Cycling in the French Alps - Following the Wheel Tracks of the Tour de France

Every summer, millions of people around the world tune in to watch the drama, determination and spectacle of the Tour de France. Riders battle steep mountain climbs, winding descents and breathtaking alpine scenery as they tackle some of the most challenging roads in professional sport.

For many cycling enthusiasts, watching the race sparks a simple question:

"What would it be like to ride those roads myself?"

The good news is that you do not need to be a professional cyclist to experience the magic of cycling in the French Alps. Whether you are an experienced rider looking to conquer legendary climbs or a leisure cyclist wanting to enjoy stunning mountain scenery, the Alps offer some of the most memorable cycling opportunities in Europe.

Why the French Alps Are a Cyclist's Paradise

The French Alps combine everything a cyclist could wish for.

There are world famous mountain passes, quiet country roads, spectacular views, charming villages and a cycling culture that welcomes riders of every ability.

Unlike many cycling destinations, the Alps offer incredible variety. One day you could be climbing a famous mountain featured in the Tour de France. The next, you might be enjoying a gentle ride around a crystal clear lake or through traditional alpine villages.

The region's excellent road surfaces, clear signage and cycling friendly infrastructure make it particularly appealing to visitors from the UK and beyond.

Ride the Legends of the Tour de France

Part of the attraction of cycling in the Alps is the opportunity to test yourself on roads that have become part of sporting history.

Some of the most famous climbs include Alpe d'Huez, with its iconic 21 hairpin bends, the mighty Col du Galibier, which rises above 2,600 metres, and the Col de la Madeleine, a favourite among serious cyclists seeking a true alpine challenge.

These climbs have featured repeatedly in the Tour de France and have witnessed some of the most memorable moments in cycling history. For amateur riders, reaching the summit is about much more than fitness. It is about experiencing the same roads, scenery and sense of achievement that have inspired generations of professional cyclists.

The Maurienne Valley: Cycling's Best Kept Secret

For cyclists looking to experience some of the most legendary climbs in professional cycling, the Maurienne Valley is hard to beat. Often referred to as the world's largest cycling area, the valley is home to an extraordinary concentration of iconic mountain passes featured regularly in the Tour de France.

Within a relatively compact area, cyclists can tackle the Col du Galibier, Col du Télégraphe, Col de la Croix de Fer, Col du Glandon and Col de la Madeleine, all of which have played a significant role in shaping Tour de France history.

The valley offers more than 1,500 kilometres of marked cycling routes and dozens of mountain climbs ranging from gentle valley rides to some of the most demanding ascents in Europe. The combination of spectacular scenery, authentic alpine villages and purpose built cycling facilities has helped establish the Maurienne as one of the premier cycling destinations in the Alps.

For many keen cyclists, spending a week in the Maurienne provides an opportunity to tick several legendary Tour de France climbs off their bucket list, all from a single base.

Cycling for Every Ability

While the headlines often focus on gruelling mountain ascents, cycling in the Alps is not just for elite athletes.

Many visitors choose electric bikes, allowing them to enjoy the scenery without worrying about steep gradients. E bikes have transformed alpine cycling, opening up routes that may previously have felt inaccessible.

Families can enjoy dedicated cycle paths, lakeside routes and gentle valley rides.

The area surrounding Lake Annecy is particularly popular, offering beautiful cycling routes with relatively modest elevation gains. The crystal clear lake provides a stunning backdrop and plenty of opportunities to stop for refreshments along the way.

Similarly, the valleys around Morzine and Samoëns offer a mixture of challenging and leisurely routes suitable for a wide range of riders.

Whether your goal is to conquer a famous mountain pass or simply enjoy a leisurely afternoon ride with family and friends, there is a route to suit every ability.

More Than Just Road Cycling

The French Alps are also a world class destination for mountain biking.

During the summer months, ski lifts often operate for cyclists, allowing riders to access high altitude trails without the need for long climbs.

The extensive trail networks around Les Gets and Morzine attract mountain bikers from across Europe.

From family friendly forest trails to challenging downhill routes, there is something for every level of rider. Many resorts have invested heavily in their summer infrastructure, recognising that cycling has become one of the Alps' most important year round attractions.

The Perfect Cycling Holiday

One of the reasons cycling holidays in the Alps continue to grow in popularity is the combination of sport, relaxation and lifestyle.

A typical day might involve an early morning ride before temperatures rise, coffee in a traditional alpine village, lunch overlooking mountain peaks and an afternoon spent relaxing beside a lake or swimming pool.

The pace of life encourages visitors to slow down and enjoy the experience, whether they are chasing personal bests or simply taking in the scenery.

For many people, a cycling holiday becomes the start of a much deeper connection with the Alps.

From Holiday Destination to Second Home

It is not unusual for visitors to arrive in the Alps for a cycling holiday and leave wondering whether they should spend more time there.

The region offers year round appeal.

Summer brings cycling, hiking, mountain biking and lake activities. Winter delivers world class skiing and snowboarding. Spring and autumn provide quieter periods ideal for enjoying the mountains without the crowds.

Many property owners initially purchased an apartment or chalet as a holiday base for activities such as cycling and skiing. Over time, these properties often become a place where families create lasting memories and spend increasing amounts of time there.

The growing popularity of active lifestyle tourism has also helped strengthen demand for well located alpine properties, particularly in areas that offer genuine year round appeal.

Following in the Tyre Tracks of Greatness

There is something uniquely inspiring about riding the same roads as the world's best cyclists.

Every hairpin bend, mountain pass and summit carries stories of sporting achievement, determination and resilience.

Whether you are tackling the famous slopes of Alpe d'Huez, exploring the legendary climbs of the Maurienne Valley or enjoying a leisurely ride around Lake Annecy, cycling in the French Alps offers an unforgettable experience.

The Tour de France may only visit for a few days each year, but the mountains remain long after the race has moved on.

For cyclists, outdoor enthusiasts and property owners alike, the French Alps provide a rare combination of natural beauty, adventure and lifestyle that continues to attract visitors from around the world.

If you have ever watched the Tour de France and imagined yourself riding those legendary roads, perhaps this summer is the perfect time to make that dream a reality. And if owning your own home in the mountains is part of that dream, then please reach out to us, we would love to help you make that dream come true.