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Velodrom Cycling CollectiveAsk about this trip
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.
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
Ask about this trip
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.
Workshops and local support
Find our Barcelona workshop and Girona Muc-Off Performance Lab for bike preparation and maintenance. For local inspiration, browse our Girona route, café and sightseeing guides.