Crossing the Alps - Gravel Bike, Cycling road
10 days from 1895 € per participant
Guaranteed departure from 5 people
FRGB01 
Maximum altitude 2744 m
Stamina level : 3 Pros
- A crossing of the Alps by a diversity of rarely used tracks
- The most beautiful and high road passes of France
- Comfortable accommodations for each stage
- A permanent logistic assistance at the top! A vehicle and driver to transport your luggage from one stage to another or to shorten a stage
- An Azimut bike guide to manage the stages, the efforts and the good progress, the mechanical aspect
- A free trip: you can decide to ride at your own pace, leave as a couple or with friends, out of step with the rest of the group. We go cool, it is flexible, we manage!
In a nutshell
The crossing of the Alps with a Gravel Bike ! On the program of this trip, go and meet the most preserved mountain landscapes. We all know the classic road, we propose you the crossing by the side roads! With a Gravel Bike that defies all terrain, we ride through the Alps on small mountain roads that usually end up as a track because they are not used much, which makes the landscapes all the more breathtaking. Of course, we offer ourselves the most beautiful and high road passes of France. Among them, the Izoard pass (2360m) or the Agnel pass (2744m). After the French jewels, it's time for the preserved valleys of Italy in the Piedmont region with its passes and its sky blue lakes. And where do we finish this sick adventure? At the edge of the Mediterranean Sea, in the magnificent town of Menton, feet in the water.
If you are motivated to rediscover the Alps in another way, with more than 16000m of positive difference in altitude and cross-country roads, then this is the place to be! Get your shorts ready and join us for this Gravel Bike version of the Alps crossing!
Day to day
Day 1 - Welcome in Chamonix - Warm up to Hauteluce
Meeting and briefing with the bike guide. After a small check on the equipment, we start this first day by following the Arve on a forest track in direction of the Forclaz pass (1560m). Going down to Contamines-Montjoie, we follow the small river called Bon-Nant before leaving the main axis to go down on a stony track towards the Joly pass (1989m). After this pass, a long and beautiful descent awaits us to Hauteluce (1150m) where we will spend the evening and the night.
Distance: 48km approximately
Elevation gain: +2190m / -2080m approximately
Tracks: tarred road, dirt track, stony track
Meals included: picnic, dinner
Accommodation included: hotel
Day 2 - Journey at the fairies
Starting from Hauteluce, we let ourselves go down to the village of Beaufort (750m) before starting a climb to Cormet d'Arêche. On the way which transforms itself little by little into stony track, we go along the big lake of Saint-Guérin before passing in front of the marvellous small lake of the fairies which is close to the Cormet d'Arêches (2105m), place which indicates the end of the climb! Once up there, we let ourselves go down between stony track and small mountain roads until the charming little village of Aime where we will spend the evening and the night in a hotel.
Distance: 45km approximately
Elevation gain: +1410m / -1875m approx.
Routes used: paved road, stony track
Meals included: breakfast, picnic, dinner
Accommodation included: hotel
Day 3 - Along the Doron de Belleville
We start the morning with a few kilometers in descending false flat before recovering a small mountain road which goes along the Doron de Belleville in a progressive rise which leads us to Saint Martin de Belleville. After having benefited fully from the landscape during this stage, we find ourselves in a charming hotel where we will spend the evening and the night.
Distance: 33km approximately
Elevation gain: +1280m / -560m approximately
Routes taken: tarred road
Meals included: breakfast, picnic, dinner
Accommodation included: hotel
Day 4 - At the core of the Savoie
At the departure of St Martin de Belleville, we go down on the last tarred roads before meeting a beautiful track which will make us snake between the mountains throughout the day. After about fifteen kilometers, we are on the pass of the Encombrés (2362m), the highest point of the stage. From this pass, we always follow this track which gives marvelous landscapes of preserved mountain. At the end of this long downhill, we arrive in the valley of Maurienne. Still a small ascent to arrive to Valloire (1400m), village of mountain on the road of the pass of Galibier. We spend the night in Valloire in a hotel.
