Road Cycling in the Alps: Top 10 Most Beautiful Routes

April 11, 2025 pierce

If you’re the kind of cyclist who dreams in switchbacks and lives for the lung-busting thrill of a good climb, road cycling in the Alps is the holy grail. The French Alps, in particular, are home to some of the world’s most iconic climbs – the same legendary routes that have made the Tour de France the spectacle it is today.

Whether you’re planning a cycling holiday to push your limits, trace the tyre marks of cycling’s greats, or simply take in awe-inspiring alpine views on two wheels, there’s something magical about Alps cycling. The combination of dramatic peaks, smooth tarmac, ski towns turned summer playgrounds, and quaint French villages makes this region one of the most spectacular places on Earth to ride.

Ready to gear up? Let’s explore the most epic cycling routes in the Alps, discover what makes each climb so special, and why summer in the mountains might just beat winter.

Why Choose the Alps for a Cycling Holiday?

Let’s face it – when it comes to cycling, the Alps aren’t just a destination. They’re the destination.

From the northern Alps to the southern ranges, this mountain playground offers every flavour of ride: forested ascents, exposed alpine roads, technical descents, and everything in between. Add in pristine air, beautiful lakes like Lac de Roselend, and charming villages filled with boulangeries (perfect for that post-ride pastry), and you’ve got cycling heaven.

Plus, let’s not forget: the French Alps are dotted with famous Tour de France climbs – testing ground for legends, and now, you.

Legendary Climbs You Can’t Miss

These are the big ones. The climbs that test your lungs, legs, and love for Lycra.

1. Alpe d’Huez

Let’s start with the classic. With 21 hairpin bends and a vertical gain of over 1,100m in just 13.8km, Alpe d’Huez is a rite of passage. It’s not just a climb; it’s a pilgrimage.

Located near Bourg d’Oisans, this ascent has been a staple of the Tour de France for decades. Hit it early in the morning, and you’ll beat both the sun and the crowds. The views of the ski town far below as you ascend are worth every drop of sweat.

Fun Fact: Every bend is named after a Tour de France stage winner!

Climb Stats:

Length: 13.8 km
Average gradient: 8.1%
Max gradient: 11.5%
Elevation gain: ~1,120m

Getting there: Geneva to Alpe d’Huez transfers take around 2h 45m by road. Book your door-to-door summer transfer with Alps2Alps for stress-free travel straight to Bourg d’Oisans, the base of the climb.

2. Col du Galibier

One of the highest paved roads in the French Alps (2,642m!), the Col du Galibier is raw, rugged, and downright beautiful. This beast often appears late in the Tour, and for good reason – it’s brutal.

Cycling it from Jean de Maurienne gives you a challenge that lasts nearly 35km when combined with the Col du Télégraphe, with alpine meadows, glaciers, and dramatic rock faces as your backdrop.

Pro Tip: Bring layers. Even in summer, it can feel like winter at the top.

Climb Stats (from Valloire):

Length: 17.6 km
Average gradient: 6.9%
Max gradient: 10.1%
Elevation gain: ~1,245m
(When combined with Col du Télégraphe from Saint-Michel-de-Maurienne: total climb is ~35km)

Getting there: Fly into Geneva, Lyon, or Grenoble. Transfers from Geneva to Saint-Jean-de-Maurienne take ~2h 30m, making it the ideal launchpad for Galibier and nearby climbs.

3. Col de la Croix de Fer

If you love a long, grinding climb with spectacular scenery and a peaceful vibe, this one’s for you. Col de la Croix de Fer is less hyped than its flashy cousin, Alpe d’Huez, but just as rewarding.

The 29km climb from Saint-Jean-de-Maurienne offers a mix of forested sections, exposed climbs, and panoramic alpine views.

Bonus: You’ll pass through several small hamlets – perfect for refilling your bidon and practicing your French.

Climb Stats (from Saint-Jean-de-Maurienne):

Length: 29 km
Average gradient: 5.2%
Max gradient: 11%
Elevation gain: ~1,525m

Getting there: Geneva to Saint-Jean-de-Maurienne transfers take just over 2.5 hours.

