We use cookies for your comfort.

Alright then Tell me more



E-bike liberty - Crossing the Alps: Briançon - Menton

6 days from 840 € per participant

Guaranteed departure from 5 people

FRLIB1402
France and Italie Montagne Maximum altitude 2736 m Skill level : 1 Montagne Stamina level : 2 Montagne Direct train from Paris

Pros

- A crossing of the Alps by a diversity of tracks and roads not often used 

- Comfortable and typical gites and hotels for each stage

- A permanent logistic assistance at the top! A vehicle and a driver who transports your luggage from one stage to another or allows you to shorten a stage

- A trip in freedom: you can decide to ride each at your own pace, leave as a couple or with friends, out of step with the rest of the group. We go cool, it's flexible, we manage!

- An emblematic route to discover the most beautiful massifs of the Alps while roaming 

In a nutshell

Have you always dreamed of crossing the Alps, those emblematic mountains painted with immense landscapes? You feel adventurous but you don't have Poulidor's thighs or the desire to ride an extreme mountain bike? Then this trip will fulfill your expectations of escape, passes and alpine lakes!

We propose you a crossing of the Alps from Chamonix to Menton, divided in 2 weeks to do it either in full or in two times! Via the Beaufortain, the Vanoise and the Maurienne, this week of roaming will take you to Briançon, via wild places and away from the main roads. We will take you on small roads and mountain trails where you will discover enchanting places. 

The best part of all this? We take care of everything! A logistician who transports you from Briançon to Les Houches and who follows you all along the trip to carry your luggage from lodge to lodge! And if needed, he will allow you to shorten a day if you need a rest. 

So come on, you'll see: the immensity of the Alps is offered to you, in a cool version and at your own pace!

Friends, family or just colleagues at work ?

You wish to customize one of our trips, among friends and at your own convenience ? No problem, contact us so we can adapt a trip to suit you, right down to the last detail ! Our trips are tailor-made so giving you what you want is as easy as 123.

  • Price (VAT inc)

Day to day

Day 1 - Welcome in Briançon - welcome and get going!


Meeting and briefing with your logistician. After checking the equipment, GPS functioning, explanations of the route, we start this first day by going along the Cerveyrette valley, this torrent which comes down from the Izord pass. And us bin we go up there quietly! Emblematic passage of the Tour de France, the descent passes by the "Casse déserte", this fabulous and grandiose ebouli! We fill our water bottles in Arvieux (stop at the bakery?) and then we go to Molines to discover the landscapes of Queyras. Your first lodging awaits you in this valley!

Distance : 44km approximately

Difference in altitude : +1650m / -1100m approximately

Routes taken : tarred road, 

Meals included : dinner

Lodging included : lodge/hotel

 

Day 2 - Andiamo in Italia


Starting from Molines, it will be a continuous but wild climb in cool mode to pass the 2nd highest in France: the famous Agnel pass and its 2744m! A break "blueberry tarts" will be advised at the eponymous refuge under the pass (we didn't come here to suffer, eh!). After the photo of the pass, crossing the border and then a long descent to Sampeyre where the restful Italian hotel is waiting for us!

Distance : 47km approximately

Difference in altitude : +1100m / -1850m approx.

Routes used: paved road, stony track

Meals included : breakfast, dinner

Accommodation included : hotel

 

Day 3 - Colle di Sampeyre


We start the morning gently to go up to the Colle di Sampeyre, perched at 2272m! Link between the Valle Varaita and the Valle Maira, this emblematic Italian pass offers fabulous landscapes, where the Monte Viso watches us in the distance from the top of its 3841m! The descent offers breathtaking ridge passages: don't forget to brake in time to take the essential photo to complete the "Crossing the Alps" album!

Distance : about 33km

Difference in altitude: +1600m / -1400m approx.

Routes used : paved road, gravel track

Meals included : breakfast, dinner

Accommodation included : hotel - gîte

 

Day 4 - From Val Maira to Val Stura 


 From Marmora, we go up quietly on a wild road to go into the mountains of the Italian Piedmont. After the Colle d'Esischie, the slope becomes much gentler to reach the highest point of the day: the Colle Fauniera and its 2481m! From there, a nice balcony trail to reach Colle Valcavera at 2416m. And now, a big and beautiful descent of almost 20km to reach the bottom of the Val Stura, and the evening lodging near Borgo San Dalmazo.

Distance : 57km approximately

Difference in altitude: +1400m / -1950m approximately

Routes used : paved road, track

Meals included : breakfast, dinner

Accommodation included : hotel - lodge

 

Day 5 - Return to France!


From Borgo, departure in the cooler weather recommended to start a beautiful day of pedaling to cross the border! The ascent will be progressive to pass by the village of Limone Piemonte. Then it will be a bit more sportive to pass the famous Col de Tende, located between the military forts marking the famous Maginot Line. After the pass, a descent awaits us on the old military road for about 700m of difference in altitude. Then it will be "rest" along the torrent of the Roya, passing in the village of Saint Dalmas (obligatory pause!). From there, the Gorges de la Bergue will open up just before the arrival in Saorge, this typical perched village of the Mercantour where the well deserved accommodation awaits us!