Distance: 52km approximately
Elevation gain: +1964m / -1941m approximately
Routes used: tarred road, stony track
Meals included: breakfast, picnic, dinner
Accommodation included: hotel
Day 5 - The Galibier and the preserved Clarée Valley
For this day full of landscapes, we go from the Northern Alps to the Southern Alps. No more Savoie and welcome in the Hautes-Alpes. In the morning, we continue on the mythical road of Galibier (2642m). At kilometer 30, we cross a track that we will follow until the magnificent village of Névache. On this track, sometimes on gravel and sometimes stony, after having passed the col de la Pare (2412m) and the col des Rochilles (2500m) a little further, we let ourselves go down passing in front of two lakes (the Grand Ban and the lac Rond) until the charming village of Névache. From there, we descend along a forest track with some passages on road before arriving in Briançon where we will spend the evening and the night.
Distance: 55km approximately
Elevation gain: +1345m / -1536m approximately
Tracks: tarred road, stony track, dirt track
Meals included: breakfast, picnic, dinner
Accommodation included: hotel
Day 6 - Softly in the Queyras
For this day, we go each one at its own rhythm, few kilometers on the stage to rest a little the calves! But all the same a mythical pass, that of Izoard (2360m) where we will take the time to admire the extent of the regional park of Queyras which is in front of us. Promised thing, due thing, we stop in the small village of Ariveux (1560m), some kilometers under the pass of Izoard. For the one or the one who would like to pedal still a little, there is always the possibility of going until the lake of Roue or a whole lot of other paths!
Distance: 30km approximately
Elevation gain: +1170m / -820m approximately
Routes taken: tarred road
Meals included: breakfast, picnic, dinner
Accommodation included: hotel
Day 7 - Andiamo in Italia
After the more quiet day of the previous day, we take advantage of our regain of energy to go to Italy. Before crossing the border, we cross a magnificent part of Queyras to finish on the Agnel pass (2744m), the 2nd highest road pass of the French Alps. From there, a breathtaking view on the downhill which awaits us on the Italian side with the lake of Castello in the background. Once we passed the lake, we continue our descent until Sampeyre, a small Italian village where we will spend the evening and the night.
Distance: 60km approximately
Elevation gain: +1590m / -2190m approximately
Routes used: paved road, stony track
Meals included: breakfast, picnic, dinner
Accommodation included: hotel
Day 8 - Between Occitan Valleys
From Sampeyre, we ascend with our Gravel Bike, road bike along a small mountain road in direction of the Sampeyre pass (2285m). The ascent is progressive as the beauty of the landscape. The more you go up, the more beautiful the view on the valley is. Once at the pass, we go down on the same small mountain road lost in the Occitan valleys of Italy. After the pass of the Cavallina (1940m), we continue until the small village of Marmora where a charming hotel awaits us.
Distance: 35km approximately
Elevation gain: +1605m / -1375m approx.
Routes taken: tarred road
Meals included: breakfast, picnic, dinner
Accommodation included: hotel
Day 9 - It goes down in the Piedmont
After a good breakfast already in the Italian way, we leave on our Gravel for a good day. We begin by a progressive ascent on a small road, to the passage of the 3rd pass that we will cross, that of Fauniera (2481m), we will begin a long and magnificent descent on a small Italian road until the valley of Stura di Demonte. From there, we continue between small path and road until the station of Limone Piemonte where we will spend the night (1000m).
Distance: 77km approximately
Elevation gain: +1830m / -2045m approx.
Routes used: paved road, gravel track
Meals included: breakfast, picnic, dinner
Accommodation included: hotel
J10 - On the way to the Mediterranean coast
For this last stage, we will go at our own pace. We have a beautiful and long day ahead of us. From Limone, we take the direction of the South and its beautiful villages. On the road, we alternate between ascent and descent with 3 passes on the program! We begin with the first and the highest, the pass of Tenda (1871m) which marks the border with France. After a descent on nearly 30km, we go up to reach the small pass of Brouis (879m) before passing the pass of Castillon (706m). Once at the pass, a steep descent at the beginning and then a gentler one, brings us to Menton, a beautiful coastal town on the Mediterranean coast.
Distance: 87km approximately
Elevation gain: +1945m / -2930m approximately
Routes used: paved road, gravel track
Meals included: breakfast, picnic, dinner
Accommodation included: hotel
Meeting and leaving
Meeting points
-
In front of the Chamonix Mont Blanc train station
Meeting time:
Leaving time:
-
Cervières - at our headquarters
Meeting time:
Leaving time:
Get together - practical information
You must be dressed in cycling gear for the meeting on D1.
