Raid Des Alpes

The 'Raid des Alpes' (or 'La Randonnée Alpine Côte d'Azur-Léman') is a cycle trial traversing the French Alps from Thonon les Bains in the north to Antibes on the Cote d'Azur in the south - a total of 470 miles (752 km). Next year (2007) we are organising a special 'Raid' not only are we completing the recognised "North to South" route. French Cycling are also traversing the "South to North" route from Antibes to Thonon les Bains. As with the Raid Pyrénéen, a medal is available for those who complete the challenge within a set time period (in this case 7 days) and receive the correct stamps from the various controls set along the route.

Raid des Alpes medal

The 'Raid' is renowned world wide and is recognised as a major challenge in the world of cycling randonnees, crossing many of the classic Alpine climbs including the Cormet de Roselend, Col du Mont Cenis, Col d'Izoard and the Cime de la Bonnette (the highest road pass in Europe).

The Raid is a prestigious event bringing together riders from all corners of the globe. The French Cycling Holidays Raid has the same renowned standard of service and support as the rest of our tours, and hotels and restauarants carefully chosen for comfort and suitability for a sporting adventure. All you have to worry about is getting over those mountains!

Day 1

We collect from Geneva airport and train station to transfer to our hotel in Thonon on the shores of Lake Geneva (Lac Leman to the French)

Day 2 – Thonon les Bains to Megeve (117km)

Today takes in the Col de Terramont (1098m) and the Col de Ramaz (1557m), nothing too daunting but a good warm up for your climbing legs.

Day 3 – Megeve to Bourg St. Maurice (87km)

Cols include the Saisies 1633m and the Cormet de Roselend (1968m), 2 cat1 climbs included in the 2002 Etape du Tour. Along the way there are stunning vistas of the Mont Blanc massif.

Day 4 – Bourg St. Maurice to Lanslebourg (80km)

The first real monsters rear their heads today - the Iseran (2764m) at the head of the Isere valley and the Col du Mont Cenis (2081m) overlooking the beautiful lake of the same name.

Day 5 – Lanslebourg to Briançon (103km)

Today we leave France and head into Italy, going over the Colle di Sestriere (2035m) before heading back into France over the Col de Montgenevre (1850m)

Day 6 – Briançon to Barcelonnette (103km)

Just enough time for a quick photo!

Another big day as we tackle first the Col d'Izoard (2360m), with its Casse Deserte, an alien lansdcape of jumbled rocks; In the afternoon the Col de Vars (2111m) is on the menu before descending to the lively town of Barcelonnette.

Day 7 – Barcelonnette to Puget Theniers (113km)

Just when you thought it was getting easier, the first climb of the day takes you up to 2692m over the Col de Restefond, followed after a very short descent by the Cime de la Bonnette, at 2802m the highest road pass in Europe. Before we get to the hotel, there is the Col de Couillole (1678m) to overcome, too!

Day 8 – Puget Theniers to Antibes (127km)

At last the Mediterranean is in sight, and after what will seem like a couple of pimples, the Cols de Bleine (1439m) and de Pillon (786m) it's downhill all the way to the beach! Spend the afternoon relaxing on the beach or at the pool, or strolling amongst the glamour of the Cote d'Azur. A splendid meal tonight, and all worries about riding the next day can be cast aside, celebrating with a bottle (or three) of whatever you fancy!