Route des Grandes Alpes à vélo crosses the French Alps between Thonon-les-Bains on Lake Geneva and Nice on the Mediterranean. The official Route des Grandes Alpes guide presents a mountain journey built around high road passes, with alternative sections that let riders shape their own crossing.
From Lake Geneva into the Alps
Thonon-les-Bains is the northern endpoint and a useful place to begin exploring the itinerary. France Vélo Tourisme describes its first stage to Morzine-Avoriaz as an alternative to the historic signed road. It climbs the col du Feu with Lake Geneva behind, descends towards the Vallée Verte and continues through the Dranse gorges towards Saint-Jean-d’Aulps, Montriond and Morzine.
The journey then crosses northern Haute-Savoie towards the Arve valley. The official route guide describes a landscape of wooded slopes, pastures, gorges and villages; the section towards Le Grand-Bornand includes the col de la Colombière and views of the Bargy and Aravis mountains.
High passes and the Mediterranean
The route’s identity lies in its high Alpine roads. The official guide includes the col de l’Iseran between the Tarentaise and Maurienne valleys, and the Galibier near Valloire. On the Iseran section, riders pass through Bonneval-sur-Arc and Bessans on the way towards Val-Cenis.
At the southern end, the cycling itinerary reaches Nice. France Vélo Tourisme highlights the Promenade des Anglais and the Baie des Anges, as well as Tour Bellanda, where a marker celebrates the great Alpine itineraries. Riders can also travel in the opposite direction, leaving the Mediterranean for Lake Geneva.
Choosing and planning your crossing
This is a demanding mountain trip with substantial climbing. France Vélo Tourisme advises riders to be accustomed to cycling or cycle touring and to know how to handle pass descents. Some mountain roads can carry heavy motor traffic in summer.
Check the weather and the opening of passes before setting out, and avoid periods when roads may be snowy or icy. The historic main route has tourist road signs in both directions, but variants are not signed. Compare the individual stage descriptions when planning: the suggested cycling line can differ from the historic signed route.
The Route des Grandes Alpes guide offers a main itinerary and alternatives, including a route via Alpe d’Huez and the col de Sarenne. Choose the sections that suit your plans and ability, allowing for the character of each climb and descent.