Self-Guided Iconic Upper French Alps Bike Tour

This self-guided Upper French Alps Tour is a challenging yet unforgettable road-cycling adventure through some of France’s most iconic alpine terrain. Starting and ending in Geneva Airport, the 7-day loop covers between 53 and 99 km per day on varied mountain roads, perfect for strong riders seeking a demanding experience with spectacular scenery.

You’ll ride from Geneva across the Swiss–French border into the Rhône Valley, tackling famous climbs such as Col de la Biche, Col du Grand Colombier, Montée du Semnoz, Col de la Croix Fry, Col des Aravis, and Col de Joux-Plane. Some of these legendary Tour de France ascents are optional, while others are route highlights that reward effort with panoramic views of lakes, valleys, and alpine peaks.

Days include scenic stages through vineyards, lakeshores, and classic Alpine resorts like Annecy and Morzine, with restful overnights in charming towns such as Seyssel and Le Grand Bornand. The tour culminates with a return through the scenic Chablais mountains to the medieval lakeside village of Yvoire, before a transfer back to Geneva.

Tour Type

Self-Guided

Lodging

casual hotels

Start

Geneva

Finish

Geneva

Level

moderate to challenging

Avg. Daily Distance

52 km / 32 mi

Cycling Days

7

Group size

Min. 4, Max. 12

Fly-In

Geneva International Airport (GVA)

Fly-Out

Geneva International Airport (GVA)

Highlights

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Iconic Alpine Climbs

This tour takes you over some of the French Alps’ most legendary cols, including Col du Grand Colombier, Montée du Semnoz, Col de la Croix Fry, and Col de Joux-Plane. These demanding ascents—many featured in the Tour de France—reward cyclists with dramatic alpine scenery and unforgettable riding

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Scenic Lakes And Historic Towns

Ride from the banks of Lake Geneva to the canals of picturesque Annecy, passing charming Alpine villages and tranquil landscapes along the way. The varied terrain and stunning panoramas make each day as rewarding visually as it is physically

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Charming Mountain Towns

Along the route, pass through small Alpine towns where daily life unfolds at an unhurried pace. These welcoming stops invite relaxed strolls, café breaks, and moments of genuine local culture—perfectly suited to slow, immersive travel.

Itinerary

Brief Itinerary

Meals are indicated as B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner.

Listed hotels are subject to availability and may be replaced with similar alternatives of equal standard.

DayPlacecasual InnsMealsDistanceActivity
DAY 1GenevaHotel JadeBcycling
DAY 2SeysselAu Fil de L'eauB, D90 km / 56 micycling
DAY 3 AnnecySplendid Hotel Lac d'Annecy (4-Star)B53 km / 33 micycling
DAY 4Le Grand-BornandLa Croix Saint MauriceB, D65 km / 40 micycling
DAY 5MorzineHôtel Les CôtesB74 km / 46 micycling
DAY 6 YvoireLe Pré de la CureB,D84 km / 52 micycling
DAY 7GenevaBcycling

Detailed Itinerary

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Day 1: Geneva

Welcome to Geneva!

Today is all about arriving, settling in, and soaking up the atmosphere of this elegant, international city. After checking in to your hotel, head out to explore Geneva’s historic Old Town, stroll along the lakefront, or simply relax at a café and watch the world go by. With its blend of culture, history, and beautiful lakeside setting, Geneva is the perfect place to begin your journey. Take the time to unwind and prepare for the days of cycling ahead—your Alpine adventure starts tomorrow.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel Jade
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Day 2: Seyssel

The first day on the bike eases you into the rhythm of the tour while offering a true taste of what lies ahead. Leaving Geneva, the route winds through peaceful Swiss farmland before crossing into France, where the mountains begin to rise. From here, you can tailor the challenge: tackle the quiet, scenic ascents of the Col de Richemond and Col de la Biche, known for their solitude and pastoral landscapes, or opt instead for the legendary Col du Grand Colombier, a classic Tour de France climb with dramatic views and a storied cycling history.

Whichever option you choose, the day finishes in Seyssel, a welcoming riverside town set along the Rhône. With its relaxed atmosphere and views over the water that divides the town in two, it’s an ideal place to unwind and reflect on your first alpine stage.

