Alpine

Alpine tour

Gigantic barrier which curves from Nice to Vienna, in Austria, over a length of 1200 km (745 miles) the mountain ranges of the Alps form part of a mountainous folds which appeared at the same time as the Pyrenees, the Carpathians, the Caucasus and the Himalayas.

This watershed, whatever the latitude considered, has a structure easily penetrated by deep valleys which are part of the natural corridors. Those corridors and the alpine passes to which they lead, were regarded in times past as natural dividing frontiers by their formation and alignment, hence the traditional representation of this section of the Alps from the "Alpes Maritimes" to the "Alpes Juliennes".

From the Mediterranean to the Adriatic, a link between the two cycling tours, conceived primarily using high mountain roads was essential to carry out the integral crossing of the alpine arc.

The first part, from Antibes to Thonon les Bains, 740 km/460miles, 43 mountain passes, comprises the section of the French Alps from the Mediterranean sea to the high valleys of the Rhone region (lake of Geneva);

the second part,from Thonon les Bains to Trieste, 1180 km/734 miles, 44 mountain passes, takes you along the section of the Swiss and Italian Alps, from the lake of Geneva to the Adriatic.

The two routes offer a great diversity of tourist attractions and challenges, from the easy rides in the scenic valleys to the toughest journeys up the steep mountain hills. Bonette (Alpes Maritimes) - Izoard (High Alps) where you can find the famous Casse Déserte, - the fantastic Italian peaks of the Assietta (Orsiera Massif) - Iseran (Massif of the Vanoise) the highest mountain road in Europe - Cormet de Roselend (Massif of Belfort) so charming with its amazing pastoral calmness - Savolière (Chablais Massif) - Simplon (Monte Rosa Massif) - San Bernardino, Spluga (Adula Massif) - Bernina, Livigno, Foscagno (Bernina Massif) - Santa Maria or Umbrailpass, the majestic Stelvio (Massif of the Ortles), the giant peaks of the Dolomites: Sella, Pordoi, Valparola, Falzarego, Giau and most particularly Longères, a dreadful steep road (with sections of 20%), leading to the Refugio Auronzo located at the bottom of the impressive slopes on the Southern face of the incomparable TRE CIME DI LAVAREDO, with so many stunning landscapes in this part of the Alps.

It is obvious that the layout of such a tour is prepared mainly to attract cyclists “with a passion” who are familiar with all forms of leisure riding and as always they must take sure beforehand that they take no chances when taking part in such cycling tours : fitness, resources, appropriate and well-maintained equipment, etc. are a must.

Remember, always travel in an environmentally friendly manner, do not litter, keep it clean.

Enjoy the tour and all the best.