We will do our best, but we cannot guarantee the time of arrival at the station (traffic jam, unforeseen circumstances). We advise you to buy changeable train tickets. If you are bringing your car, you can leave it at the station or at one of the meeting points during your stay.
For the return journey, you can take the minibus back to Menton and Briançon in the evening.
-
Access
Train & TGV access: www.voyages-sncf.com
Car access: www.mappy.fr
Car sharing: www.blablacar.fr
-
Parking
Public parking free of charge can be found in Briançon and Oulx (both unattended) or just in front of our accomodation.
How technical does it get ? How fit should I be ?
Technical level
For this Gravel Bike trip, you should be used to riding on small mountain roads and forest tracks. You may have to ride a few kilometres on small mountain bike-type trails. Possibility of portaging the more technical sections for those less at ease with technique.
Physical level
For this Gravel Bike trip, you should be able to ride around 55 kilometres a day with an average difference in altitude of 2000m. You'll need to be a hardy rider, at least occasionally (once a week), and at best regularly. Technical sections can be portaged.
Please note: If you do not have the required level, the instructor will be able to ask you to leave the group for the well-being of the whole group. Don't hesitate to ask us if you have any doubts!
Group
5 à 12 participants
Guiding
State-certified cycling instructor, selected by Azimut.
We work with a great team of qualified guides. We choose them mainly for their friendliness, their teaching skills and their organisational skills. We listen to them, work with them and make sure that their working conditions and pay are the best they can be.
Find out more about our guides and instructors here
Carrying
Saddlebag, handlebar bag, frame bag for a few snacks, windbreaker, gloves, repair kit, radio and water bottle.
In short, everything you need for a day's cycling just like at home.
Your luggage for the trip and your big bag are transported from stage to stage by our assistance vehicle. You just enjoy cycling, and we'll take care of the rest.
Price
The price includes
- Organisation
- Luggage transfers in minibus with private driver
- Return transfer from Menton to place of departure
- Half-board accommodation
Picnics - Supervision by an Azimut cycling instructor for the duration of the trip and all expenses (accommodation, meals, travel)
- The AZIMUT welcome pack
The price does not include
- A&R transport to the meeting point
- Personal equipment
- Personal expenses
- Your personal insurance
- Anything that is not included in the "price includes" section.
Payment
30% deposit on enrolment + insurance if you take it out, the balance must be paid 30 days before departure. A reminder e-mail will be sent to you 35 days before departure.
Insurance
It is strongly recommended that you are adequately insured in the event of cancellation. It is compulsory to be insured for search and repatriation costs. At the time of registration, we suggest that you take out Europ Assistance insurance with several options covering the activities on offer and the risks incurred (please note that this insurance is only valid for European nationals).
Tipping
Nothing compulsory, but it is customary for members of the group to leave a tip envelope for the instructor at the end of the trip.
Getting around during the trip
With your Gravel Bike. Your luggage will be moved by the Azimut minibus and will be waiting for you at each stage of your trip.
For the return journey: You arrive in Menton in the afternoon. You can take the minibus back to Briançon or Menton.
If the whole group agrees, you can spend an evening in Menton. The minibus will take you back to Briançon or Chamonix the following morning.
Accommodation and meals
Accommodation during the Gravel Bike trip
Half-board in friendly hotels. Shared double rooms. Depending on the composition of the group, you may be with someone of the opposite sex.
- Bed linen and towels provided
- Breakfasts and dinners at the hotel. Picnics at lunchtime include quality produce, cold meats, bread, cheese, a bar of chocolate, fruit or dried fruit and seeds.
- Picnics at lunchtimes
- Snacks: Details are important, especially during exercise. We've chosen to provide tasty, high-quality cereal bars from Mulebar. Mulebar. Mulebar products are organic, vegan, easily digestible and nutritionally impeccable. All the bars are made from high-quality ingredients with no preservatives, colourings or additives harmful to your health.
- For some holidays, it is possible to book a single or double room at extra cost, subject to availability.
Accommodation before and after the Gravel Bike trip
As soon as you register, we'll send you the names and contact details of accommodation where you can spend the night before or after your trip. This accommodation is close to the meeting points and you will often benefit from preferential rates. Accommodation before and after your Gravel Bike trip.
Telephone & WIFI
In the event of an emergency or delay, you can contact our guide, whose number will be given to you before departure, or Azimut on : +33 (0)4 92 23 07 24.
Pass these contacts on to your family and friends before you leave.
