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‘Lite’ Self-Guided Road Cycling Tours in French Alps – North
Independent Bike Riding Weekends – Northern Alps
A Northern French Alps ‘Lite’ Weekend gives you a fully-flexible approach to riding some of the great Tour de France cols, with the back-up and expertise of our team to help with your route planning.
Our ‘Lite’ package has a great value, hassle-free format which allows you to just focus on cycling. Each day you will be route-finding yourselves, but with the back up of advice from our experienced team, route maps, guides and GPS files to ensure you can find the best rides and fully enjoy the challenge of cycling in the French Alps.
Aravis Mountains and Lake Annecy – Alpine Cycling Heaven
The Tour de France is a regular visitor to this region; the Col de la Colombière, Col des Aravis and Col de la Forclaz featured once more in the 2016 edition. In 2018 and again in 2021 the finish was in Le Grand Bornand, in the heart of the Aravis. Though it’s not just for the pros, it’s a popular region for amateur cyclists to tackle Alpine climbs; our Bike Weekender route folder is filled with rides of all lengths and challenge.
As you’ll be riding independently there’s no time pressure; you can take all day (including a leisurely lunch en route), find your pace and just take in the stunning scenery of the French Alps in summer.
4 Great Days on the Bike – Amazing Alpine Cycling
Our Northern Alps ‘Lite’ weekend is the best value weekend holiday we offer. You are sure to get a great 4 days riding in a stunning Alpine setting. You pick the routes… it’s easy to climb an epic Tour de France col each day, taking in Alpine views from lovely smooth tarmac. There’s a very wide choice of routes around the area, so there can be a challenge for everyone.
We welcome you here with a great cycling set up, delicious food and dedicated service, to help you to get the most from your short road cycling break in the French Alps.
We’ll ensure that your 4 days of riding is just what you want – our local knowledge and experience will allow us to help you match the best rides to your group’s ability and fitness.
Our ‘Lite’ weekends really are the perfect cycling short break for the more independent minded cyclist. Join us and look forward to some magical days in the mountains!
Cycling Weekend Itinerary – A Wide Choice of Alpine Riding and Famous Cols
The itinerary / rides outlined below are just a few examples of the amazing riding in this region.
On each day of a ‘Lite’ cycling weekend break, you’ll choose your ride from amongst these or many other options.
Navigation is down to you; we have route cards / GPS tracks for all suggested rides to make this as easy as possible.
You should be prepared to carry gear for the day with you – a windbreaker, snacks / drinks, tool-kit, spare tubes etc.
Lunch (not included in the package) can be taken at cafés / restaurants along the ride route.
After each ride, there’ll be time back at your accommodation to relax before heading out for dinner locally (not included).
Thursday – Arrival
You arrange afternoon / evening flights to Geneva Airport.
Geneva is well served with flights from the UK – see full details on travel options here >>>
Our airport pick-up is at 18:30 – transfer to your base is only 1 hour.
There’ll be time to build bikes / set up hire bikes as well as finding some dinner options.
Friday – Col de Forclaz & Lake Annecy ride
A spectacular first-day ride with amazing views across Lake Annecy from the top of the Col de la Forclaz. Continue around the lake shore, passing through the beautiful medieval town centre of Annecy before the climb back to base.
Ride distance = 97 km with total climbing of 2049m
Saturday – Aravis Loop ride via Flumet
A stunning ride featuring Col de Marais and the less well-known but spectacular Col d’Arpettaz complete with 42 switchbacks – a real hidden gem! Then tackle the famous Col des Aravis and a thrilling descent back to base – as featured on the final day of the 2016 Tour de France.
Ride distance = 89 km with total climbing of 2556m
Sunday – Col de la Colombière Loop
A legendary Tour de France col and a loop ride with plenty of add-on choices, like the col de Romme, to up the challenge if required. From the summit of Col de la Colombière it’s a straight drop to your base.
Ride distance = 62 km with total climbing of 1466m
Monday – Col de la Croix Fry – Departure
A final Tour de France col to tick off the list, and although a short ride it’s a fair challenge of a climb providing a great finale to your time in the Aravis Mountains.
Ride distance = 32 km with total climbing of 994m
Return to base, pack away bikes, shower before departing to Geneva Airport.
Transfers leave base at 13:00 (for flights departing after 16:00)
The Home of Bike Weekender…
Our original & longest-running short break location. Your home-from-home for hassle-free cycling holidays.
- Sociable chalet-style hotelli>
- Village centre location
- Bike hire on-site
- Our team on hand to help throughout
The fantastic cycling in the Aravis mountains and the Northern Alps is accessible straight from the door.
We have set it up to cater specifically to your needs for a short cycling break, so make yourself comfortable and think of it as your home from home.
After a hard day in the mountains, you’ll regularly find guests sharing a drink in the bar, unwinding in the garden or simply dozing in the lounge.
Dates and Prices for ‘Lite’ Cycling Breaks – Northern Alps – Summer
Our ‘Lite’ Self-Guided road cycling weekends are available in the Northern French Alps throughout the summer, on a Thursday – Monday 4-night basis. These breaks are available to book for individuals, couples and groups of any size.
All prices are per-person, based on 2 guests sharing a room. Contact us for details of single occupancy options.
| Start Date | Price |
|---|---|
| Thu 4th Sept 2025 | £395pp |
| Thu 18th Sept 2025 | £395pp |
Bike Weekender ‘Lite’ Packages Include:
- Ensuite Accommodation at our chalet-hotel near Le Grand Bornand
- Airport Transfers from Geneva – meet at 18:30
- Airport Transfers to Geneva – depart at 13:00
- Bed & breakfast – hearty, plentiful, cyclist-friendly food
- The full support of our professional, friendly team
Not Included in the Package Price:
Flights to Geneva – arranged independently. See here for full details
Bike Hire – quality full carbon options available. See here for full details
Lunches whilst out riding, or dinner – bought directly
Additional drinks from the hotel bar
Interested in a ‘Lite’ Break in the Northern French Alps?
If you’d like to join one of the dates above, just send through our booking form here… we’ll be in touch by email shortly to confirm your reservation.
For trips on other dates, longer stays, or holidays with a different start / end day format, we can arrange custom road cycling packages for groups of 6 or more. See here for more details of our custom trips for clubs and groups >>>
If you have any questions about any aspect of our road cycling holidays, our package, accommodations or the areas we operate in, just send through an enquiry form here, call us on +44 845 557 5983 or email info@bikeweekender.com
Looking to book a 'Lite' Northern Alps break?
Just email us at info@bikeweekender.com , call us on +44 (0) 845 557 5983 or
