The French Job — French Alps
Velodrom Cycling Collective

The French Job — French Alps

Explore Alpe d’Huez, Vaujany and Briançon through demanding mountain stages, hidden roads and famous cols. A cycling journey for experienced riders, with time to enjoy the mountains beyond the saddle.

Ask about this trip

The itinerary

This is a reference itinerary from our previous trip programme. Dates, stages, hotels, support and price are confirmed in your personalised proposal; weather and road access can change the route.

Reference format: seven days, six nights and six riding stages, with arrival and departure via Lyon. The route involves substantial climbing each day; ask for the confirmed daily tracks and totals before booking.

Day-by-day riding

01Alpe d’Huez / Lac Besson

Alpe d’Huez loop: the reference stage combines the 21 hairpins, Lac Besson and the surrounding mountain roads, including the Col du Poutran area. Approximately 70 km and 2,780 m of climbing in the original outline.

02Vaujany

Towards Vaujany: leave the Alpe d’Huez area for a mountain stage ending at the next base. The reference route was around 70 km with 2,700 m of climbing.

03Glandon / Croix de Fer / Chaussy

Grand’Maison, Glandon and Croix de Fer: the queen stage can include Col de Chaussy. The original long option was approximately 140 km and 4,900 m; omitting Chaussy reduced it by about 25 km and 1,100 m.

04Lautaret / Serre Chevalier

Towards Serre Chevalier: a transition stage via Lac du Chambon and Col du Lautaret, changing hotel bases. The reference distance was approximately 90 km.

05Sestriere / Montgenèvre

A cross-border mountain loop: explore the Briançon area towards Sestriere and Montgenèvre. The original outline described roughly 125 km and 2,400 m; confirm the selected passes and current road conditions with the team.

06Granon

Sunrise on Granon: an early mountain ride towards Col du Granon rounds off the journey. Pre-dawn riding is conditional on the weather and the agreed plan, with appropriate lights and support.

Bases and accommodation

The reference programme used Le Pic Blanc at Alpe d’Huez, Le V de Vaujany and Le Grand Aigle in Serre Chevalier. These bases connect the stages while limiting hotel changes. Accommodation is confirmed for each departure.

Support, meals and what to check

The previous supported programmes brought together airport and stage transfers, accommodation, breakfasts, on-road food, dinners, guiding, mechanical support and vehicle assistance. Ask about rider groups, staffing, rental bikes, welcome kit and photography for your departure. Your written proposal defines the inclusions and any extras.

Confirm flights, travel insurance, tips, alcoholic drinks and any additional photography separately. Let us know dietary needs and bike requirements before confirming. Do not arrange travel until the dates and meeting points are agreed.

The previous French programme described an optional Tour de France extension. This is not a confirmed inclusion in a future departure: race dates, access and any extension must be agreed separately.

Velodrom Travel

Let’s plan your cycling holiday.

Tell us your preferred dates, group size, road or gravel preference and typical daily distance and climbing. We will help shape a trip around your experience, pace and priorities.

Ask for upcoming dates and a personalised quote.

Ask about this trip

Bike rental in Barcelona and Girona

Travelling without your bike? Explore our road and gravel rental fleet, select your city and confirm the right size and collection arrangements before your trip.

Girona cycling guide

Road cycling routes around Girona Cycling cafés in Girona and beyond Places to visit in Girona and its surroundings Bike shops in Girona Gravel routes around Girona Komoot

Tours, explained.

Which cycling tours do you offer?

Guided day rides from our Girona shop, such as the Coastal Ride and Mare de Déu del Mont; 4- and 7-day road and gravel tours based in Girona, in standard and Supreme versions; private and custom trips; and week-long trips abroad such as the Slovenian Job and the Tour de France Grand Départ week in Barcelona.

How much do the tours cost?

Guided day rides: €170 for a group of up to 6 riders (full or half route) or €90 for the short route, plus €60 if you need a bike. Girona Road and Gravel Tours: 4 days from €1,050 per person sharing (€1,250 single) and 7 days from €1,750 sharing (€2,150 single). Supreme Tours: from €2,800 for 4 days and €4,000 for 7 days, single occupancy. Week-long trips abroad from €3,199 per person in a double room.

How do I book?

Ask about the trip with the form on its page or email [email protected]. For Girona road, gravel, Supreme and custom tours a €500 deposit per person secures your place, and the balance is invoiced 6 weeks before the trip; groups of more than 5 pay 50% when reserving.

What is the cancellation policy?

For Girona road, gravel, Supreme and custom tours: 25% of the price is non-refundable once reserved, 50% within 4 weeks of the start and 75% within 7 days. If travel restrictions stop you from arriving, the tour can be moved to a later date with at least 30 days’ notice. Other trips follow our terms and conditions.

What is included?

Typically guides, a support vehicle with mechanical assistance, two feed stops per stage and ride photography; multi-day tours include accommodation. Flights, travel insurance, tips and alcoholic drinks are not included. Each tour page lists exactly what is included.

Can I rent a bike for the tour?

Yes. Ride a carbon road or gravel bike from our rental fleet: from €60–70 a day on Girona tours and day rides (pedals, GPS mount and bottles included), or €320 for the week on trips abroad. You can also bring your own bike.

What fitness level do I need?

Day rides offer full, half and short routes, and multi-day trips ride in two groups at different paces, with one riding guide for every 8 riders and one staff member for every 4 guests. Tell us your level and we suggest the right tour and route.

Can you organise a private or custom trip?

Yes. Choose your dates, length, hotels and routes and we prepare a personalised proposal, also for our Alps itineraries. Custom tours are secured with a €500 deposit per person.

Where do the day rides start?

At our Girona shop, Velodrom Odeon, Pujada de Sant Domènec 6, in the old town. Hotel pick-up and accident insurance are not included.