The Ultimate Cycling Tour Across Italy and France

Embark on your journey with an arrival to the scenic town of Sampeyre in the picturesque Piedmont region. Nestled in the heart of the Italian Alps, Sampeyre offers a serene retreat from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

Gear up for an awe-inspiring ride from Italy to France, with a challenging 2,067-meter ascent and 1,493-meter descent over approximately 4.5 hours. Today, you will conquer the Colle dell’Agnello Pass, a less-trodden yet spectacularly beautiful route in the Alps.

This pass, a hidden gem, is not just a path but a journey through contrasting landscapes, connecting the rich cycling cultures of Italy and France. As you pedal upwards, reaching an elevation of 2,744 meters, each turn offers a new perspective of the majestic Alps.

Despite its lower profile compared to other famous climbs, Colle dell’Agnello has made a mark in the Tour de France, particularly in the 2011 edition where it was a crucial part of a dramatic stage. Today, however, your ride is more about personal triumph than racing glory.

End your day in the serene ambiance of Arvieux, France. Here, nestled in a peaceful valley, your hotel awaits, offering a comfortable retreat to recharge and relive the day’s exhilarating experiences.

Today’s itinerary features an ascent of 1,697 meters and a descent of 1,775 meters, all within approximately 4.5 hours. This stage showcases two legendary climbs in the French Haute Alps: Col de l’Izoard and Col du Lautaret, each a staple in the Tour de France history.

Your morning begins with the ascent of Col de l’Izoard, a Hors Categorie climb, tackling the most challenging 10 km of its southern approach. This section boasts an average incline of over 7%, leading you to an altitude of 2,340 meters. The climb initially meanders through a dense forest before opening up to the iconic moonscape of the Casse Désert, a landscape that harks back to the triumphs of cycling legends like Louison Bobet.

After a thrilling descent to Briancon, the route turns north towards Serre Chevalier, marking the commencement of your ascent to Col du Lautaret. Though lengthy, spanning over 20 km, Col du Lautaret’s ascent is characterized by a relatively gentle incline, making it a more gradual and scenic climb.

Upon reaching the summit, enjoy a picturesque descent to La Grave.

Prepare for a demanding yet visually stunning day of cycling, spanning an elevation gain of 1,968 meters and a descent of 2,300 meters, over an estimated duration of 4.5 hours. This day’s ride epitomizes the allure and challenge of high-altitude alpine climbing, where the road itself is a solitary mark of human presence amidst the grandeur of nature.

As you embark on this journey, you’ll experience the unique challenges that these mountains offer. The ascent is not just a physical test but also a mental one, as the thinning air and isolation amplify the intensity of your thoughts, making the climb as much an inner journey as a physical one. These climbs are celebrated in professional cycling for their ability to distinguish true champions, as was evident in the Tour de France of 1998. Marco Pantani’s legendary attack on Galibier in harsh weather conditions is a testament to the sheer grit and determination required to conquer such formidable mountains.

Your ride today includes the nearly 20 km ascent up Galibier, standing majestically at 2,635 meters. After conquering Galibier, the journey leads you down to Saint Michel de Maurienne, via the serpentine Col du Telegraf. The day culminates at the resort town of La Tossuire.

Day 5 of your cycling adventure is marked by a ride with a substantial elevation gain of 1,798 meters and a descent of 2,422 meters, taking around 5 hours to complete. This stage of the journey is centred around the iconic Col de la Madeleine, approached from Saint Martin sur la Chambre.

After a refreshing descent to begin your day, you’ll reach the base of Col de la Madeleine. The climb ahead is a challenging 20 km, consistently maintaining an incline of over 7% and culminating in a final elevation gain of 1,550 meters.

Col de la Madeleine has not only been a decisive factor in many Tour de France stages, but it’s also a climb graced by the wheels of cycling’s elite, with recent leaders like Richard Carapaz, Julian Alaphilippe, and Pierre Rolland.

Regardless of your pace, ensure to pause at the summit to savour the spectacular panoramic views. From there, it’s a rewarding descent all the way to Albertville, a renowned Alpine resort.

Embark on a 69.4 km journey with an elevation gain of 2,127 meters and a descent of 1,622 meters, expected to last around 4.5 hours. Today’s route takes you through the mesmerizing Cormet de Roselend, nestled in the Savoy region, a climb not as legendary in racing terms but deeply revered for its breathtaking landscapes.

The ascent begins in the quaint town of Beaufort, often considered the classical start for this climb. The route is divided into two distinct sections, the first being the challenging Col du Pré: a 13 km stretch with a demanding 8% gradient. Reaching the summit of Col du Pré is not only exhilarating but also rewards you with stunning views, including the turquoise waters of Lac de Roselend.

Enjoy a serene ride along the dam, soaking in the surrounding beauty, before tackling the final ascent to the summit of Cormet de Roselend. This last stretch consists of 6 km at a 6% gradient, commencing from the lake’s edge.

After conquering the Cormet de Roselend, a 20 km descent leads you to Bourg San Maurice. Here, you can relax and rejuvenate in the comfort of your hotel, reflecting on the day’s scenic and rewarding alpine expedition.

Embark on a remarkable 91 km ride with an elevation gain of 2,201 meters and a descent of 2,451 meters, spanning approximately 5.5 hours. The day is dedicated to conquering the formidable Petit San Bernard, a 30 km climb averaging a 4% gradient. This monumental ascent begins right from Bourg San Maurice, culminating at the border between France and Italy, marking a triumphant return to Italian soil.

The Petit San Bernard, perched at nearly 2,200 meters, offers a spectacular route. Initially, you’ll navigate through hairpin bends amidst forested landscapes. After passing La Rosière, a quaint Alpine resort perfectly situated for a coffee break, the terrain transitions to open spaces with expansive views of surrounding mountain crests.

Following the summit, the descent down Piccolo San Bernardo (the Italian name for the pass) unfolds, leading to the stage’s conclusion in Aosta, the capital of the Valle d’Aosta.

This final stage of our tour is a 68 km ride, ascending 2,408 meters and descending 990 meters over approximately 5.5 hours. The Valle d’Aosta sets the stage for this day, renowned for its stunning vistas surrounded by some of Europe’s highest mountains. The route leads us through a valley dotted with medieval castles, adding a touch of enchantment to our journey.

From Aosta, our path meanders towards Chambave. Here, we embark on the ascent to Cervinia, navigating through two significant climbs. The first challenge is Col du Panthaleon, a 16 km stretch with a 7.3% average gradient. Following this, we tackle the final climb to Cervinia, spanning 19 km at a 5.5% gradient.

As we ascend, the iconic Matterhorn looms ahead, a magnificent peak soaring 4,478 meters above sea level. Its grandeur is overwhelming, making the climb seem endless and the journey surreal. But the effort is rewarded by the unparalleled beauty and the sense of achievement upon reaching Cervinia.

In Cervinia, we’ll pause for lunch and then proceed to our hotel, where we celebrate the conclusion of an extraordinary adventure. This day not only marks the end of our cycling journey but also imprints lasting memories of the breathtaking Matterhorn.

As the dawn breaks on our final day, it’s time to bid farewell to the captivating landscapes of the Alps. Our journey may be ending, but the memories of soaring mountains, exhilarating climbs, and the camaraderie on the roads will linger on.

Departure day is a moment of reflection, a chance to look back at the challenges conquered and friendships forged. Though we part ways, the spirit of our adventure remains, etched in our hearts forever. Safe travels and may the roads ahead bring new adventures and joy.