A full week cycling classic Tour de France cols at your own pace with the assistance of an e-bike. You'll be staying in our client's favourite B&B, famous for its delicious cuisine!
On this trip you can become the King or Queen of the Mountains and not just any old mountains, the French Alps. Yes you can achieve this grand Strava title without breaking a sweat - well maybe a little perspiration just for the look! The secret? An E-bike!
This trip will take you over some of the mythical Tour de France cols with the option of adding extra sections on if you wish. You have vehicle support with you at all times guiding the way and there to carry your snacks, spare clothing and tool kits and to pick you up if you have had enough. There's no excuse not to give it a go!
Duncan Craig from the Sunday Times tested out the trip. Here's what he thought about riding the Tour de France cols on an e-bike! You can also have a look at the little video he made for the Sunday Times website.
The Bikes
Electric bikes have taken off in the Alps and it is now as common to see 'normal' people on e-bikes powering up the big climbs as the lycra clad pros! E-biking holidays and e-bike touring are the new biking holiday must dos in the Alps! Read our blog article about why e-biking is so popular in the Alps.
Electric bikes are still a relatively new phenomenon and sometimes a little misunderstood. They are not motorbikes, you need to pedal, and it is entirely up to you how much extra oomph you give yourself from the battery. To do a big mountain col you will still need a reasonable level of fitness with an E-bike (be a regular dog walker or gym goer) - it is not cheating!
Since we started running this trip, the actual electric road bikes have also evolved and now look just like professional road bikes with the motor hidden in the frame. To ride these bikes, you need to be comfortable on a road bike, especially for the descents which are very technical so we offer either the road bike option or a 'gravel' bike option which have flat handlebars and slightly larger tires so they are a bit more stable.
The Cycling
This cycling trip through the Hautes-Alpes is a dream for any cycling enthusiast, combining legendary Tour de France climbs with hidden gems that showcase the region's beauty. The route takes in iconic cols like the Col du Noyer, Orcières, Col de Festre, Col de Moissière, and Col de Manse, each offering a unique challenge and stunning alpine panoramas. With a special outing to tackle the renowned Col d'Izoard, and the Serre Ponçon lake time trial route you can experience a piece of Tour de France history, following in the tire tracks of the world's best cyclists. These climbs have tested champions, and now, with the assistance of an e-bike, they are within reach for all.
What makes this trip truly special is the opportunity to explore lesser-known circuits on tranquil back roads, often frequented by passionate local cyclists. These quieter routes allow riders to immerse themselves in the region's natural beauty, from peaceful alpine meadows to winding mountain passes. It’s a bucket-list cycling adventure, offering a blend of epic Tour de France cols and secret, off-the-beaten-path roads that only the locals know.
Your Base
Last but not least and because we think that a proper holiday should always include great food, the accommodation we chose (the lovely luxury farmhouse guesthouse) for this tour is our clients' favourite. The owners Jean&Meg are wonderful people and their cuisine, an innovative mix of delicious local and world products, has quickly become renowned in the region. Not only can you become the King or Queen of the Mountains on your e-bike - you'll be treated as a King or Queen at the Grange des Ecrins too!
We'll pick you up from Gap train station and take you up to your accommodation. We'll arrange the best time to collect you to coincide with everyone's arrival times which generally ends up being at the end of the afternoon. If you arrive early we can arrange for a place to leave your luggage and you can explore Gap on foot - there is a great market on Saturday mornings.
Once we get to the Grange des Ecrins, we'll have a welcome drink, go through your itinerary and answer any questions
Distance: 60.7km Ascent: 1260m Descent: 1260m Min Altitude: 781m Max Altitude: 1666m
This is a classic climb and features in the 2024 Tour de France at the end of stage 17. It was described by Chris Froome as one of his favourite climbs in an interview for the Critérium du Dauphiné!
The road cycling circuit of the Col du Noyer from St Bonnet to the Devoluy is a challenging and scenic route in the French Alps. Starting in the quaint village of St Bonnet, the circuit takes you through picturesque alpine landscapes, dotted with traditional mountain villages and lush green meadows.
