Mythical Climbs

After a warm welcome at Lyon airport, we will drive to Alpe d’Huez (approx 2 hrs). Upon arrival , while you are settling in the hotel, we will prepare your bike or assemble it (for those of traveling with their “baby”). We will then go for a welcome ride. You will tackle a Col that has been ridden only once by the Peloton (Le Tour 2013) , a true “forgotten col” : Col de Sarenne. Although short, it is pretty tough (3 km at 7,8 %). This quick leg spin will enable us to get to now each other and to get acquainted with the local road conditions.

Daily Mileage: 18 Km / Elev + 465 m

After descending L’Alpe d’Huez , we will start with Col du Lautaret. Although quite long (34km), it is considered as an appetizer (CAT 1 , avg 3,9%/ Max 8,1%) compared to the iconic Col du Galibier (Hors-Catégorie, 8,5 km, avg 6,88% & 12,1 % Max). First featured in the 1911 Tour de France, Col du Galibier, is one of the highest summits (2,645 m), in Tour de France. Atop after the usual selfie, you will enjoy a breathtaking panorama of the whole Alpes including Mt Blanc. After a quick downhill we will stop at our favourite farmhouse café. The longest downhill, of your life (39km) will definitely help with the digestion. To ensure, we do preserve our legs for Saturday’s queen stage, we will transfer you back to Alpe d’Huez

Daily Mileage: 86 Km / Elev + 2,741 m

Today, we will tackle another forgotten climb of Tour de France : Col d'Ornon. This CAT 2 (10,5 km at 6,2 %) has been featured only 8 times since 1966 (last TDF 2025). We will share a typical Alpine lunch on the summit, before tackling today's pièce de résistance : Alpe d'Huez. Since 1952, this iconic climb was featured in over 30 Tour de France stages (last in 2022). The 21 legendary bends, each with its own story, have played a pivotal role in Tour de France history. Each bend bears the name of Alpe d'Huez winner. Climbing Alpe d'Huez (Hors Catégorie, 14 km at 8%) brings you closer to the sport's essence. It also makes you realise the unbelievable strength it takes to be a Tour de France's pro. A few advises go steady, meditate and keep the eyes open, you may discover your name painted on the road

Daily Mileage: 56 Km / Elev +1,780 m

Be ready for another "Hors-Catégorie" monument, with the ascent of Col de la Croix de Fer. First featured in 1947 Tour de France, it is standing at 2,067 m. This col can be deceiving (24 km at 5,2 %), as it is famous for its portion of irregular slopes (5 km of descent followed by 5 km climb at 11 %). Some Pros in the peloton call it the "leg breaker". To ease the pain while climbing, think of the view that awaits you at the summit and of the 20 km of downhill that follows. Bonus of the day : upon descending, a slight detour and a few additional hundred meters will allow you to add Col du Glandon to your Strava !

Daily Mileage: 73 km / Elev + 1,900 m

As a warm-up, we'll descend part of Alpe d'Huez, then you will enjoy a gradual climb on a superb balcony road offering a scenic view over the Oisans valley. You will then tackle Col de Sarenne 12 Km at 6.7 %). It was considered as a forgotten Col of Le Tour until this year. Indeed, during Stage 20, it will be the ultimate difficulty before the finish line in Alpe d’Huez. This narrow alpine road is not car friendly but is the paradise for all cyclists. One of the toughest Alpine col (Alt :1,999 m, first and last Kms at over 11 %), it is also one of the most beautiful and quiet pastoral road in the area.

Daily Mileage: 49 km / Elev + 1,759 m

After a quick espresso at the hotel, we will descend Alpe d'Huez before sun rise. Another Espresso in Bourg d'Oisan to get ready to tackle one Alpe d’Huez for the second time. Alpe d'Huez (14 km @7,5 %) require an intense & sustained effort. Did you know that each hairpin bear the name of a Huez summit stage winner ? This final ride is usually a poignant conclusion to a week filled with memorable cycling memories and shared camaraderie moments. Once back to the hotel, we'll share an "Au Revoir" breakfast, before driving you back to Lyon Airport

Daily Mileage: 34 km / Elev +1,129 m