Ride the Routes des Grandes Alpes

The Routes des Grandes Alpes ranks among the world’s most legendary roads. Historically, this road links the French Alps between the Mediterranean and Lake Geneva. The winding road crosses spectacular mountain landscapes.

The Cols of the Route des Grandes Alpes are open between June and October depending on the weather situation. Best to check this cycling website which provides information on opening and closing dates of the different Cols along the Routes des Grandes Alpes. What makes this route so special is the diversity of vistas when you ride through the different national parks such as the Mercantour, Ubaye, Queyras and Vanoise Parc. Not to forget you will also get a good view of Mont Blanc.

If you feel tempted to explore the Routes des Grandes Alpes by motorcycle, this article will give you a solid basis to discover this breathtaking road. We have split up the route into manageable parts of up to 250 km per day. From experience, this is plenty of daily distance to cover on snaking mountain roads.

Nice – Jausiers: 233 km

Start your ride from our shop in Nice and ride along the coast line on the Moyenne Corniche past Eze and Monaco. Once you get to Menton, you will start your climb into the French Alps. Your first stop will be the Col de Turini after going through Sospel and Moulinet. Next you will ride past red canyons on the way to Guillaumes. Then you will join the meandering river Var, which you follow through the valleys onto your way to Entraunes. Once in the bigger town of Barcelonette, it is only a short ride to Jausiers.

Jausiers – Val d’Isere: 246 km

Time to get up nice and early to get on your bike for more spectacular riding. Take the D902 and get on the winding roads to Cervieres and the highest village in Europe called Briancon. From Briancon you continue to Le Monetier les Bains and Modane via the amazing Col Galibier. The last stretch will take you up the amazing Col d’Iseran and then you can stay overnight in Val d’Isere.

Val d’Isere – Lake Geneva: 213 km

On your last day on the Routes des Grandes Alpes you ride through Tignes and head on to Bourg Saint Maurice, where you will discover Lake Roselend, one of the major attractions of this route. Then it’s La Clusaz via the magnificent Col des Aravis. Crossing the Val d'Arly offers views of the Mont Blanc. After La Baume you will end up in Thonon les Bain overviewing the beautiful Lake Geneva.

As you can see, the Routes des Grandes Alpes is a must for any biker. With this article, we wanted to wake your interest to experience this road yourself. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us. We are happy to help.