Pinnacle Tours

Ultimate French Alps - Grenoble to Nice 2026

Difficulty:

Wed, Jun 17 - Sun, Jun 21, 2026

5 days, 4 nights

France

Only 12 places available

From £4360pp

Four consecutive Alpine stages from Grenoble to Nice across 405 km and 9420 m of climbing. Croix de Fer, Galibier, Izoard and Bonette make this one of the hardest trips in the programme.

This is an epic Alpine crossing from the mountains to the sea, a four-day point-to-point journey from Grenoble to the Côte d’Azur.

The route threads through the heart of the French Alps, taking in the legendary Tour de France cols of Croix de Fer, Galibier, Izoard and Bonette as you climb through wild high landscapes and dive into deep, glaciated valleys.

Each stage balances challenge and beauty, from vast, snow-capped horizons to the scent of pine and, later, lavender as you edge closer to the Riviera.

It is cycling stripped back to its essence: four days, four legendary stages, one extraordinary journey from the peaks to the Mediterranean.

Difficulty: 5/5 - Extreme

A physically serious trip made harder by altitude, remoteness, terrain or sustained climbing. Only suitable for highly prepared riders.

Dining: Breakfast, on the road lunch stops and hearty local dinners are included to keep riders moving and recovering.

Who this is for: Best for serious climbers who already know they can manage repeated high mountain days. Not suitable for riders who are uncertain about long climbs, descending big Alpineroads, or coping with cumulative fatigue.

Arrival Airport

Lyon (LYS), France

Departure Airport

Nice, France

Start Location

Grenoble

Finish Location

Nice

Total Distance

405 km

Total Elevation

9420 m

Longest Day

Day 4 - 145 km

Biggest Climbing Day

Day 1 - 2740 m

Ultimate French Alps - Grenoble to Nice 2026

Day by Day

98 kilometres with 2740 metres of climbing and one defining feature, the Col de la Croix de Fer.

From the Alpine capital you are thrown straight into the high mountains, tracing the iconic, switchbacked slopes of the Croix de Fer, a giant that has tested Tour de France contenders for decades. It’s a day of raw beauty, long, steady climbing and that first taste of a proper alpine summit before you descend towards Saint-Jean-de-Maurienne.

Distance: 98 km

Elevation Gain: 2740 m

Highlight: Col de la Croix de Fer

Day 1: Grenoble to Saint-Jean-de-Maurienne

Day 2 takes you from Saint-Jean-de-Maurienne to Briançon over 84 kilometres and 2380 metres of ascent, built around the double act of the Col du Télégraphe and Col du Galibier.

It feels like a classic Tour stage compressed into a single ride: the Télégraphe’s measured gradients through the forest, then the stark, exposed ramps towards the Galibier’s 2,642-metre summit. The pay-off is the sweeping, fast descent into Briançon, an unforgettable finish to a short, sharp Alpine day.

Distance: 84 km

Elevation Gain: 2380 m

Highlight: Col du Télégraphe, Col du Galibier

Day 2: Saint-Jean-de-Maurienne to Briançon

99 kilometres, 2450 metres of climbing and two more storied passes, the Col d’Izoard and Col de Vars. This is the mountain purist’s stage.

The Izoard, with its Casse Déserte of jagged rock and eerie quiet, offers a climb unlike any other in France, all pale scree and carved gullies.

The Col de Vars follows with a steady grind and wide-open views before you drop into the remote mountain town of Jausiers, gateway to the mighty Bonette.

Distance: 99 km

Elevation Gain: 2450 m

Highlight: Col d’Izoard, Col de Vars

The Queen Stage from Jausiers to Nice, 145 kilometres with 2,220 metres of climbing and the towering presence of the Col de la Bonette.

At 2802 metres, Bonette is the highest paved road in France and feels almost lunar, a world of scree slopes and huge sky.

From its summit the journey tilts towards the sea, the road flowing south through Provence until the light changes and you find yourself in Nice, finishing on the Promenade des Anglais where the Alps finally meet the Mediterranean.

Distance: 145 km

Elevation Gain: 2220 m

Highlight: Col de la Bonette

What's Included

All hotel accomodation

Hand-picked hotels each night, with comfortable rooms and hot showers waiting at the end of every stage.

Full board riding fuel

Substantial breakfasts, practical lunch stops or roadside fuel, and hearty local dinners each evening.

Mechanical support and sweep vehicle throughout the event

Dedicated support van and mechanic on hand for repairs, spares and a lift if you need to climb off.

Ride leaders (1 to 5 ratio)

Ride leaders (1 to 5 ratio) – Experienced ride captains on the road, keeping the group safe, steady and on pace.

Route planning and safety management

Fully planned routes, briefings and on-ride oversight so you can focus on turning the pedals.

Sports nutrition throughout the event

Gels, bars, drinks and snacks provided to keep energy levels stable from first climb to final kilometre.

INCLUDED

Lodging
Meals
Selected beverages (non‑alcoholic unless stated)
Hydration & nutrition on‑road
Pro guides
Mechanic & support vehicle
Partner kit on arrival (where specified)

NOT INCLUDED

Flights
Travel/bike insurance
Personal expenses
Alcohol unless specified
Optional upgrades (transfers, daily laundry, e‑bike, single‑room supplement)

Accommodation & Transport

4* accommodation is provided on a twin-share basis, with single room upgrades available on request.

Arrival: Wednesday afternoon. Transfer to hotel. First riding Day Thursday

Ultimate French Alps - Grenoble to Nice 2026

From £4360pp

Wed, Jun 17 - Sun, Jun 21, 2026

France

Only 12 places available

"Riding from Grenoble to Nice with Rouleur Travel feels like stepping into cycling history — every climb a legend, every descent unforgettable. The support, the atmosphere, and the sheer beauty of the route makes this more than just a ride."

Tris - Head of Rouleur Travel

MORE THAN CYCLING

FROM THE TEAM BEHIND THE MAGAZINE

With over 20 years experience covering the professional peloton, testing iconic brands and hosting events, we know European riding better than anyone.

Bikes

Discover the freedom of two wheels with our bicycle rental service.

Enjoy comfort, performance, and convenience throughout your journey.

The rental rate is £120 per day.

Pinarello DOGMA F

Engineered for pure speed and sculpted with obsessive detail, this is the kind of race bike that turns every climb, corner and descent into a masterclass in performance.

Pinarello DOGMA X

Built for the long days that demand both pace and poise, this endurance thoroughbred delivers race-ready performance with a level of comfort that keeps the joy in every kilometre.

Pinarello X7

Crafted for riders who want comfort without compromise, this endurance machine blends smooth compliance with lively speed, keeping every kilometre controlled and genuinely enjoyable.

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Ultimate French Alps - Grenoble to Nice 2026

Day by Day

All hotel accomodation

Full board riding fuel

Mechanical support and sweep vehicle throughout the event

Ride leaders (1 to 5 ratio)

Route planning and safety management

Sports nutrition throughout the event

INCLUDED

NOT INCLUDED

FROM THE TEAM BEHIND THE MAGAZINE

Bikes

Impressions of the Rouleur Travel experience

David C

Emily V

Anthony L

Andrew W

Matt S

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