Elevation:

From Geneva: 1,900m/6,235 ft of climbing Grand Colombier loop from Seyssel: 60 km / 37 miles; 1,480 m / 4,855 ft of climbing

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Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Cycling Distance: 90 km / 56 mi
Accommodation: Au Fil de L'eau
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Day 3: Annecy

Today’s stage blends history, dramatic landscapes, and a memorable mountain challenge. The ride begins gently, leading you toward the elegant Château de Clermont, a striking Renaissance landmark that sets a refined tone for the day. Soon after, the scenery shifts as the route dives into the spectacular Gorges du Fier, where sheer rock walls and rushing water create a dramatic passage.

Beyond the gorge, quiet roads guide you to the village of Quintal, where the character of the day changes once more. From here, you can choose to push higher into the mountains, taking on the legendary Montée du Semnoz—a Tour de France finish climb—before being rewarded with a long, exhilarating descent. The road eventually drops you into Annecy, your destination for the night. With its canals, pastel buildings, and alpine setting, this enchanting lakeside town—often called the “Venice of the Alps”—is the perfect place to relax and explore after a rewarding day in the saddle.

Elevation: 1,300 m / 4,265 ft of climbing

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Meals: Breakfast
Cycling Distance: 53 km / 33 mi
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Day 4: Le Grand-Bornand

Today delivers a truly memorable day in the Alps. Setting off from Annecy, the route hugs the crystal-clear shoreline of Lake Annecy before the road begins to rise toward the Col des Marais, easing you into the mountain rhythm. From there, the challenge builds as you climb the renowned Col de la Croix-Fry, a classic Tour de France ascent that rewards steady effort with sweeping alpine views.

At the top, you can choose how the day unfolds. Roll down into Le Grand Bornand for a relaxed finish, or push on for one final test with a short but rewarding climb to the Col des Aravis. Those who take on this extra ascent are treated to spectacular views stretching toward Mont Blanc. Whichever option you choose, the day concludes in Le Grand Bornand, where a comfortable hotel and a well-earned rest await after an exceptional ride.

Elevation: 1,420 m / 4,660 ft of climbing

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Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Cycling Distance: 65 km / 40 mi
Accommodation: La Croix Saint Maurice
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Day 5: Morzine

Today feels every bit like a professional race stage, linking two legendary Alpine towns on a route packed with iconic climbs. Leaving Le Grand Bornand, the road rises steadily toward the Col de la Colombière, tackled from its more forgiving side but still demanding enough to set the tone for the day. A long descent then delivers you into the valley town of Cluses, offering a brief pause before the next challenge.

From Cluses, the character of the ride changes as you begin the formidable ascent of the Col de Joux-Plane. Steep, relentless, and famous for shaping the outcome of major professional races, this climb tests both strength and determination. The reward comes at the summit, where expansive mountain views precede a flowing descent into Morzine, your destination for the night. Riders with energy to spare can add an optional final challenge by climbing up to Avoriaz, rounding off an unforgettable day in the high Alps.

Elevation: 2,210 m / 7,250 ft of climbing

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Meals: Breakfast
Cycling Distance: 74 km / 46 mi
Accommodation: Hôtel Les Côtes
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Day 6: Yvoire

After days of high-mountain challenges, today offers a well-earned change of pace. The route follows quiet, scenic roads through the rolling landscapes of the Chablais mountains, gradually guiding you back toward Lake Geneva. The riding is relaxed and flowing, with wide views over pastoral valleys, farmland, and wooded hillsides.

As you descend, the scenery opens dramatically, revealing sweeping panoramas across the lake and toward the distant ridgelines of the Jura Mountains. The sense of space and light makes this a memorable final day on the bike.

Your journey concludes in Yvoire, one of the most beautiful villages in the Savoy region. This perfectly preserved medieval lakeside town is an unforgettable place to spend the night. Settle in, enjoy the views across the water as evening falls, and reflect on an exceptional week of cycling through the Upper French Alps.

Elevation: 1,840 m / 6,035 ft of climbing

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Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Cycling Distance: 84 km / 52 mi
Accommodation: Le Pré de la Cure
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Day 7: Geneva

After breakfast, check out from your accommodation and transfer back to Geneva. The return journey offers final views of the Alps as you descend toward the city. Arrive at Geneva International Airport in time for your onward flight, marking the end of your alpine cycling adventure.

