cycling around the mont-blanc range

Getting to the charming mountain town of Chamonix Mont Blanc is child's play, whether by train, taxi or shuttle bus. Once there, make yourself comfortable in your hotel, stroll through Chamonix's picturesque cobbled streets and soak up the peaceful atmosphere before setting off on an unforgettable hiking adventure.

For your first day in the saddle, start easy in the valley of Chamonix, passing beneath the range's rocky spires (Aiguilles de Chamonix) and snow-capped high peaks. Ride through the village of Les Houches before the long descent to the valley floor, crossing through the small towns of Servoz and Passy, the latter nestled along the flanks of the Fiz Mountains. Cross the Arve River Valley, and the start the pleasant climb to Combloux, a village known for its spectacular views of Mt. Blanc. From there, continue along rolling terrain to the famous and chic village of Megève. Rest your legs on the pleasant descent to Flumet before the day's final climb to Col des Saisies Pass. Spend the night in this resort so popular in the winter for its great cross-country skiing.

Today's ride takes you through the Beaufortain Mountains, connected to the southern end of the Mont-Blanc range. Most people know the area for its truly delicious Beaufort cheese. From Les Saisies, start with an easy descent to Hauteluce, and then to Beaufort, the "capital" of the range. From there, start the day's (very) long climb to Cormet de Roselend (1,968 m/6,456 ft). The 20km ride to the pass ascends 1300m. We break the ride into two via Col du Pré Pass (1,703 m/5,587 ft) to take advantage of the much less traveled side road as well as the incredible landscapes above Roselend Lake. The views from Col du Pré Pass are simply spectacular, as are those when crossing the dam, and when topping out at Cormet de Roselend Pass, where the Vanoise Range (located in France's first national park) suddenly appears. Take a break at Cormet de Roselend pass before starting the long, curvy, and breathtaking descent to Bourg-Saint-Maurice for a well-earned afternoon and night's rest.

Suggestion : Bourg-Saint-Maurice is located at the base of the road that climbs to Col de l'Iseran Pass, the highest road in the French Alps (2,764m/9,068ft high, 1,950m/6,397ft of vertical gain over 48km). We offer the possibility of spending an extra day and night in Bourg-Saint-Maurice for you to enjoy the opportunity to ride to and from this legendary mountain pass before continuing along your regularly-scheduled tour the next day.

Today's ride crosses over just one mountain pass, but what an experience! The legendary Petit Saint Bernard Pass marks the border between France and Italy. Spend 27 kilometers riding the 1400 vertical meters to the top of the pass. Your reward at the end of the ride: an amazing pizza in Courmayeur!

From Bourg-Saint-Maurice, the climb starts gradually until you reach the Séez, a village at the crossroads where you can either head either right towards Col de l'Iseran Pass, another of the Alps' legendary mountain passes along the Grande Traversée des Alpes (Great Alpine Traverse) from Chamonix to the Mediterranean Sea, or left, our choice for the day. From here the road steepens, starting the first of a long series of switchbacks all the way to the La Rosière ski resort. The road levels off for a short bit before the last few switchbacks that lead to the 2188m (7178ft) pass. Several important historic buildings and other structures are located here, such the old hospice, a former border guard building, and a stone circle ("Cromlech") that serves as a reminder of this particular pass's importance throughout human history. If interested, take the time to visit the museum before starting your long descent into Italy towards Pré-Saint-Didier via the ski resort town of La Thuile. Once in the valley, you have the option of stopping at the thermal baths in Pré-Saint-Didier (some of the most spectacular in the region). They are well worth the stopover (feel free to ask us to reserve a time slot for you). Ride the short climb and few kilometers left to Courmayeur, the mountaineering capital of Italy located at the foot of Mt. Blanc... on the exact opposite side of the range from Chamonix.

The day's goal is Col du Grand Saint Bernard Pass, the longest and highest mountain pass on this tour, located along the Swiss-Italian border, and historically a major crossing point ever since Napoleon marched over it with his soldiers.

Start with the longest valley section of this loop around the Mont-Blanc Range on a 35km ride to the town of Aosta, the main city in Aosta Valley. A short stroll through the village center and visiting the Roman ruins is well worth your time. Next, start the long, 35km climb to Col du Grand Saint-Bernard Pass (2,473 m / 8,113 ft). The last few kilometers of switchbacks are simply spectacular. Ride to the hospice, which continues its tradition of providing room and board to travelers. An order of Swiss priests runs one of the Alps' most unique establishments where you will enjoy a well-earned night's slumber.

Today is the tour's last and longest ride, but the descent from the Col du Grand Saint Bernard Pass to Martigny covers half the total distance (45km). Start with the mountain landscapes above tree line at the foot of glacier-capped Grand Combin Peak. Next, as you descend towards the valley floor, Verbier, the legendary Swiss ski area, comes into view. Finally, ride into Martigny, the gateway to the Valais, a valley known for both the longest glaciers in the Alps and for its wine. Feel free to stop to taste a fine bottle of Arvine. If art interests you, you can also stop at the Gianada Foundation for its wonderful collection of paintings. Next, begins the first real climb of the day, to Col de la Forclaz Pass (1,526 m / 5,006 ft), which takes you around the far northern tip of the Mont-Blanc Range and past the Trient Glacier. The short descent through the village of Trient (and its pink church) precedes crossing the border on your bike and riding beneath Emosson Dam and Lake. The climb to the last mountain pass of your trip begins here. After passing through the town of Vallorcine, ride up and over Col des Montets Pass (1,461 m / 4,793 ft) and then down into the upper part of Chamonix's valley. Stop for at least a minute or two to take in the truly breathtaking views of the entire range and Mt. Blanc itself. Enjoy the leisurely descent down into Chamonix as the road passes within a stone's throw of the Tour and Argentière Glaciers. Congratulations, you did it!

Suggestion: From the French-Swiss border, you can ride up and back from the Emosson Dam, which forms a vast mountain reservoir located at 1930 m elevation. The Tour de France has used this climb in the past to finish a stage. The ride adds 13.8 km and 820 m of vertical gain to your day (or you can choose to add another day onto your trip).

Your trip officially ends after breakfast.

Upon request, we can reserve a transfer to the airport or make a reservation for an excursion around Chamonix. We highly recommend taking the aerial tram to the top of the Aiguille du Midi (3,842m/12,605 ft) for a 360° view of the range's highest peaks and glaciers. Or enjoy the cog train ride to visit the Mer de Glace and wander through its "icy" caves carved into the glacier.
Feel free to contact us for more information.