Cover of Cycling in the French Alps
Availability
Temporarily out of stock
Cover
Paperback - Laminated
Published
17 Nov 2005
Edition
First
ISBN
9781852844455
Expand
ISBN (10)
1852844450
Size
21.6 x 13.8 x 1.5cm
Weight
400g
Pages
224
No. Maps
9
No. Photos
98
Originally Published
17 Nov 2005

This guide is now out of print, to view our current guide to this region please click here.

 
 

The guide presents a personal selection of the most picturesque cycling routes through the mountains of south-east France. The eight tours - seven circuits plus the 'Grand Traverse' from Geneva to Nice - include the 'classic' high passes of the French Alps (Galibier, Iseran, Izoard, etc) as well as many lesser known areas of the pre-Alps and Southern Jura.

Although all the tours are in mountain areas, the scenery - from the rolling hills of the Bugey to the dramatic limestone gorges of the Chartreuse or the snowy peaks of the Ecrins - is extremely varied. Without neglecting the 'must-see' places, the tours have been designed to take you through the secret corners and forgotten backwaters of the regions described; even amongst the most awe-inspiring mountains, it is often the more discreet facets of the countryside that reveal an area's true charm.

Seasons

Mid-April to mid-October (areas below1500m); mid-May to end September (over 1500m); November to March too cold!

Centres

Lyon, Geneva, Bellegarde-sur-Valserine, Martigny, Grenoble, St Jean-de-Maurienne, Barcelonnette, Nice

Difficulty

Difficult (aimed at fit and experienced cyclists). Average distance 50-80km/stage (1000-1500m average height gain/stage).

Must See

Mountain views; unspoilt villages; French cuisine; following the Tour de France routes; a hot shower at the end of the day!
 
 
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