Meals: Breakfast

Ready to plan your adventure? Download a print-ready detailed itinerary.

Map

Accommodation

Each hotel has been thoughtfully selected to ensure an exceptional and memorable experience for guests. Should the listed hotel be unavailable, we will ensure an alternative of similar quality.

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Hotel Jade

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Au Fil de L'eau

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Splendid Hotel Lac d'Annecy (4 Star)

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La Croix Saint Maurice

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Hôtel Les Côtes

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Le Pré de la Cure

Dates and Prices

Book with Confidence: For scheduled group departures, your 20% deposit is fully refundable until 60 days before departure. Solo travellers booking 120+ days in advance can avoid a mandatory Single Supplement. See terms & conditions.



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Essential Info

Inclusions

LODGING

All hotels as mentioned in the tour details or similar (subject to availability).

bike

Immaculately maintained bike with helmet, suited to a terrain.

Luggage Transfer

Transportation of luggage from one hotel to another.

meals

Meals as per itinerary. Guests are given the opportunity to dine on their own so that they discover a location independently.

Exclusions

Airport pickup

We recommend to book direclty from airport.

Airport drop

We recommend to book direclty from your last hotel.

Beverages

Beverages such as alcohol, tea, coffee, juice at a hotel or restaurant.

Gratuity

Gratuities for your guide team are not included in the trip price.

Bikes

A great ride begins with a great bike. Our tours typically include the models listed below, though in some cases—due to height or availability constraints—we may provide an equivalent alternative.

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Wilier GTR or similar

road

Included in your trip price

Arrival & Departure Details

Arrival

Your tour starts in Geneva which is served by Geneva International Airport (GVA). From the airport, the easiest way to reach your starting point is by taxi. Taxis are available directly outside the arrivals terminal. The drive into the alpine region typically takes 1 to 1.5 hours, depending on traffic and the exact pickup location.

Trains run directly from the airport station to Geneva Cornavin every 10–15 minutes with a travel time of 7 minutes. From Cornavin, walk or take a short tram/bus to your hotel.

Departure

Your tour ends in Geneva which is served by Geneva International Airport (GVA). You can either book a taxi back to the airport. You can reach the airport easily by public transport. Frequent trains run from Geneva Cornavin to the airport in about 7 minutes, and TPG buses and trams also provide regular connections from the city center.

Weather

The best weather for cycling on this tour is late spring to early autumn, when mountain roads are clear and temperatures stay comfortable. June to September offers the most reliable conditions, with daytime temperatures ranging from 15 to 25°C (59 to 77°F), ideal for long rides and climbs. May and October can still work, but cooler air and occasional rain mean flexibility is important.

Winter and early spring are not suitable due to snow, icy roads, and temperatures often below 10°C (50°F) at higher elevations. Overall, summer provides the safest and most enjoyable cycling experience, while shoulder months suit experienced riders who are comfortable adapting to changing alpine weather.

January

Offseason

February

Offseason

March

Offseason

April

Mixed

May

Good

June

Best

July

Best

August

Best

September

Best

October

Mixed

November

Offseason

December

Offseason

Best

Good

Mixed

Offseason

What to Pack

Packing smart is essential for a safe and enjoyable cycling adventure. From essential biking gear to clothing and travel necessities, this guide ensures you're prepared for any terrain or climate.

Recommended Bicycling Clothes & Gear

  • Bicycling shoes or stiff-soled sneakers.
  • Padded cycling shorts.
  • Short-fingered cycling gloves (personal gloves are ideal).
  • Brightly colored cycling jerseys or synthetic T-shirts for visibility.
  • Synthetic cycling socks.
  • Sunglasses with UV protection.
  • Personal helmet (recommended even though provided).
  • Personal saddle (optional for added comfort).
  • Rain jacket or windbreaker.
  • Cycling water bottle (to reduce plastic waste).

Note: Helmets, gloves, and water bottles are personal items, so bringing your own is recommended for maximum comfort and hygiene.

Clothing

  • Light, breathable fabrics like cotton or linen.
  • Full-sleeved clothing for sun protection.
  • Warm layers for chilly mornings and evenings (if traveling in winter).
  • Comfortable footwear for non-cycling time.
  • Bring a compact rain jacket in case of sudden weather changes.
  • Ethnic or modest clothing for exploring towns and temples.

