Cycling the Route des Grandes Alpes : Cycling through the French Alps from Lac Leman to Menton/Nice

This is a serious cycling adventure for well-prepared, experienced riders, crossing 17 major alpine passes through the Vanoise, Écrins, and Mercantour national parks. Along the way, you'll conquer some of the Alps' most iconic climbs, including the Col de l'Iseran (the highest paved pass in the Alps), the legendary Col du Galibier and Col d'Izoard, the Cime de la Bonette, and the Col de Turini above the French Riviera. This trusted Cicerone guidebook breaks the full route into 14 manageable stages of 31–75km (20–46 miles), completable in 1–2 weeks. Six route variants are also described, allowing you to adjust the itinerary to suit your schedule, fitness, and preferences. Whether you're cycling traditional bikes or increasingly popular eBikes (with plenty of charging points along the way), you'll have the flexibility to make this challenge your own. Navigate with confidence using detailed 1:150,000 mapping and elevation profiles for each stage, plus downloadable GPX files for the full route and all variants. Comprehensive practical information covers bike selection and preparation, accommodation, food and drink, getting there, and safety in the mountains. Discover highlights beyond the cols—from the medieval town of Briançon and the dramatic Casse Déserte to the lakeside charm of Annecy and your final descent to the French Riviera. From the shores of Lake Geneva to the warmth of the Mediterranean, this is the essential companion for one of the most demanding and rewarding long-distance cycle routes in the Alps.