Southern French Alps

After a gentle freewheel down to Briançon, we pass by the impressive walled upper city and make our way to our tour’s first mountain pass, Col de Montgenevre (1854m), straddling the French/Italian border. We make a fast descent into Italy, then ride north to our 2nd col of the day – l’Echelle (1762m). This is a short climb, but a good way to let the legs know what is up ahead! We descend from Col de l’Echelle into the beautiful Vallée de la Clarée, and a gradual downhill the rest of the way home.

Dinner tonight is at a great local restaurant inside the fortified walls of Briançon’s old town.

Today is the real deal! You will be driven to Modane, from where you will climb a true classic of the Tour de France – the Col du Télegraphe (1566m) / Col du Galibier (2645m) combo. After a short warm-up from Modane you hit the forested slopes of the Col du Télegraphe, a substantial climb itself, but a mere prelude to what is to come after the alpine village of Valloire.

A quick coffee or snack is all you should take here because a mythic mountain awaits – Galibier. This epic climb has been used in the Tour de France many times since 1911 and in the 2011 Tour de France it became the highest ever stage finish. You are climbing in the pedal strokes of legends! Descend home via another TdF pass, the Col du Lautaret (2058m).

A hearty dinner awaits you back in Briançon.

On our third day in the high mountains we leave Briançon and make a spectacular southerly journey over mighty Col d’Izoard (2361m), then a fantastic ride down through the ‘desert’ of the southern side, followed immediately by a long run through the canyon of the Combe du Queyras.

Near the end of our day we ascend the Col de Vars (2108m), which brings us into the department of Alpes-de-Haute-Provence, and our home for the next two days – Barcelonnette.

Dinner is at a great local restaurant, steps from our hotel.

Today is our ‘easy’ day, but only because you have the afternoon off. After breakfast we will attack the Cime de la Bonette (2860m), the highest paved through-road in Europe, and a very challenging climb. You are rewarded for your hard work, however, with incredible views from the summit, all the way to the Mediterranean on a clear day. After one of the best descents in the Alps, your afternoon is free to do with it as you like.

Dinner on your own tonight.

This morning we leave the lovely Ubaye valley via the scenic Col de la Cayolle (2326m). This climb is one of our all-time favorites – both the ascent and the descent, with its complete change in scenery and great roads. We are still in the high Alps but now the air is slightly dryer, the sky is a bit bluer and you know that the sea not too far away.

Tonight we stay in a small ski resort and dine at one of the great restaurants Valberg has to offer.

It’s nearly time to celebrate, but not quite yet! Our last day of riding is also our longest, but considering we will go from 1500m above sea level down to zero by day’s end, it certainly won’t be our toughest. This last day on the bike is, although not the high Alps anymore, a gorgeous ride with unique arrière pays views. We will aim for a mid-afternoon entrance into the Côte d’Azur, so you will have plenty of time to celebrate your great accomplishment under the blue sky of the Mediterranean.

After checkout we will drive you to the airport. All your hard work is over now and you can relax and enjoy the ride, but maybe we’ll talk about where you’d like to do your next HighRoad tour…we’re always open to ideas!