Our supported day cycling trips (or short stay if you prefer) are perfect for those travelling and only have a day here and there to get out on their bike or simply for those who enjoy getting out on their bikes but want a little extra comfort.
For the summer 2020, we know some folks are looking to stay closer to home and perhaps get away to the mountains for some of our fresh air. While you are here why not take in some of the beautiful alpine passes on your bike, with a fully supported vehicle followed by a fabulous local lunch where non cycling companions can join you.
£80.00 per person*
($99.20 USD or $148.00 AUD)
£20.00 deposit
£0.00 single room supplement
Minimum 6 persons, maximum 10. Price per person payable in advance. We choose to work with partners who buy fresh foods from local markets and therefore to avoid waste for no shows we require 72 hours notice for any cancellation. After this time fram
There are currently no scheduled dates for this tour, but please contact us if you want to schedule a private tour for six or more people.
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Stunning views
Ride a climb featured in the Tour de France
Fully Supported ride
Healthy Gourmet 3 course lunch with wine ( included with itinerary 1)
Optional accommodation packages
RIde start - Bourg Saint Maurice Pick up available ( by pre arrangement) are the Bozel Mairie, Carrefour in Moutiers, Aigueblanche Super U, Le Clerc in Aime. We are flexible so contact us if you are located elsewhere on the route.
Pick up locations
This type of tour is for cyclists who are having their first go at a mountain tour or for those who want climbing without the long steep climbs of the Alps!
View GalleryRide, Eat, Drink in the French Alps!!
We like nothing more than a good cycle followed by great fresh healthy food washed down by lovely local wines and beer. You will quite often find the team of French Cycling Holidays, particularly David and Susan at some roadside spot with their own lunch and generally wine in one of their water bottles, we however will offer you a bit more than that!
Riding in the French Alps may conjure images of the Tour De France, or really steep climbs, and while yes there are many big name famous Cols in the French Alps, there are some lesser known but equally stunning smaller rides.
The Petit- Saint Bernard Pass at 2188 metre is a gorgeous ride. We start riding in Bourg Sainte Maurice and while you climb just over 1300m to reach the top the 27km length of the climb lends itself to an an average grade of 5% making it an enjoyable vs gruelling ride. On the last Sunday in May each year the Saint Bernard Pass is officially opened with great fan fare as the riders follow the snow clearing machines up to the top as they clear the roads. This is where you may have heard the term Snowbank rides, where locals look to ride up the mountain passes trying to get the perfect picture of the contrast between winter and spring!
With places along the way for photo ops of the wild flowers and stunning views of the valley floor, you then reach the ski station of La Rosiere a great place to stop and have a coffee at one of the many cafes ( and where you will have your first sighting of the lovely St, Bernard dog !) before heading up to the summit.
Just before the summit you will reach the Petit Saint Bernard Hospice which dates back to the 11th century where it welcomed pilgrims travelling across the alps. It has suffered greatly over the years both at the hands of wars particularly when it was partially destroyed and forced to close in WW2 but also due to the climate at that height. It has changed hands over the years but currently is open again as a refuge for travellers who choose to eat or even stay overnight.
Once at the summit you can officially state you have ridden a climb featured in the Tour De France ( first time 1949, lastest 2009) ior even more fun you can straddle the border of France and Italy and even choose to have a coffee in one or two of the countries! Your choice.
Ride, Eat, Drink - Itinerary 1 - Col du Petit Saint Bernard.
After collection at a pre arranged pick up location and introductions all round, we make sure your helmets are on and bikes are ready to go as we start our ride in Bourg St Maurice. Once you reach the top you can either descend on your bike or take a ride in the van and head to the Drink and Eat part of the day.
For those with energy in their legs ( and time on our side) you can continue riding to our lunch spot or we will drive a short distance to the boutique restaurant Le Petit Hibou “The Little Owl”. Here you will be welcomed by the wonderful Caz who will be ready to refuel you with a three course lunch made from fresh local and/or organic produce and your choice of Le Petit Hibou’s exclusive artisanal beer or a local wine. You will not be disappointed!
Once lunch is over, photos are shared and memories created we will take you back to your collection point wish you a good night sleep and hope to see you again on another adventure.
For all our rides we arrange a pick up location for you and your bike, there will be one support rider on the bike riding and our support van along the route to cheer you on, give you a rest and help refuel you.
We will have spare tubes, pumps etc that you may need along the way. We will provide water, banana’s and apples, and carry whatever else you bring with you - jackets, gilets, change of clothes, shoes etc. And with any French Cycling Holiday Susan will have her variety of bells to help cheer you on!
Weather: We don’t like rain anymore than you do, therefore we will look to move the day should we feel the weather will affect us.
Should you wish to have more than a day and are looking for accommodation in the area, we work with boutique accommodations and will be happy to assist you in booking.