4. Cormet de Roselend

Connecting Bourg-Saint-Maurice to Beaufort, the Cormet de Roselend is a feast for the senses. Lush greenery, rugged peaks, and the brilliant turquoise Lac de Roselend make this one of the most scenic cycling routes in the Alps.

It’s not the hardest climb, but with gradients topping 9% in sections, it’s no easy spin either.

Must-See: Stop at the lake for an iconic photo op and a breather. You earned it.

Climb Stats (from Bourg-Saint-Maurice):

Length: 19.4 km
Average gradient: 6%
Max gradient: 9.5%
Elevation gain: ~1,150m

Getting there: Bourg-Saint-Maurice is around 2h 45m from Geneva.

5. Col de la Madeleine

This one’s a true Alpine monster. Sitting at 1,993m, the Col de la Madeleine has been featured in the Tour de France over 25 times – and it never fails to shake things up.

There are two main ascents: one from La Chambre (north side) and one from La Léchère (south side). Both are tough, both are long, and both deliver epic views across the northern Alps, including Mont Blanc on a clear day.

Climb Stats (from La Chambre – north side):

Length: 19.2 km
Average gradient: 8%
Max gradient: 10.5%
Elevation gain: ~1,520m

Getting there: The climb is best accessed from La Chambre or Saint-Jean-de-Maurienne, both reachable in about 2.5 hours via Geneva to Madeleine transfers.

6. Col d’Izoard

Located further south but often combined with northern rides on long trips, the Col d’Izoard is known for its lunar landscape near the summit – think rocky spires, dry terrain, and dramatic desert vibes in the middle of the mountains.

The classic climb from Guillestre is 31km long and utterly spectacular. It’s also another frequent Tour favourite.

Pro Tip: The Casse Déserte viewpoint near the summit is an absolute must-see.

Climb Stats (from Guillestre):

Length: 31 km
Average gradient: 4.8%
Max gradient: 10%
Elevation gain: ~1,160m

Getting there: Though slightly further south, you can access Guillestre via a 3h 30m transfer from Grenoble or Turin.

7. Col du Joly

Looking for a hidden gem that avoids the tourist rush? Enter Col du Joly – a lesser-known but absolutely stunning route between Les Contamines and Beaufort.

It offers pristine mountain views, fresh air, and uninterrupted riding through flower-covered meadows. The road is narrower and rougher in places, but that’s part of the charm.

Bonus: One of the best views of Mont Blanc you’ll get without hiking boots.

Climb Stats (from Beaufort):

Length: 23.5 km
Average gradient: 5.5%
Max gradient: 9%
Elevation gain: ~1,280m

Getting there: Beaufort is best accessed via Geneva Airport, with transfers taking just under 2.5 hours.

8. Col du Glandon

Often tackled in conjunction with the Col de la Croix de Fer, Col du Glandon is a beautiful, lesser-celebrated sibling. The two routes even share a section before splitting off at a fork.

Expect a peaceful climb with fewer cyclists, dramatic views, and plenty of opportunities for photos. If you’re looping both climbs, prepare your legs – it’s a big day.

Tip: If descending from Glandon, keep your wits – the corners are sharp and fast.

Climb Stats (from La Chambre):

Length: 21.3 km
Average gradient: 7.2%
Max gradient: 12%
Elevation gain: ~1,470m

Getting there: Fly into Geneva or Lyon and transfer to La Chambre in about 2.5 hours.

9. Lacets de Montvernier

Near Jean de Maurienne, the Lacets de Montvernier are 18 impossibly stacked switchbacks that look like they were designed for a drone shot. It’s short (just 3.4km), but it’s sweet, and the perfect warm-up or add-on to a longer route. These tightly stacked hairpin bends carved into a cliffside near Jean de Maurienne are a short but spectacular ride – and perfect Instagram fodder.

Most Photogenic Ride in the Alps? 100%.

Climb Stats:

Length: 3.4 km
Average gradient: 8.2%
Max gradient: 10%
Elevation gain: ~277m

Getting there: Located just outside Saint-Jean-de-Maurienne, transfers from Geneva take ~2.5 hours. Combine with Galibier or Croix de Fer for a full day of climbing greatness.

10. Col des Saisies

Tucked between Albertville and Beaufort, the Col des Saisies is a hidden gem with a mellow gradient, making it a perfect choice for an easier (but still rewarding) day in the saddle. This climb is part of many Tour de France stages and offers panoramic views over alpine meadows and peaks, including glimpses of the mighty Mont Blanc.