The climb to the Col du Noyer is a demanding one, with an average gradient of around 8%, reaching up to 15% in some sections. The ascent is approximately 12.6 km long, rising from an elevation of 1,020 meters in St Bonnet to 1,664 meters at the summit of the Col du Noyer.
As you ascend, you will encounter a series of hairpin bends, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. The road is well-paved but narrow in places, requiring careful navigation.
Upon reaching the summit, you'll be rewarded with panoramic views of the Dévoluy massif, a rugged and dramatic mountain range. The descent into the Devoluy region is equally exhilarating, with long, sweeping curves and occasional steep sections.
The route continues through the Devoluy, known for its stark limestone cliffs and unique geological formations. The landscape here is more arid and rugged compared to the lush ascent, adding to the visual diversity of the circuit.
Overall, this road cycling circuit offers a mix of challenging climbs, thrilling descents, and stunning alpine scenery, making it a rewarding ride for experienced cyclists.
Distance: 50 - 95.42km Ascent: up to 2226m Descent: up to 2230m Min Altitude: 884m Max Altitude: 2356m
The Col d'Izoard is a renowned mountain pass in the French Alps, often featured in the Tour de France and the Embrunman triathlon. The pass, at an altitude of 2,360 metres, presents a challenging ascent with breathtaking scenery. The full tour is 95km but it is possible to start further up the route and finish earlier to make a shorter ride but still ride the most beautiful section.
Tour de France
The Col d'Izoard is a frequent highlight in the Tour de France, known for its steep gradients and dramatic landscapes. The climb is notorious among cyclists for its difficulty, particularly the final stretch through the lunar-like Casse Déserte. Riders face hairpin bends and sustained inclines, making it a pivotal point in the race.
Embrunman
In the Embrunman, one of the toughest long-distance triathlons, the Col d'Izoard features prominently on the cycling leg. Participants tackle the climb after a gruelling swim, adding an extra layer of challenge. The ascent is a crucial part of the race, testing the endurance and resilience of competitors.
Route Details
Starting from Guillestre, the climb to the Col d'Izoard spans 31.5 kilometres with an average gradient of 4.8%. From Briançon, it's a shorter but steeper 19 kilometres, averaging 5.9%. The scenery includes lush forests, rugged cliffs, and the striking Casse Déserte near the summit.
Cycling the Col d'Izoard is a must-do for enthusiasts, offering a mix of physical challenge and spectacular alpine beauty. It is possible to cut out the end of this circuit to shorten it. The most interesting part is the climb up through the Caisse Déserte
Distance: 32km Ascent: 906m Descent: 836m Min Altitude: 785m Max Altitude: 1281m
This cycling itinerary follows the renowned individual time trial route from the 2013 Tour de France, where Chris Froome showcased his dominance. Covering 32 kilometres from Embrun to Chorges, this route offers a blend of challenging climbs and scenic descents through the Hautes-Alpes.
Route Description
Starting in Embrun at an elevation of 789 metres, you can enjoy picturesque views of the Lac de Serre-Ponçon. The route begins with a demanding ascent up the Côte de Puy-Sanières, a 6.4-kilometre climb with a 6% gradient. This initial challenge rewards riders with panoramic views of the surrounding valleys and mountains.
After cresting the Côte de Puy-Sanières, the route descends towards Savines-le-Lac. This technical section requires precise handling and offers stunning vistas of the lake. The next significant challenge is the Côte de Réallon, a 6.9-kilometre climb with a 6.3% gradient. As you ascend, the scenery becomes more rugged and alpine.
The final segment involves a descent into Chorges, situated at an elevation of 861 metres. This part of the route is fast and winding, providing an exhilarating conclusion to the ride. At the end of the ride, why not go for a swim at the Baie de St Michel, a beautiful bay on the edge of the lake!
It is possible to continue to do a full circuit of the lake.
Ah at last a day of rest to give your legs a rest. You still have your e-bikes so you can go for a potter about the valley sight seeing or go to the swimming lake for a fresh water swim.
It is also possible to arrange other activities such as canyoning or via ferrata and more so please ask if you would like to try something else on your free day and we can arrange this for you for a small supplement.
