A week of lightweight touring taking in some of the most celebrated cols in the French Alps. The journey began with a circular route from Chambéry, with a detour required early on due to a road closure — but nothing that dampened spirits.
The Route
Col d’Ornon (1371m) — a fine opener, quieter than the more famous passes and all the better for it.
Overnight in Bourg d’Oisans at the Hotel de Milan, which served as base camp before tackling the big one.
Col du Galibier (2646m) — the highlight of the week. A long, grinding ascent rewarded with panoramic views and the satisfaction of one of cycling’s great climbs. The descent via the Col du Télégraphe (1566m) completed a classic Alpine day.
A rest day in Avrieux provided time to visit the St Benoît waterfall and the remarkable 19th-century cliff-top forts built into the mountainside — well worth the detour.
Col de l’Iseran (2764m) — the highest paved pass in the Alps and the week’s crowning achievement. The climb to Val d’Isère was stunning, the air thin, the views extraordinary.
The return leg took in the Cormet de Roselend (1967m) and Col des Saisies (1650m) before finishing via the beautiful Lake Annecy cycle path — a gentle, scenic end to a demanding week.
Logistics
Travel by Eurostar and TGV, bikes hired in Chambéry — Scott Addicts with disc brakes. Luggage carried in bar bags, frame bags and saddle packs. Navigation via Garmin and Komoot. Accommodation booked ahead throughout.
A tremendous trip. Already planning the next one.