Distance : 66km approximately

Difference in altitude : +1400m / -1600m approx.

Routes used : stony track, dirt track, paved road

Meals included : breakfast, dinner

Accommodation included : hotel - lodge

 

Day 6 - Vamos a la playa


Yes, it's still time to go for a dip in the Mediterranean! This last day will be deserved nevertheless, there remain some kilometers to join the Big Blue. But we start with something good: the Gorges de Saorge! Then we leave the Roya valley to go to Sospel via the Col du Pérus. Sospel, just the name of this city smells good the suuud, and it will be essential to settle down in a terrace for a fresh lemonade (or a pastaga for those who want!). From there, one of the last slopes of the trip: a nice quiet road will take us up to the perched village of Castillon, short descent and this time for good: last climb to Castellar from where you can admire the sea below! Yes, it smells good the dip all that! We let ourselves sink quietly towards Menton, and there the emotion will make you shiver all the hairs of your body: you have just crossed the Alps! 

Possibility with the group to spend an additional night in Menton, and if not, we put the music in the van and return to Briançon!

Distance : 52km approximately

Difference in altitude: +1000m / -1600m approximately

Tracks : stony track, tarred road

Meals included : breakfast

 

 

This trip is done in autonomy on the day, you are on your own responsibility. If needed, our logistician will be there to help you on the way. By choosing a trip in freedom, you make the choice of autonomy, that is to say to ensure your own safety during the hike. We make sure that the proposed itineraries meet the essential safety standards. However, depending on the weather conditions preceding a day, we cannot be held responsible for problems that may occur on the circuit.

 

Meeting and leaving

Meeting points

  • Briançon in front of the Train Station

    See on the map

    Meeting time: 8:45 am
    Leaving time: in the afternoon

Rendezvous & dispersion - practical information


You are in cycling clothes for the meeting on D1

We do our best but we cannot guarantee the time of arrival at the station (traffic jam, unforeseen circumstances). We advise you to take changeable train tickets. If you come with your car, you can leave it at one of the meeting points during your stay.

The return to Briançon to get back to the meeting points will be done through Italy for practical and ecological reasons: shorter journey! However, if the group is ok it may be possible to spend an extra night in Menton to enjoy the French Riviera. Contact us for details (price, timing)

Access

Train and TGV: www.voyages-sncf.com 

For the trains, think to check with the ticket office, that the train in question welcomes bikes.

Car: www.mappy.fr 

Carpooling: www.blablacar.fr

Car parking

Free public parking in Briançon.

Technical and physical level
Technical level : *

For this E-bike trip, you should be used to riding on small mountain roads as well as on forest tracks. It is possible to ride a few kilometers on small mountain bike type trails. Possibility to do the most technical passages in portage for people less comfortable with technique.

Physical level : **

For this E-bike trip, you must be able to ride about 45 kilometers per day with an average difference in altitude of 1600m. You must therefore practice a hard activity, at least occasionally (once a week), at best regularly. It is possible to do the few technical passages by pushing.

Group
5 to 12 people

Supervision
No supervision on this trip. A logistician is there to transport your luggage from accommodation to accommodation. If needed, he can shorten your trip by transporting you directly to your accommodation for the evening.

Carrying
Saddle bag, handlebar bag, frame bag to carry some snacks, a windbreaker, gloves, a repair kit, a radio and your water bottle

In short, everything that is recommended to take during a day trip as at home.  

Your luggage for the trip, your big bag is transported from stage to stage by our assistance vehicle. You enjoy the good cycling, we take care of the rest.

Price
The price includes

- The organization, the return trip by minibus

- The transfers of luggage in minibus with private driver

- The accommodation in half-board

- GPX tracks compatible with GPS and phones

- The AZIMUT welcome pack

The price does not include

- A&R transportation to the meeting point

- The personal equipment 

- The lunch to let the choice of the meal.

- Personal expenses

- Your personal insurance

- Everything that is not included in the "price includes" section.

 

Payment
Deposit 30% at registration + insurance if you subscribe, 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 highly recommended to be well insured in case of cancellation. Insurance for search and repatriation is mandatory. During registration, we suggest that you take out insurance through Europ Assistance with several options covering the proposed activities and the risks incurred (attention, insurance valid only for European citizens).

Bicycle Logistician tip
Nothing obligatory, but it is customary for the group members to make a tip envelope for the logistician at the end of the trip

Transportation during the trip
With your E-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 trip: You arrive in the afternoon in Menton. Possibility of leaving with the minibus to Briançon, or it can drop you off at Menton station in the evening.

If the whole group is in favor, it will be possible for you to spend an evening in Menton. The minibus will bring you back to Briançon the next morning.

Accommodation and meals
Half board in friendly gites or hotels. Double room to share, sometimes multiple rooms like dormitory. Depending on the composition of the group, you may be with someone of the opposite sex.

