Conquer many of the most famous Alpine cols in this unforgettable cycling experience that takes you from Thonon Les Bains on the shores of Lake Geneva in Switzerland through the French Alps, skirting the border of Italy on your way to Nice on the beautiful Mediterranean.

The Raid Alpine as the route from Geneva to Nice is known, is one of the most challenging and rewarding Raids, allowing you to experience the true contrasts and beauty of the Alps, from relaxing Alpine meadows to the extreme, rocky landscapes surrounding some of the most iconic climbs from the Tour de France. No other Raid takes in as many hors-category climbs as this one; cols include Col de la Colombiere, Col de l’Iseran, Col du Galibier, l’Alpe d’Huez, Col de l’Izoard passing the famous Fausto Coppi & Louison Bobet memorial on the Casse Desert and of course, the highest road pass in Europe, the testing Col de la Bonette, with a final climb up the Col d’Èze to finish.

We do the 770km route from Thonon Les Bains to Nice in seven days of riding, eight nights, with around 2,500m of climbing per day. The group is supported at all times by both a vehicle and rider.

Price

£1,495 per person based on sharing a twin room in the hotels.

Single occupancy will be available, subject to availability, for an additional charge (amount to be confirmed).

What’s included

• Transfers from Geneva airport and return to Nice airport, including bike transfer – see below for details of required flight times
• 8 nights half-board accommodation – bed, breakfast and evening meal
• Support vehicle throughout the trip
• Luggage transfer
• Packed lunches on riding days

 
In addition to the regular Stuart Hall Cycling crew, we are delighted that our Raid Alpine package will be supported by Ian Turner of Plein Air Pyrenees. Ian, a very keen cyclist himself, has lived in the France for over 15 years. While his home stomping ground is the Pyrenees, he is no stranger to the Alps and has many years of experience taking customers there and cycling both the well-known and less well-known Alpine climbs.

Itinerary

• Arrival day: Arrive Geneva airport, transfer to Thonon Les Bains, build bikes, pre-ride briefing
• Ride Day 1: Thonon Les Bains to La Giettaz, including Col de la Colombiere, Col des Aravis
• Ride Day 2: La Giettaz to Val d’Isere, including Col des Saisies, Cornet de Roseland
• Ride Day 3: Val d’Isere to Valloire, including Col de l’Iseran, Col du Telegraph
• Ride Day 4: Valloire to La Grave, including Col du Galibier, l’Alpe d’Huez, Col de Sarenne
• Ride Day 5: La Grave to Guillestre, including Col du Lauteret, Col de l’Izoard
• Ride Day 6: Guillestre to Valdeblore, including Col de Vars, Col de la Bonette
• Ride Day 7: Valdeblore to Nice, including Col de Saint-Martin, Col de Turini, Col de St. Roch
• Departure day: Return transfers to Nice airport

Flights and airport transfers

Arrivals:

On the arrival day, we will collect you and your bike from flights landing in Geneva mid-afternoon.

Departures:

On departure day, we will be staying very close to Nice airport so you can book any return flight time from Nice airport to suit you.

For alternative flights, please check with us before booking to ensure we can accommodate the arrival/departure times.