Hameau Albert 1er in the heart of Chamonix on this France bike trip. Bienvenue en France!
- CategoryRoad Cycling
- TypeFully Guided
- Duration6 days
- Culture LevelFamiliar
- Skill Level2 - Novice
- Activity Level3 - Active
- Elevation3 - Intermediate
- TerrainHilly
- Distance155.3 miles
- Avg. Daily Distance31.1 miles
Quick Stats
- Duration6 days
- Main DestinationAlps
- Distance155.3 miles
- Avg. Daily Distance31.1 miles
- Elevation3 - Intermediate
- TerrainHilly
Route Map (click to view larger image)
Itinerary Details
- Day 1Annecy
Bienvenueto pristine Lake Annecy and the picturesque town of Annecy, “the little Venice of the Alps.” Your tour leader will meet you at your hotel and get you fitted to your bike. You’ll soon be riding along the west shore of France’s third largest lake, renowned for being Europe’s cleanest. Settle into your grand hotel --originally opened in 1913, the Edwardian-style property once hosted royals, world leaders and celebrities from Winston Churchill to Charlie Chaplin. Tonight, mingle with your fellow travelers at a reception at the hotel’s Hip Bar followed by a dinner featuring a creative bistro style culinary experience.
Cycling Options: 46km (29 miles), 57km (35.8 miles)
- 28.6 miles
- Imperial Palace, Annecy
- Dinner
- Day 2Annecy
Continue your exploration of the Alps’ glorious Haute-Savoie region with your ride along the eastern shore of Lake Annecy. At 2350m (7,713 feet) high, La Tournette, the highest mountain around the lake, dominates your dramatic views. Break for a picnic lunch of crisp baguettes, local cheeses, savory meats and fruits. The afternoon and evening are on your own to explore this whimsical town dubbed the “Venice of Alps”. You can walk to the town center and browse the lively shops along the cobbled streets and canals of the Vieille Ville (old town). Bring along your camera to capture fairytale-like scenes including the medieval Château d’Annecy, formerly home to the Counts of Geneva and now a regional museum; the 12th century Palais de l’Isle, that has served as a prison, a mint, a courthouse and a lord’s residence; and, also a favorite spot for a kiss,and Pont des Amours(Lovers’ Bridge). Or, why not enjoy some 'Apero' time--and watch the world go by?
- 47.8 miles
- Imperial Palace, Annecy
- Breakfast and Lunch
- Day 3Las Clusaz
Get ready for a bucket list ride today as you follow the route of the 2018 Tour de France, stage 10, from Bluffy to La Clusaz. Be prepared to climb three steep switchbacks, ascending 2700ft (822m) in elevation. Go for the glory --or opt for van support to soak in the grand vistas of the Alps along the route. Either way, a spectacular day of riding ends at the authentic Savoy village of La Clusaz with lunch. Retreat to your four-star Alpine Chalet at the foot of the ski slopes and enjoy the views of the Aravis mountains from your private balcony. Savor a chef presented traditional French cuisine for dinner at your hotel tonight.
Cycling Options: 25km (16 miles), 32km (20 miles), 40km (24.9 miles) --30km (19 miles) of this route is part of Stage 10 of 2018 Tour de France.
- 15.5 miles
- Hotel Beauregard, Las Clusaz
- Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
- Day 4Chamonix
This morning depart your idyllic retreat at La Clusaz for another grand ride with iconic views. Ride through the chic villages of Flumet and Megève, once peaceful farming towns and now known for their proximity to the ski slopes of Mont Blanc. Break for a picnic lunch in glamorous Megeve, which prides itself as an early pioneer of skiing. Local farmers invented the first ski tows, and they organized their first skiing competition in 1914. Wrap up your ride in the internationally renowned and glamorous ski resort village of Chamonix, known for hosting the first winter Olympics in 1924 at the base of Mont Blanc, Western Europe’s tallest mountain at 4810m (15,781 feet). Your home for the next two days is the five-star Relais & Châteaux Hameau Albert 1er. Launched in 1903, it resembles a small hamlet, nestled in a garden with a flowing brook and fruit trees and boasts a two-star Michelin rated restaurant. Dinner is on your own tonight. If you opt for the Michelin star restaurant at the hotel, please let the tour operator know well in advance to reserve a table for you.
Cycling Options: 71km (44.5 miles) or shorter options
- 44.1 miles
- Relais & Châteaux Hameau Albert 1er
- Breakfast and Lunch
- Day 5Chamonix
When in Chamonix, do as the locals do --get out on the great Mont Blanc, Western Europe’s highest mountain at 4810m (15,781 feet) elevation. Hike up the Grand Balcon Sud (the southern balcony). With incredible vistas at every turn, you’ll hike along wooded ravines, lush wildflower-filled meadows and wide rocky expanses. Look out for climbers as you pass the high wire bridge of the Via Ferrata. Descend through the bowls of winter ski runs to the lift station where you’ll view the snowy summit and glaciers of Mont Blanc towering over you. The rest of the afternoon is yours to explore on your own. You can choose to take the train up to the Mer De Glace (Sea of Ice), the largest glacier in France –more than 6.4km (four miles) long and 199m (656 feet) deep or visit its ice cave, ice sculptures and museum. Stroll the village of Chamonix and its historic churches, one-of-a-kind boutiques, brasseries and fine dining. Wander the centuries-old streets and architecture revealing the time when Chamonix first became a popular destination for mountaineering; learn about its early love affair with skiing as the host of the first Winter Olympic games in 1924. Enjoy the camaraderie of your fellow travelers and share your day’s adventures, as you gather for your farewell dinner. A table in the mountain-style farmhouse restaurant promises traditional, mountain cuisine, including a carousel of tempting desserts.
Hiking options: 6.4km (4mi)
- Relais & Châteaux Hameau Albert 1er
- Breakfast and Dinner
- Day 6Depart