Free WIFI in most accommodation
Random mobile phone and 4G coverage
Equipment - clothing & gear
Don't forget to bring brightly coloured clothes, it's funnier in the photos!
Technical equipment & Safety
- Gravel bike (road bike with off-road tyres) with clip-on or flat pedals, as you prefer. We strongly advise against road bikes with thin tyres, as road conditions can be unpredictable and detours via tracks and paths will be impossible.
- When it comes to chainrings and sprockets, we ideally recommend 32-34 teeth on the chainring and 42 or 50 teeth on the cassette.
Example of a gravel bike: https://www.scott-sports.com/fr/fr/products/bike-bikes-road-gravel-cx
- Waterproof handlebar, frame and saddle bags. Ortlieb-type models are ideal for use in all conditions.
- Water bottles
- Mandatory helmet and goggles
- Cycling gloves (mountain bike or road) + warm gloves for descents at altitude
- Front and rear lights for tunnels
- Bike shoes with clips or flat soles depending on your pedals
- A repair kit, including a pair of brake pads (adapted to the correct brake model), an extra derailleur hanger, a quick-link adapted to your chain, pumps, self-adhesive patches, inner tubes of the correct size... and anything else specific to your bike.
Clothing
This equipment list contains a series of tips but does not oblige you to have the latest equipment. If you'd like to re-equip yourself or add to your equipment, take advantage of our advice to get the right gear that's light, warm and comfortable. Good equipment makes for a successful holiday!
Headwear
- Sunglasses, because it's important to protect your eyes. Photochromic lenses adapt to the light and vary from index 1 to 3 or 2 to 4 to optimise visibility between light and shade. Very practical.
- A hat for cool evenings.
Bodywear
- Technical underwear: long-sleeved top and tights for added warmth under trousers. Tip: Merino wool has the advantage of being highly breathable and antibacterial, so it retains odours less than synthetic materials. Think about it if you need to re-equip yourself.
- Short-sleeved cycling jersey
- Long-sleeved cycling jacket or fleece
Synthetic down jacket with hood to slip under the Gore Tex for extra warmth during breaks - Jacket and trousers with a waterproof and breathable membrane such as Gore Tex or Soft Shell, lightweight and compressible to take up less space in the rucksack.
- MTB shorts. Ideal for this type of "travel" activity.
- Tights to wear under shorts in cool weather.
- Bike arm warmers and leg warmers are an excellent way of quickly switching to uphill or downhill mode. They give you the warmth you need for morning starts or long rides in the shade.
- Light gloves (fleece or Soft Shell)
- Swimsuit: it takes up so little space in your luggage that it would be a shame not to have it if you need it! Avoid shorts, as they are not accepted in swimming pools and baths.
Footwear
- Cycling shoes (clips or not, it's your choice)
- Cycling socks. Merinos wool has the advantage of being highly breathable and antibacterial, so it retains odours less than synthetic materials. Think about it if you need to re-equip yourself.
- Slippers or Crocs recommended for the evening.
Toiletry bag & first-aid kit
- Toiletry bag with personal kit
- We advise you to use the Iffremont website to put together your first-aid kit.
Luggage & miscellaneous
- 1L water bottle, thermos or Camelback
- Sun cream factor 50
- 90-litre duffle-type travel bag, to be left at your accommodation or in the minibus. Avoid rigid suitcases
- Swiss Army knife
- Headlamp
- A roll of duck tape for when the going gets tough
Our partner brands
Our guides are equipped in these brands and you will be able to see and test the equipment on our trips:
We are members of Entreprises du Voyage and APST.
And last but not least...
Don't forget to
- Leave our contact details with your friends and family
- Take your identity papers (up-to-date passport and visa for trips requiring them)
- Take your policy number and the details of your insurer if you have not taken out insurance with Azimut
- Take your Vitale card and we also recommend the European Health Insurance Card - free of charge and on request: www.ameli.fr
- Check that you have the required equipment
- Take batteries / chargers for your camera / avalanche transceiver
- Leave cool and relaxed, you'll be fine! The scenery and the memories you'll bring back will be many!
- Before you leave, water the plants, take out the bins, turn off the water and gas, and tell your partner (other than by text message) that you're going to have a great time... because you really need it! Anything you forget in this last recommendation will come back with a vengeance when you return.
We'll be waiting for you! Have a great trip with AZIMUT!