Other Necessities

  • Toiletries: Basic hygiene essentials, including insect/mosquito repellent and sunscreen.
  • Hand sanitizer and wet wipes.
  • Plug socket adaptor.
  • Binoculars for wildlife spotting or desert landscapes.

Pro Tips

  • Pack light but plan for the varying temperatures: warm days, chilly evenings, and desert winds.
  • Use brightly colored clothing for visibility on roads.
  • Pack light to leave room for shopping.

Luggage

Please limit your luggage to one medium-sized suitcase and one carry-on bag. Mark your luggage with your name, address, and phone number.

Visa Information

Before venturing on your adventure, make sure you're equipped with essential travel advice, including security updates, local laws, and crucial passport and visa information. Start by visiting the official government website of your home country for accurate and reliable guidance:

Note: Passport and visa regulations can change at any time. Stay proactive by checking for the latest updates to ensure a smooth and stress-free journey.

Insurance

Medical insurance that covers medical costs in case of an accident during the trip is mandatory to participate in our tours.

We recommend to purchase adequate travel insurance in order to participate in our tours and protect yourself from unforeseen events. Our experience shows that guests who purchase travel insurance—including coverage for all activities on the itinerary, trip cancellation, interruption, delay, baggage damage, loss or theft, personal accident, death and repatriation costs, medical and emergency expenses (including Covid-19), and personal liability—travel with greater peace of mind.

Is proof of medical insurance required?

Yes. You must provide your insurer's name, policy number, and emergency contact via our reservation form. This is mandatory. If you cannot provide proof, you’ll need to purchase insurance before traveling with us.

Can I use my credit card insurance?

Yes, as long as it meets our requirements and provides adequate coverage. Ensure you have an emergency contact number and policy number available.

When should I buy travel insurance?

Purchase travel insurance as soon as you've paid in full or booked your flights.

Does Art of Bicycle Trips sell travel insurance?

We do not sell travel insurance directly, as we believe our customers should have the freedom to choose a policy that best suits their needs. However, we recommend Insured Nomads as a great starting point.

Frequently Asked Questions

A self-guided bike tour allows you to explore independently using our detailed app-based navigation and pre-arranged logistics. We provide route notes via app, luggage transfers, hotel bookings, and emergency phone support. There is no local guide riding with you, so you manage your own navigation and basic bike upkeep.

For self-guided tours, the fitting process is designed to be simple and flexible while ensuring you start with a bike that suits your measurements.

Before Your Tour

When you book, we ask for your height. This allows our local partners to select the correct frame size and prepare the bike in advance so it’s close to your ideal fit when you arrive.

At the Start of the Tour

The setup experience varies by destination:

  • In some locations, you may receive an in-person handover with basic adjustments made by the local partner.


  • In others, especially in more remote regions, you may receive a bike that is pre-set based on the measurements you provided.


All self-guided bikes include basic tools, so you can make simple adjustments such as raising or lowering the saddle yourself.

During the Tour

You can adjust the bike as you ride using the provided tools. If anything feels off and you need assistance, our local partners are reachable and will support you as promptly as the location allows.

What to Expect

The self-guided bike fit is practical and rider-adjustable. It ensures:

  • You start with the correct frame size

  • You can fine-tune your comfort easily

  • You have the flexibility to adjust as needed along the route


It’s not an in-depth professional fitting, but it’s perfectly suited for multi-day touring comfort.

We provide an app-based navigation system that includes all your daily routes, points of interest, and important trip notes. You can download the app to your phone in advance, and we’ll share your login details before your trip.

Yes. Once the routes are downloaded, the app works completely offline, so you don’t need mobile data while riding. You can even use it in airplane mode, which helps conserve your phone’s battery.

To extend battery life further, we recommend reducing screen brightness and carrying a small power bank for longer days on the trail.

A mobile holder is not provided. Since you’ll be using your phone for navigation, we strongly recommend bringing your own sturdy, handlebar-mounted mobile holder to ensure a safe and comfortable riding experience.

