Cycling from Geneva to Nice, France

Do you fancy challenging yourself to a tough cycle along the Route des Grandes Alpes? This 9-day cycling holiday offers up some of the best climbs and descents in the world, including some sections from the Tour de France. You'll have to climb the likes of the Galibier Galibier (2646m/8681ft), the Col des Aravis (1486m/4875ft) and the Cime de la Bonette/Restefond (2802m/9193ft), the highest paved road in Europe. 

Brief Itinerary

Day 1:
Make your way to Geneva train station. From here, you'll be taken to the start point and then continue on to Thonon Les Bains.

Day 2:
You'll have a relatively easy first day as you make your way through the woodland above Lake Geneva and onto to your first pass, Col de Cou (1117m/3665ft). You'll then head towards the Valle Verte (with an early view of Mont Blanc) before reaching Bonneville. From here, you'll continue on an easy climb through the Gorges des Eveaux to the small ski resort of La Clusaz.

Day 3:
The first real challenge of the holiday as you climb out of La Clusaz and cycle through picturesque meadows to the Col des Aravis (1486m/4875ft), where you'll be offered some fantastic views out across to Mont Blanc. After descending into La Giettaz, you'll continue to Flumet before climbing to the Col des Saisies (1650m/5413ft). Another descent into Beaufort and on towards Areches.

Day 4:
Start the day with the most challening climb so far to the Col du Pre (1703m/5587ft). Descend to the reservoir and continue along the main route until reaching the Cormet de Roseland (1967m/6453ft), a fantastic Alpine pass whose route may still be lined with snow. Then descend through the Valle des Chapleux to Bourg St Maurice.

Day 5:
Climb up the l’Iseran (2762m/9062ft) before embarking on a massive descent down the quiet Haute Maurienne Valley and following the Arc River to Modane. Next comes St Michel-de-Maurienne and the foot of the Col du Telegraphe (1566m/5138ft).

Day 6:
Possibly the most famous and toughest section of the trip, the huge Galibier (2646m/8681ft) has earned a reputation as one of the most challening climbs in the Alps. Once you've made it, however, you'll descend into medieval Briancon and no towards the final climb of the day, the Col d’Izoard (2361m/7746ft).

Day 7:
Start with an ascent of the Col de Vars (2108m/6916ft). You'll eventually reach a small lake and descend into the Ubayne Valley with the Brec de Chambeyron in the distance. You'll come to the village of Jausiers by late morning, ready to begin your climb of the Cime de la Bonette/Restefond (2802m/9193ft), the highest paved road in Europe.

Day 8:
Today, a new cycle path sweeps through the Tinee Valley before you reach your final climb towards the historic village of La Tour and onwards through a secluded valley towards the village of Utelle. A steep descent brings you to St Jean-la-Riviere, before getting to Levens and being rewarded with your first glance of the Mediterranean.

Day 9:
Your journey comes to an close along a winding road passing through villages and villas towards the Med and Nice. As a lovely relief, it is only around 24 miles to Nice, and most of that is downhill. You'll arrive in Nice around mid morning before packing and heading home.