Cycling from the Italian Riviera to the French Alps – Alpine Arc (part 1)
Cycling from the Italian Riviera to the French Alps – Alpine Arc (part 1)
Cycling Collection by BeCycling
Cycling from the Italian Riviera to the French Alps – Alpine Arc (part 1)
7 days
2-4 h/day
285km
8,660m
7,470m
With their snow-capped peaks, crystal-clear lakes and mediaeval villages, the Alps are a dream destination for cyclists. However, it's not easy to find the courage to ride the steep and winding passes, because you imagine that only super-trained athletes can do it.
In this Collection, I’ve aimed to plan short stages without too much elevation gain to make the route as manageable as possible. With an average of 40 kilometres (25 mi) and 1,200 metres (3,900 ft) of ascent per day, it remains a challenging route. But calmness and the right attitude turn this challenge into an experience that anyone with a reasonable level of fitness can manage, even on a loaded bike. The important thing is that your gearing is low enough for the uphills so you can manage even the steepest sections.
In total, you’ll explore six passes in these seven stages. The first three passes don’t exceed 2,000 metres (6,500 ft) in altitude, but that doesn’t mean they’re not strenuous. After acclimatising in the first few days, things get serious. Col de Vars (2,108 metres / 6,916 ft), Col de l'Izoard (2,360 metres / 7,743 ft) and its majesty, Col de la Bonette, the highest paved and passable mountain pass in Europe, await you in order of altitude. The loop around Cime de la Bonette leads up to 2,802 metres (9,193 ft). Anyone interested in professional cycling will be familiar with these historic Alpine passes.
The route runs exclusively on tarmac and I’ve planned the stages so that you always have a choice of accommodation. There’s no shortage of hotels and guesthouses along the route. If you want to camp, you’ll find several campsites along the way.
June is the best time to take on this route, shortly after they reopen after the winter closure. August is quite busy, especially on the valley roads. October and November are quiet months, but then the weather conditions can make it more challenging.
The starting point of Ventimiglia is easy to reach thanks to its railway station, which is served by regional and intercity trains. Briançon is also connected to the railway network.
This is the first Collection in a series that allows you to cross the entire Alps. You can ride the sections individually or combine them with the others. You can find the next part through the northern French Alps here: komoot.com/collection/2493148.
Take it easy and enjoy the scenery. I wish you a good journey.
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Alpine Arc (part 1)
284km
8,500m
7,310m
Last updated: November 26, 2024
Do it yourself!
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Plan your own version of this adventure in the multi-day planner based on the stages suggested in this Collection.
Activities
33.5km
02:40
870m
530m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
43.0km
03:49
1,640m
1,380m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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38.7km
03:01
1,120m
1,230m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
49.2km
04:10
1,690m
1,620m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
41.7km
03:05
1,000m
1,210m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
50.4km
04:09
1,600m
1,400m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
Collection Stats
Activities
7
Distance
285 km
Duration
23:19 h
Elevation
8,660 m
7,470 m
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