We do not provide GPX files separately. All routes are available within our navigation app, which is the most reliable and up-to-date source for your trip. Once you receive the login details for the navigation app — generally shared about one month before your departure — you can explore the routes and, if needed, also download the GPX files directly from the app for use with your personal Garmin or GPS device. We recommend getting familiar with the app and its features before your tour starts to ensure a smooth experience on the road.

For minor issues like punctures, the guests are provided with a self-repair kit, which includes tools to help them fix such minor issues. The exact contents of the kit depend on the type of bike, terrain and other factors, and will be communicated to you closer to your date of departure. However, usually such a kit includes tire levers, a spare tube, a patch kit, and a pump, allowing riders to fix the problem themselves. In some cases, the kit may only include a pump or a repair foam.

Self-guided riders are expected to be independent in handling these minor problems. While there are some bike shops along the route, they are limited. If you are unsure about how to repair a puncture, we recommend considering a guided or van-supported trip instead.

For major mechanical failures, such as a cable break, the guests can contact the emergency support number provided. The support team will help coordinate a solution, which could include dispatching a local mechanic, suggesting a nearby bicycle shop for repairs, or sending a vehicle to pick up the rider. Please note that all support services will be provided on a chargeable basis, and assistance may take time, so we advise being prepared for potential delays.

Yes, each rider will be provided with at least one pannier to carry personal items during the tour. Please note, road bikes do not support panniers.

Yes, we provide helmets. However, we recommend that guests try to bring their own helmets, as these are items of a personal nature.

Your luggage will be picked up at the reception of your hotel every morning by 9.00am.

It will be delivered to the next hotel before 5pm. Most of the time it is delivered in the early afternoon itself.

We recommend that you carry no more than 2 bags together weighing up to 15kgs for this trip. You can have one large bag, which contains all your clothing and gear needed for the trip, and one small bag that contains essential items you will frequently need such as passport etc. Please note that once a bag gets loaded in the luggage transfer vehicle, you may not have access to it till later in the evening when you reach the hotel for the night.

We provide local support by phone for any medical emergencies during the tour. Our local team will assist in coordinating medical care, guiding you to the nearest healthcare facility, and ensuring you receive the necessary support. The national emergency system is reliable and effective, and in the event of a serious accident, contacting them is highly recommended. However, due to our distance from certain areas, response times may be longer. We strongly recommend having appropriate travel insurance, and we will do everything we can to ensure your safety and well-being during an emergency.

Airport transfers are not included unless specifically mentioned in your trip inclusions.

For airport pickup, we recommend booking directly from the airport upon arrival — most airports have reliable taxi, shuttle, or app-based options.

For airport drop, please book a transfer through your last hotel — they can easily arrange it for you.

We focus on delivering exceptional experiences during your tour. For logistical simplicity and flexibility, we do not handle pre- or post-tour hotel bookings. However, we’re happy to share a list of recommended hotels near the starting and ending points of your trip so you can plan your stay independently.

We are happy to pass on your room preference for a twin or double setup, and our hotel partners do their best to accommodate these requests. However, room configurations are always subject to availability at each property.

On some of our trips—especially those that travel through remote regions or small boutique inns—room types may be limited. In such cases, despite our best efforts, you may need to stay in a double room instead of a twin, or twin instead of a double, depending on what is available.

Given the nature of our journeys and the unique places we visit, we kindly ask for your understanding and support if such adjustments are required.

We will always inform you in advance wherever possible and work closely with our partners to ensure the most comfortable arrangement for your stay.

The fitness level required for each trip is indicated by the "level" of the tour, which in turn is mentioned on each tour page right next to the price and the trip duration.

Easy: The terrain is mostly flat with a few gentle climbs.

Moderate: The terrain is either mostly flat or consists of rolling hills with a few challenging climbs. There could also be a few days with longer riding distances of up to 75 kms (45 miles)

Difficult: The terrain is mostly hilly with strong elevation gains and/or has long days on the bike. Such trips are recommended for intermediate to advanced cyclists.

Please note that we usually bike around 4-5 hours per day irrespective of the level of the trip.

You can exchange currency at the airport itself, or at ATMs in larger cities. Most commercial establishments will accept international credit cards for payments, though its good to carry some local currency with you at all times.

The meeting time on Day 1 is mentioned in your travel planner shared with you. You can arrive either on the morning of Day 1 depending on the meeting time, or book a pre-tour night to arrive a day earlier.

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