The tour cost is AUD 3460 2960. We are passing on the savings the strong Aussie dollar currently allows. Be quick to take advantage of this offer. Limited places.

See Tour Information for details of inclusions.

We call this our Classic French Alps Tour for a good reason: it takes you over some of the most famous climbs in the Tour de France!

From the Joux Plane in the northern French Alps to the finish at the summit of the Alpe d’Huez, it is one glorious col after another with some of the most beautiful villages and scenic country that France has to offer in between.

The pick up and drop off point for this tour is Geneva, Switzerland. From here we travel to Morzine in the French Alps. This is the start point for the tour. This ski town is famous for its starts and finishes in the Tour de France.

The ascent of the Joux Plane is our first climb and it is a steady but enjoyable climb through the forest to the treeless summit seen above right. The Joux Plane was made infamous by Floyd Landis in the 2006 TdeF. We ride from the opposite side to Floyd on day one. In 1997, Tour winner Marco Pantani raced up the Col de Joux Plane in 33 minutes! Starting from Morzine, the Col de Joux Plane is 10.9 km long. Over this distance you climb 711 meters. The average being 6.5 %.

All the famous rides of the Tour are covered. Aravis, Les Saisies and Cormet de Roselend are all in this area of the northern French Alps. The descents from these cols makes the effort of climbing them all the more worthwhile.

The ascent of the Cormet de Roselend is rewarded with a photo opportunity and a brilliant descent to Bourg St Maurice 20 kilometers away.

Also included is the Iseran at 2770 meters, the highest rideable pass in France. Not such a big climb is the Col du Télégraphe which is 11.8 km long. Over this distance the climb is 856 meters at an average of 7.3 %. However it is followed by one of the great climbs of the Tour. The legendary Galibier. It is a long climb but is followed by a great descent of the Col du Lautaret. Then it is wonderful ride down the valley to Bourg d’Oisans.

From Bourg the climb of Alpe d’Huez commences with its 21 bends over 14 kilometers at around 8%. Taken at the pace of Pantani’s race record of 33 minutes it would be mission impossible, however at a more sensible pace it is actually a pleasant climb. Just tough enough to make you earn a beer or two at the cafe at the summit.

It will be a great week of riding and Tour de France fun. There is nothing else on the bike like it!!

The company of fellow riders and the support of Diamond Cycle Tour staff will ensure that you have every opportunity to enjoy the riding, appreciate the grandeur of the mountains and have a lot of fun in the villages.

With the other Tour happening around us it will be an exciting week!