Four consecutive Alpine stages from Grenoble to Nice across 405 km and 9420 m of climbing. Croix de Fer, Galibier, Izoard and Bonette make this one of the hardest trips in the programme.
The numbers
- Arrival airport
- Lyon (LYS), France
- Departure airport
- Nice, France
- Start
- Grenoble
- Finish
- Nice
- Total distance
- 405 km
- Total elevation
- 9,420 m
- Longest day
- Day 4 - 145 km
- Biggest climbing day
- Day 1 - 2740 m
About this trip
This is an epic Alpine crossing from the mountains to the sea, a four-day point-to-point journey from Grenoble to the Côte d’Azur.
The route threads through the heart of the French Alps, taking in the legendary Tour de France cols of Croix de Fer, Galibier, Izoard and Bonette as you climb through wild high landscapes and dive into deep, glaciated valleys.
Each stage balances challenge and beauty, from vast, snow-capped horizons to the scent of pine and, later, lavender as you edge closer to the Riviera.
It is cycling stripped back to its essence: four days, four legendary stages, one extraordinary journey from the peaks to the Mediterranean.
Difficulty: 5/5 - Extreme
A physically serious trip made harder by altitude, remoteness, terrain or sustained climbing. Only suitable for highly prepared riders.
Dining: Breakfast, on the road lunch stops and hearty local dinners are included to keep riders moving and recovering.
Who this is for: Best for serious climbers who already know they can manage repeated high mountain days. Not suitable for riders who are uncertain about long climbs, descending big Alpineroads, or coping with cumulative fatigue.
Day by day
A look at how the trip unfolds.
98 kilometres with 2740 metres of climbing and one defining feature, the Col de la Croix de Fer.
From the Alpine capital you are thrown straight into the high mountains, tracing the iconic, switchbacked slopes of the Croix de Fer, a giant that has tested Tour de France contenders for decades. It’s a day of raw beauty, long, steady climbing and that first taste of a proper alpine summit before you descend towards Saint-Jean-de-Maurienne.
Distance: 98 km
Elevation Gain: 2740 m
Highlight: Col de la Croix de Fer
What's included
Sports nutrition throughout the event
Gels, bars, drinks and snacks provided to keep energy levels stable from first climb to final kilometre.
Route planning and safety management
Fully planned routes, briefings and on-ride oversight so you can focus on turning the pedals.
Ride leaders (1 to 5 ratio)
Ride leaders (1 to 5 ratio) – Experienced ride captains on the road, keeping the group safe, steady and on pace.
Mechanical support and sweep vehicle throughout the event
Dedicated support van and mechanic on hand for repairs, spares and a lift if you need to climb off.
Full board riding fuel
Substantial breakfasts, practical lunch stops or roadside fuel, and hearty local dinners each evening.
All hotel accomodation
Hand-picked hotels each night, with comfortable rooms and hot showers waiting at the end of every stage.
Included
- Lodging
- Meals
- Selected beverages (non‑alcoholic unless stated)
- Hydration & nutrition on‑road
- Pro guides
- Mechanic & support vehicle
- Partner kit on arrival (where specified)
Not included
- Flights
- Travel/bike insurance
- Personal expenses
- Alcohol unless specified
- Optional upgrades (transfers, daily laundry, e‑bike, single‑room supplement)
From the road
A glimpse of the riding, the landscape, and the lunches.
1 / 3
Where you'll stay
1 / 3
Ride the right bike
Curated bikes available for hire on this trip.
Pinarello DOGMA F
Engineered for pure speed and sculpted with obsessive detail, this is the kind of race bike that turns every climb, corner and descent into a masterclass in performance.
Pinarello DOGMA X
Built for the long days that demand both pace and poise, this endurance thoroughbred delivers race-ready performance with a level of comfort that keeps the joy in every kilometre.
Pinarello X7
Crafted for riders who want comfort without compromise, this endurance machine blends smooth compliance with lively speed, keeping every kilometre controlled and genuinely enjoyable.
From the riders
1 / 5