- Take a sheet, towels not provided depending on the stage

- Breakfasts and dinners are taken at the gite/hotel. 

-Picnics at noon are composed of quality products, cold cuts, bread, cheese, a bar of chocolate, fruit or dried fruit, seeds. They will be prepared by each accommodation.

- Snacks: The details are important, especially during the effort. We have chosen to provide tasty and high quality cereal bars from the brand Mulebar. Mulebar, these are organic, vegan, easily digestible and nutritionally impeccable products. All the bars are made with noble foods without preservatives, dyes or additives harmful to your health.

- For some stays, it is possible to book a single or double room with extra charge depending on availability.

Accommodation before and after the E-bike trip

As soon as you register, we will send you the names and contact information of accommodations, so that you can spend a night before or after your trip. These accommodations are located near the meeting points and you will often benefit from a preferential rate. 

Telephone & WIFI
In case of emergency or delay, you can contact our logistician whose number will be given to you before departure or Azimut at 04 92 23 07 24

Pass on these contacts to your family and friends before you leave

Free WIFI in most of the accommodations

Cell phone and 4G coverage is random depending on the place

Material - Equipment
Remember to take brightly colored clothes, it's more funky on the pictures!

Technical equipment & Safety 

 - E-bike type all-suspended with auto or flat pedals, as you prefer.  We strongly advise against road bikes with thin tires because the road conditions can be unpredictable and detours through trails and paths will be impossible. 

- Battery capacity of minimum 500Wh ideally 625Wh.

- We recommend 28-30-32 teeth on the chainring and 42 or 50 teeth on the cassette.

- Waterproof handlebar, frame and saddle bags. The Ortlieb models are perfect for use in all conditions.

- Water bottles

- Helmet and goggles are mandatory

- Bike gloves (MTB or road type) + warm gloves for high altitude descents

- Front & rear lights for the tunnels

- Bike shoes with clips or flat soles depending on your pedals

- A repair kit, including, a pair of brake pads (adapted to the right brake model), a derailleur hanger in addition, a quick link adapted to your chain, pumps, self-adhesive patches, tubes with the right size... and all that would be specific to your bike.

 

Clothing

This list of equipment includes a series of tips on equipment but does not require you to have the latest equipment. In case you want to re-equip yourself or complete your equipment, take advantage of our advice to have the right equipment, light, warm and comfortable. Good equipment contributes to the success of a stay!

For the head 

- Sunglasses because it is important to protect your eyes. Photochromic glasses adapt to the luminosity and vary from index 1 to 3 or 2 to 4 to optimize visibility between light and shadow. Very practical.

- Cap for evenings that can be cool.

For the body

- Technical underwear: long-sleeved top and tights to provide warmth under the pants. Tip: Merino wool has the advantage of being very breathable and antibacterial, so it retains less odor than synthetic materials. Think about it if you need to re-equip yourself.

- Short sleeve cycling jersey

- Long sleeve cycling jacket or fleece 

- Synthetic down jacket with a hood to slip under the Gore Tex and provide extra warmth during breaks 

- Jacket and pants with waterproof and breathable membrane like Gore Tex or Soft Shell, light and compressible to reduce the space in the backpack.

- Mountain bike shorts. They are ideal for this type of "travel" practice.

- Tights to wear under the shorts in case of cool weather. Bike socks and leg warmers are a great way to quickly switch to climbing or descending mode. They provide 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 in case of need! Avoid shorts, as they are not accepted in the pools and baths.

For the feet

- Bike socks. Merino wool has the advantage of being very breathable and antibacterial, so it retains less odor than synthetic materials. Think about it if you need to re-equip yourself.

- Slippers or Crocs recommended for the evening. Dare the charentaises, they are so comfortable! www.charentaises.fr

Toiletries & first aid kit

- Toilet bag with personal kit

- We advise you to use the Iffremont website to build your first aid kit

Luggage & miscellaneous

- 1L water bottle, thermos or Camelback

- Sunscreen (index 50)

- A 90L duffle bag, to be left at the accommodation or in the minibus. Avoid rigid suitcases

- Swiss Army Knife

- Headlamp

- A roll of duck tape for the vagaries of travel

Our partner brands
Our guides are equipped with these brands and you will be able to see and test the equipment on our trips

SCOTT
We are members of the "Entreprises du Voyage" and the APST.

Do not forget
- Leave our contact details with your friends and family

- Take your identity papers (passport and visa up to date for trips requiring it)

- Take your policy number and the contact information of your insurance company 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

- Go cool, relaxed, it will go well! The landscapes and the memories you will bring back will be numerous! 

- Before leaving, water the plants, take out the garbage, turn off the water and the gas, tell your spouse (other than by text message) that you are going to have a good time... because you need it! Everything you forget in this last recommendation will come back to the surface when you return.

 We are waiting for you! Have a good trip with AZIMUT!

https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=1B4u-746z0fBqbZdf1zBlDuoNSJFTOZ0&usp=sharing