Abounding in history and dotted with cols coloured by stories about the world’s greatest cyclists, the Route des Grandes Alpes (Rd GA) is a must for competent, hill-hungry cycle tourers. Covering some 720km from Lake Geneva (Lac Léman) to mediterranean Nice, the route is described across 14 stages and can be completed in anywhere from 7 to 14 days – depending on how you’d like to spread out the 17, 000m of climbing. Six variants are also described, ensuring no holiday is compromised or cut short if a col on route is closed.
Clear and concise route descriptions are provided for each stage (and variant), together with 1:150K mapping and extremely helpful gradient profiles. Also included is invaluable practical advise – everything from bicycle selection (including e Bikes) and nutrition in the saddle, to logistical planning and accommodation options.
Showcasing some of the world’s best Alpine cycling, the Rd GA takes in 17 major climbs, including the famous Col de l’Iseran (the highest paved pass in the Alps), the Col du Galibier (favourite climb of Tour de France founder, Henri Desgrange) and the Col d’Izoard (synonymous with cycling legends Fausto Coppi and Louison Bobet). It also passes through some of the most spectacular national parks in France, including the Vanoise, the Écrins and the Mercantour.
Tabella dei contenuti
Map key
Overview map
Route summary table
Ride planner
Alternative schedules
Introduction
History of the Route des Grandes Alpes
Connection with the Tour de France
Natural environment
When to go
Riding in the mountains
Bike selection and preparation
e Bike riding
Touring options
Accommodation
Food and drink
Getting there
Getting around
Getting back
Safety and emergencies
Using this guide
The route
Stage 1 Thonon-les-Bains to Cluses
Stage 2 Cluses to La Clusaz
Stage 3 La Clusaz to Beaufort
Stage 4 Beaufort to Bourg-Saint-Maurice
Stage 5 Bourg-Saint-Maurice to Val d’Isère
Stage 6 Val d’Isère to Val Cenis Termignon
Stage 7 Val Cenis Termignon to Valloire
Stage 8 Valloire to Brianon
Stage 9 Brianon to Guillestre
Stage 10 Guillestre to Barcelonnette
Stage 11 Barcelonnette to Valberg
Stage 12 Valberg to Saint-Martin-Vésubie
Stage 13 Saint-Martin-Vésubie to Sospel
Stage 14 Sospel to Nice
Variants
Variant 1 Saint-Jean-de-Sixt to Villard-sur-Doron
Variant 2 Bourg-Saint-Maurice to Saint-Michel-de-Maurienne
Variant 3 Val Cenis Lanslevillard to Brianon
Variant 4 Saint-Michel-de-Maurienne to Col du Lautaret
Variant 5 Guillestre to Barcelonnette
Variant 6 Jausiers to Saint-Sauveur-sur-Tinée
Appendix A Bike shops and Bosch e Bike charging stations
Appendix B Recommended cycling essentials checklist
Appendix C Useful resources and essential information
Appendix D Glossary of cycling specific terms
Circa l’autore
Giles Belbin is a cycling writer and author based in southwest England. His work has appeared in numerous publications including Cyclist, Ride Cycling Review, Cycling Weekly, Procycling and Rouleur. He first rode his bike in the French Alps in 2006 while watching the Tour de France, falling off his bike near the top of the Col du Galibier in exhaustion. He has been a frequent visitor ever since.
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