Road: Tour du Mont Blanc
Cycling the Alps
This brilliant alpine cycling holiday takes us around the highest mountain in Western Europe, Mont Blanc. In four days we pass through France, Switzerland and Italy, taking in some of the famous Tour de France passes such as the Grand St Bernard at 2469m, Cormet de Roseland, Col des Saises, Col des Aravis, and the Col de la Columbiere. If that isnt enough we include some of the 'minor' but spectacular passes, such as the climb to Colle San Carlo. This road cycling holiday is surely a 'must do' ride for 'Sportive' riders and cycling enthusiasts alike.
- Take on the Tour de France Cols
- Cycle through three countries
- Classic alpine 'Sportive' cycling
- 10,000 metres of climbing and descent
Download PDF version of this pageDepartures
| Trip | Departure date | End date | Price | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MCMB1 | Sun 24 June 12 | Fri 29 June 12 | £695 or 835 Euros | Trip Guaranteed | Make a Booking |
| MCMB2 | Sun 2 September 12 | Fri 7 September 12 | £695 or 835 Euros | Places available | Make a Booking |
| MCMB3 | Sun 23 September 12 | Fri 28 September 12 | £695 or 835 Euros | Trip Guaranteed | Make a Booking |
As we cycle round Mont Blanc we can enjoy some of the best scenery in the Alps; snowy peaks, hanging glaciers and high alpine meadows with herds of cows quietly munching away! The roads we follow are mostly quiet and wind their way through sleepy villages, and along valley systems which take us from one country to the next. The trip is totally 'supported', so at the start of the day your kit bag will be loaded into the support vehicle and taken the the next nights accommodation. Apart from a fixed meeting place for lunch, you are free to cycle at your own pace with the support vehicle never too far away. In total we will clock up an impressive 10,000 of ascent and descent, with each day averaging 100km/62 miles.
View Road Biking the Tour du Mont Blanc in a larger map
Itinerary
Day 1 Arrival
On the first evening we meet at our accommodation in Chamonix Valley, France, when your leader will brief you on the trip. Snowy peaks, and stunning mountain views are on the agenda from the moment you arrive!
Day 2 Chamonix to Bourg St Pierre
We set off from Chamonix on our four day circuit and settle into the trip with our first climb over the Col des Montets, before an exhilarating descent into Switzerland. You will be through the Frontier at such speed no one will be inclined to ask for your passport! We then climb up to the Col de Forclaz, before a fast and steep descent to the Rhone Valley and the town of Martigny. The day ends with another climb to the 'chocolate box' village of Champex with its blue green lake, and a brilliant descent down to the valley and then on to Bourg St Pierre.
Day 3 Bourg St Pierre to Bourg St Maurice
This morning we cycle through some great countryside as we leave Bourg St Pierre to climb to the world famous Grand St Bernard Monastery which sits on a pass at 2,473m. For over a thousand years the monks have welcome weary travellers and hopefully our visit will be no exception! The next descent to Aosta is mind-blowing - it goes on and on - over 20 miles of excellent riding. Its then off along the valley until our next climb to the Colle San Carlo and then the Col du Petit St Bernard with its stunning views. By this time we will be ready for the final cracking descent to Bourg St Maurice!
Day 4 Bourg St Maurice to La Clusaz
By today you should be settling down nicely! We leave Bourg St Maurice heading along the "Route des Grandes Alpes" and up the lovely gorge which leads to the open plain at Chapieux with its herds of goats and sheep. We climb the famous Cormet de Roseland and then swoop down to the blue lake, and then along its banks to Beaufort and onwards to the Col des Saises, before a final push over the Col des Aravis, made famous by the Tour de France, and then down to La Clusaz.
Day 5 La Clusaz to Chamonix
A great final day today as we leave La Clusaz and make the climb past flower filled meadows to the Col de la Columbiere. The views today of limestone ridges and cliffs, with Mont Blanc rearing its snowy head on the horizon, are breath taking. There are plenty of cafes on the pass if a photo stop for the views are required. We then have a great classic swooping alpine descent to the valley where we swing right and make our way along the "Mont Blanc Cycle Route" and back to Chamonix having completed one of the best cycle trips in the Alps!
Day 6 Departure
Today is departure day. If you would like to make the trip longer and stay on then we can advise you on the options for accommodation.
Price
Included: Two nights accommodation in a chalet, and three nights in hotels, all meals, support vehicle, baggage transfers between overnight stops, a cycling leader.
Not included: Flights, travel insurance, transfers from the airport, miscellaneous expenses, drinks etc.
Bikes & Terrain
These cycling holidays are all classic road journeys, requiring a road bike or a standard touring bike, fitted either with a compact or a triple chainset. A support vehicle will accompany the biking group and carry all baggage. The terrain is classic alpine cycling in that there will be daily ascents and descents requiring a good level of 'bike' fitness. In total we will cycle approximately 400km/250 miles. Each day will average about 100km/62 miles.
Vehicle Support
Throughout the trip we have the back up of our support vehicle and a first aid qualified bike leader who will be cycling with the group. Each morning our bags will be loaded onto the support vehicle and taken to our next night’s accommodation. During our morning ride and on the climbs up the big passes our support vehicle will sweep through the group and provide extra water and assistance. The vehicle will then stop at a designated rendezvous where we’ll all meet up for a picnic lunch. We want everyone to enjoy their cycling experience on this trip and we recognise the importance for everyone riding at their own pace. On most of our road biking trips it is usual that there can be a fair distance between the front and rear cyclists in the group and there may be times when other group members, vehicle support and the biking leader are out of sight. Each morning the biking leader will provide thorough route notes to assist you. However, the leader will always be cycling the route and maintaining a watch at strategic locations. Both the leader and our vehicle support will be carrying mobile phones and are easily contactable from your own mobile phone. Should a breakdown or an emergency arise during your cycling day they will respond as soon as possible. Whilst our support vehicle cannot transport the whole group, baggage and bikes, it is also there to assist the occasional tired cyclist. So if you want to opt out of a morning, afternoon or even a full days cycling, it may be possible to travel in the vehicle.
Accommodation
During this trip, you will start and finish the trek at the very comfortable Yeti Lodge, in Argentiere, near Chamonix. Offering stunning views of Mont Blanc, facilities include Hot Tubs, Saunas, free WIFI, in-house computers and secure parking. On the trip you will spend three nights in comfortable hotels.
Luggage
Each day there will be a support vehicle to carry your luggage to the next overnight stop. The support vehicle will meet the group at a fixed rendezvous point at lunchtime, and will never be too far away during the ride.
Minimum numbers
This trip will run once a minimum number of 5 clients have booked. We will take a maximum of 14 clients. We advise you not to make your travel arrangements until the trip is guaranteed to run.
Further Information
Chamonix is easily reached from other European & Worldwide destinations by road, rail, coach or plane. For suggested travel links please refer to our Booking & Information pages for further details. Geneva is the closest international airport, only 1 hour 15 minutes away by road, making shared transfers, buses or trains easy to arrange. Please contact us if you need further advise on your specific travel requirements.
