Route des Grandes Alpes à Vélo

Which way to travel Route des Grandes Alpes®?

Most cyclists choose the north-south direction. But Route des Grandes Alpes® is just as interesting in the other direction. Did you know, for example, that the 18,000 m of positive ascent on the main route is more difficult in the south - north direction, because the climbs are shorter?

6 to 8 days cycling

The most direct route, 720 km for 18,000 m of positive ascent, represents 6 to 8 days of cycling. But you can also compose your own route, based on the main itinerary and its 6 variants. In all (main itinerary + variants) 26 stages, rated "Difficult" to "Very Difficult": ratings significantly mitigated by the use of an electric-assist bike.

New variants

Every year, we continue our search for interesting variants, based on criteria such as safety and interest. One example: the variant via Alpe d'Huez and the Col de Sarenne ticks all the boxes.

1. You avoid the dangerous part of the national road, between Bourg d'Oisans and Lac du Chambon.
2. Yours are the mythical 21 laces of the Alpe d'Huez climb.
3. The Col de Sarenne and the views over the Oisans are magnificent.

You've been warned: Route des Grandes Alpes® is a challenge that will require you to lift mountains!

Easier, thanks to VAE!

To make the route accessible to as many people as possible, the entire route is dotted with VAE (electrically assisted bicycle) recharging points spread out every 30 to 40 kilometers. As a result, the group can be made up of people of different levels, some on bikes and others on VAEs. The VAE makes the ascents of the major passes accessible and allows everyone to find their balance between effort and pleasure.