Distance: 61.4km Ascent: 1777m Descent: 1079m Min Altitude: 853m Max Altitude: 1841m
Starting in the picturesque Champsaur valley, this cycling circuit encompasses several notable climbs and descents, each with historical significance in the Tour de France. The route begins with the ascent of Col de Manse, descends to La Bâtie-Neuve, climbs Col de Moissière, and culminates with the climb to Orcières 1850.
Col de Manse: From the Champsaur valley, the route begins with the ascent of Col de Manse. This climb is known for its inclusion in several Tour de France stages, most notably in 2013 and 2015. It’s a moderate climb with gradients that can test your endurance but offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
Descent to La Bâtie-Neuve: Following the climb, the descent to La Bâtie-Neuve is technical and requires careful navigation. This section was famously part of the 2003 Tour de France when Lance Armstrong narrowly avoided disaster by riding off-road to avoid a crash during a high-speed descent.
Col de Moissière: The next challenge is the climb up Col de Moissière. This climb is steeper and more demanding, featuring sharp turns and consistent gradients. The climb has also been featured in the Tour de France, making it a notable segment for cycling enthusiasts.
Climb to Orcières 1850: The final ascent to Orcières 1850 is a significant climb with gradients reaching up to 7-8%. This climb was included in the 2020 Tour de France, marking a return to this route after several decades. The climb is challenging but rewards cyclists with breathtaking alpine views and the sense of accomplishment upon reaching the summit.
Distance: 62.6km Ascent: 1312m Descent: 804m Min Altitude: 769m Max Altitude: 1442m
The col de Festre features in the 2024 Tour de France on stage 18 and is a magnificent climb. We have added on a popular local circuit on back roads, too small for the Tour de France but stunningly beautiful!
Starting in Roche des Arnauds, embark on quiet rural roads toward Sigoyer, characterised by gentle rolling hills with panoramic views over Gap and beyond. Continuing to Esparron, the route maintains its tranquil nature, passing through charming villages. The ascent of Col d'Espreaux is the first major challenge, featuring steep gradients and scenic switchbacks and the feeling of really being in the middle of nowhere in the heart of the Alps . After descending, the final climb to Col de Festre awaits, demanding and rewarding with its dramatic alpine scenery.
We'll take you back down to the train station in Gap. We will arrange the time to suit your train times and this tends to be in the morning. If your train is later, then there is a great market in Gap in the morning to go and explore. We can arrange for you to leave your luggage somewhere safe whilst you visit the town.
Who will Love this Trip?
Cycling in France is a national pass-time and following in the wheels of the professional cycling heroes of the Tour de France is a bucket list activity for many fans. Most Tour de France tours and cycling holidays in France are aimed at experienced and competitive cyclists but this e-bike trip is perfect for moderate bikers and novice cyclists or retired experienced road cyclists who still want the buzz of climbing to the top of a big Alpine pass but don't quite have the legs for it any more!.
If you like the idea of e-biking the Alps but would prefer a fully tailor made itinerary, then we can customise this for you.
Loading accommodation filters...
- Restaurant evening meals and drinks in Gap in the evenings
- Picnic or restaurant lunches (some days will include the possibility of a restaurant lunch and others will require a picnic)
- Your journey to and from Gap
- Tips for the guide
We had an amazing bike trip riding through the Hautes Alpes. Undiscovered Mountains did an amazing job of putting together the itinerary. We had 7 incredible days of riding. The flow of the trip was perfect and a rest da…
Brilliant cycling trip! Well organized. Exceeded all expectations.
Undiscovered Mountains certainly deliver! I had been looking for a biking tour that took in the French Alps for a while when I came across Undiscovered Mountains ebike tour of famous Tour de France routes. Being a huge T…
We will collect you from Gap train station which has rail links from Grenoble, Valence and Aix-en-Provence TGVs and also a direct overnight sleeper service from Paris.
If you are flying here, the best airport to fly to is Marseilles and there is a regular shuttle directly from the airport to Gap.
Tour de France Cols on an E-Bike
A full week cycling classic Tour de France cols at your own pace with the assistance of an e-bike. You'll be staying in our client's favourite B&B, famous for its delicious cuisine!
Similar adventures you might like
Other trips at the same difficulty level
