Randonnée Alpine

Taking in the historical battlegrounds of the Tour de France and some of the most majestic mountain passes in the world, the Randonnée Alpine is the ultimate road riding adventure.

TRIP 1: 16 June – 23 June 2012
TRIP 2: 1 September – 8 September 2012

The Rapha Randonnée Alpine follows the classic Route des Grandes Alpes, taking in the historical battlegrounds of the Tour de France and some of the most majestic mountain passes in the world. Starting at Lake Geneva, the route heads south through the Savoie, over the Massif des Ecrins, Alpes de Haute Provence and Maritimes before arriving at the Cote d’Azur in Nice.

Key Climbs:
Col de Colombière, Col du Glandon, Alpe d’Huez, Col d’Izoard, Col de la Bonnette-Restefond

• Distance: 780km
• Elevation: 19065m
• Price: £2,800
• Arrival hotel:
  La Verniaz
  Neuvecelle-Eglise
  74500 Evian-les-Bains
  www.verniaz.com

Day 1

Distance: 130km
Elevation: 3070m
Key Climbs: Col de Columbière, Col d'Aravis

The climbing starts straight away as we depart the shores of Lake Geneva. The Col de Cou and then the challenging Col de la Columbière are swiftly followed by the Col des Aravis. The charming alpine town of Megève awaits for our overnight stop.

Day 2

Distance: 140km
Elevation: 3500m
Key Climbs: Col des Saisies, Cormet de Roselend

The riding quickly heads skyward again as we take in the Col des Saisies and Cormet de Roselend before taking lunch in Bourg St Maurice. Tracing the valley of the Isère southwest, the final kilometres towards Brides les Bains see us tackle two small, undiscovered cols before a hair-raising descent into Brides.

Day 3

Distance: 130km
Elevation: 4190m
Key Climbs: Col de la Madeleine, L'Alpe d'Huez

Now riding into the heart of the French Alps we begin to traverse the immense Massif des Ecrins. The first big challenge of the day is the Col de la Madeleine, a beautiful ascent that takes us from the Isere valley to the River Maurienne. Next up is the legendary Col du Glandon followed by a rapid descent into the Val d’Oisans and the last challenge of the day, L’Alpe d’Huez. We rest for the night in l’Alpe d’Huez, giving time to appreciate the stunning panorama of the Grande Rousses plateau.

Day 4

Distance: 163km
Elevation: 3495
Key Climbs: Col d'Izoard, Col de Vars

The fourth day opens with some much appreciated flat as we follow the Val d’Oisans. The road then climbs athe Col du Lautaret followed by a gentle downhill run to the historic town of Briançon ensues. Between here and Jausiers lie the formidable twin obstacles of the Col d’Izoard and the Col de Vars. Another gruelling but amazing day on the bike.

Day 5

Distance: 105km
Elevation: 2510m
Key Climbs: Col de Bonette-Restefond, Col St. Martin

On the fifth day, a giant of a climb stands in the way of our passage south: The Col de la Bonnette-Restefond at 2802m is the highest pass in Europe and the last major obstacle on the route. A long descent down the wooded Tinee valley follows into the Alpes Maritime where Alpine forest ends and Mediterranean scrubland begins. From the summit of the last climb of the day (Col St Martin) the azure blue of the Mediterranean glints in the distance. Our penultimate rest stop is in the 13th century town of St Martin Vesubie.

Day 6

Distance: 110km
Elevation: 2300m
Key Climbs: Col de la Madone, Col de Turini

Then it’s across the old salt route between Piedmont and Nice to tackle five cols, including the Col de la Madone and Col de Turini, familiar to a certain Mellow Johnny who was once a resident of the area. After these final challenges are conquered we arrive in Nice, the cosmopolitan capital of the Cote d’Azur, to bask in the glory (perhaps on the beach) of completing this truly epic route.

To book this Randonnée call La Fuga on +44 (0)208 144 1441 or email info@lafuga.cc for more info.

Go to the La Fuga website »