From the north side, the climb is smooth and steady – ideal if your legs need a break from the steeper monsters like Galibier or Madeleine. From the south, it’s a bit tougher and more technical, with punchy gradients and tight switchbacks.

Bonus: The summit sits in a quaint ski town that transforms into a sunny cycling hub during summer, complete with cafés, cheese shops, and a vibe that screams “you’ve earned a tartiflette.”

Climb Stats (from Hauteluce – south side):

Length: 15.1 km
Average gradient: 6.4%
Max gradient: 9%
Elevation gain: ~960m

Getting there: Saisies is easily reached via Geneva to Les Saisies transfers, taking around 2h 15m. It’s a great climb to start or finish your cycling holiday in the northern Alps.

Where to Base Yourself: Cycling Hubs in the Alps

While the Alps stretch across several countries, we’re focusing on the French Alps, where top-notch roads, charming towns, and easy access make planning a breeze.

Bourg d’Oisans

Nestled at the base of Alpe d’Huez, this vibrant little town is a cyclist’s paradise. Bike shops, cafés, and scenic rides in every direction – what more could you want?

Saint-Jean-de-Maurienne

Often called the “capital of mountain cycling,” Jean de Maurienne gives you access to a huge range of climbs including the Col du Galibier, Col de la Croix de Fer, and more.

Bourg-Saint-Maurice

Looking to mix up your trip with some lake views and hiking? This laid-back ski town is a great base for tackling Cormet de Roselend, with Mont Blanc peeking in the distance.

Getting There: Door-to-Door Summer Transfers

You’ve got the routes mapped out, the bike tuned, and the legs ready. Now you just need to get there. That’s where we come in.

Our Alps summer transfers are the perfect way to start your cycling holiday stress-free. We offer:

Door-to-door service from Geneva, Lyon, Grenoble & Chambery
Bike-friendly vehicles (we know how to handle your carbon frame with care!)
Flexibility to match your flight arrival
Routes to all major part of the Alps cycling hotspots

Whether you’re planning to ride for a weekend or a few weeks, we’ve got the transport sorted – so you can focus on the climbs, not the logistics.

When to Go: Timing Your Trip

The best time for Alps cycling? Late June to early September. That’s when most passes are clear of snow, and the weather is reliably warm.

July is prime time – the same month as the Tour de France, so you can ride the same routes the pros do (just maybe a bit slower). That said, it’s also the busiest. If you want quieter roads and fewer camper vans, September is a hidden gem.

Tips for First-Timers

Train for it: These climbs aren’t casual. Make sure your fitness is solid before attempting multiple ascents.
Gear up: Compact gearing and a good set of disc brakes go a long way here.
Acclimatise: Spend a day or two adjusting to altitude – your legs will thank you.
Fuel properly: Croissants might be tempting, but make sure you’re also getting in electrolytes and protein.
Respect the weather: Mountain conditions can change fast. Layers and a lightweight waterproof are a must.

A bike laid down in the grass overlooking the Alps

More Than Just a Ride

Cycling in the Alps isn’t just about the climbs. It’s about the adventure, the community, the espresso breaks in quiet villages, the cowbells in the distance, the lakes and the larches and the never-ending views.

It’s about pushing yourself, getting off the beaten path, and discovering the magic of summer in the mountains.

So, whether you’re chasing the legacy of the Tour de France, ticking off iconic climbs, or simply want to see the part of the Alps that stole the hearts of cyclists the world over – the French Alps are calling.

Need a Lift to the Mountains?

Don’t forget to book your Alps summer transfer – we’ll get you and your bike to the start line in comfort, with no stress and all the mountain vibes.

See you on the road!

Author Information

This article was co-written by…

Emily, Content Manager

Emily is a content expert with over six years of experience in crafting engaging narratives about skiing and travel. At Alps2Alps, she brings destinations to life, inspiring adventurers to plan their next Alpine escape. Known for her ability to capture the magic of the mountains, Emily’s content resonates with the brand’s adventurous spirit. When she’s not writing, you’ll find her exploring hidden Alpine gems or hitting the slopes herself.