ALPINE TOUR CÔTE D’AZUR LEMAN.
Thonon-Antibes (Côte d’Azur-Léman)
Epic, original, legendary…The classic of the classics!
Price £125.00
Ride length 7 days
31 passes
Total distance 712 km
Total elevation 17485m
The famous « Alpine » #thononantibes is undoubtedly the most grandiose and the most prestigious cycling route in the entire Alpine Arc ! It is the first great alpine cross-country cycling route created in 1980 by Georges Rossini ! This large-scale route will lead you in the footsteps of the « GIANTS » of the Tour de France through : Jambaz, la Ramaz, Cormet de Roselend, Iseran (with an altitude of 2764 m, it is the highest road in the French Alps), Mont-Cenis, Izoard, Vars, Bonette-Restefond… This long cycle route will give you the opportunity to discover and appreciate all the grandeur, the stunning beauty and the rich culture of the iconic “route des Grandes Alpes”!
Evergreencycling.com organise your self-guided ride as an eco-responsible cycling experience respectful of the regions crossed !
Day by day breakdown
Day 1 (Thonon-les-Bains to Les Saisies : 121 km, 3167 m D+)
Your ride begins at the scenic shores of Lake Geneva through the Pre-Alps then the Alps. This first day offers you an unforgettable experience, combining challenging climbs with technical descents and breathtaking alpine scenery. Enjoy !
Day 2 (Les Saisies to Bonneval sur Arc : 121 km, 3376 m D+)
This is the “queen stage” of the tour which allows you to conquer one of the highest passes in the entire Alps (L’Iseran 2764 m), while immersing in the exceptional natural beauty of the surrounding landscapes ! Col de l’Iseran is a must-see point on this itinerary of the Alpine Tour Thonon-Antibes !
Day 3 (Bonneval sur Arc to Pragelato : 93 km, 2401 m D+)
The day begins by an amazing ride along the Vanoise Natural Park. After crossing the Mont-Cenis, you are continuing your journey through the Italian Alps (Suza Valley). This picturesque valley offers you the opportunity to discover and taste the best culinary specialitie of this historical region.
Day 4 (Pragelato to Saint Paul sur Ubaye 119 km, 3253 m D+)
Today, a great cycling itinerary awaits you ! Return to France by the colle di Sestriere then col de Montgenèvre, to reach the alpine city of Briançon which allows access to the legendary col d’Izoard and the epic Casse Déserte. The last climb of the day will “open the door” to the Valley of Ubaye.
Day 5 (Saint Paul sur Ubaye to Isola 101 km, 1743 m D+)
Another great and beautiful day in the Southern Alps. 3 high altitude passes to cross including the stunning col de la Bonette-Restefond (2715 m) before reaching the valley de la Tinée. Here, you have reached the Mercantour massif.
Day 6 (Isola to Aiglun 96 km, 1750 m D+)
Steady and pleasant route punctuated by varied and fascinating landscapes, historical villages of Provence, culinary specialities…
Enjoy and experience this cycling delight !
Day 7 (Aiglun to Antibes 85 km, 1565 m D+)
The last day of this cycling ride, it will take you to the superb shores of the Mediterranean sea. A few more mountain passes to cross and you will get a glimpse of Antibes, this historical city with a fort and rampart walls.
Tour Info
A gps itinerary to download (ridewithGPS).
A detailed road logbook.
A distinctive and original frame plate for your bike.
A display box with a superb commemorative medal #thonontrieste.
A full cycling route briefing by our local representative (Thonon-les-Bains).
A leaflet with advice and recommendation for a successful ride.
A complete list of selected accommodation to chose from.
A certificate of achievement in a presentation folder.
2 evergreen cycling stickers
This ride is available from June to mid-Octobe.
Tour profile: Mountainous.
Starting town is Thonon-les-Bains (Haute-Savoie, France) and the final stage is Antibes (Alpes- Maritimes, France).
This cycling ride is for cyclists with a very good level of fitness.
E-bikes are welcome.
The route is passable in general from June until mid-October. However, the opening and closing dates of the high mountain roads may vary depending on the weather conditions at the time of travel.
We can arrange for airport transfer with our partner between Geneva airport and Thonon-les-Bains (one way and/or return). Please forward all relevant details including arrival date/time and departure date/time, number of cyclists, number of bikes for a quote.
Evergreencycling.com cannot be held responsible for erroneous routes, roads closed to traffic, accidents and personal carelessness such as disregarding traffic laws. This cycle route takes place without accompaniment and without accommodation. We assume no liability or responsibility for an injury, loss, damage or inconvenience sustained by any person, nor to their property.