Briançon to Aosta – travelling across the Alps (part 2)
Cycling Collection by BeCycling
6
days
2-6 h
/ day
289 km
6,620 m
7,250 m
Many bike tourers shy away from the Alps due to the daunting challenge of steep, winding roads on a heavy bike with panniers. In this Collection, I've designed short stages with manageable daily elevation gains to make it as accessible as possible. Averaging about 50 kilometres (31 mi) and 1,100 metres (3,600 ft) of ascent per day, it’s within reach for any averagely fit cyclist with the right gears and mindset.
This route features three iconic Alpine passes, renowned for the heroic feats of cycling champions. In ascending order of altitude, you'll conquer the Piccolo San Bernardo pass (2,188 m / 7,178 ft), the Galibier pass (2,645 m / 8,678 ft) and the Iseran pass (2,770 m / 9,055 ft). You'll pedal amidst the breathtaking vistas of the Écrins and Vanoise National Parks, surrounded by majestic massifs and peaks.
Your journey begins in the fortified city of Briançon, tracing the Serre Chevalier valley. Briançon has train connections to French cities like Valence and Marseille. Alternatively, if you prefer to arrive from Italy without using public transport, you can add an extra day of cycling and cross the border via the Montgenevre pass from Cesana Torinese or Oulx. Both Cesana Torinese and Oulx offer connections to Turin by bus or train. Aosta, the end point, is accessible by rail and well-connected to Turin and Milan.
The route is predominantly paved, with occasional short, straightforward sections of dirt road and cycle paths. Each stage concludes in a town offering various accommodation options. Camping is also feasible as the area boasts numerous campsites. Note that Alpine passes are closed during the winter season. The optimal time for this journey is from May to October, although August may be crowded and autumn brings the risk of rain.
This Collection is the second part in a series aiming to cover the entire Alps by bicycle. You can do it on its own or combine it with other itineraries. Check out the first part, which traverses the southern French Alps from Ventimiglia to Briançon, here: komoot.com/collection/2493101.
Are you ready to take on this challenge? Pack your bike bags and set off. Have a fantastic journey!
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Activities
- Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors
02:33
28.6km
11.2km/h
870m
20m
ExpertExpert bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
This journey through the northern French Alps begins in Briançon. The city is crossed by the Durance river and the 17th century fortifications have earned it the title of UNESCO World Heritage Site. Those who have a passion for cycling probably know that it is the starting point of three famous Alpine
Translated by Google •
by BeCycling
- Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors
02:51
45.2km
15.8km/h
840m
2,170m
ExpertExpert bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.The second stage of the journey is dedicated to the Galibier pass, one of the highest and most historic Alpine passes of the Tour de France. In the race it has been crossed more than 60 times with victories by the greatest cycling champions.
Starting from the Lautaret pass you are already quite high up
Translated by Google •
by BeCycling
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- Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors
03:30
42.9km
12.3km/h
1,150m
470m
ExpertExpert bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.The third stage does not include any Alpine passes and takes place entirely in the Maurienne valley, with the Arc river crossing the south of the French department of Savoy. It might seem like a less tiring day, but the ups and downs of the valley will cause you to accumulate a lot of altitude and at
Translated by Google •
by BeCycling
- Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors
04:19
48.8km
11.3km/h
1,590m
1,160m
ExpertExpert bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.Greeting you in the fourth stage is the Madeleine pass, a pass at 1,746 meters which in reality is not a real pass but simply the highest point of the road at the bottom of the valley between Lanslevillard and Bessans. Consider it a taste of the climb and don't waste too much energy because the next
Translated by Google •
by BeCycling
- Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors
02:03
35.5km
17.3km/h
400m
1,410m
IntermediateIntermediate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.After four tough stages with a lot of altitude difference, today a short and less demanding day finally awaits you. You have plenty of time to have breakfast and a nice walk in the center of Val d'Isère.
The town is really pretty and well maintained. Its tourist development is due to the presence of the
Translated by Google •
by BeCycling
- Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors
06:11
88.1km
14.3km/h
1,770m
2,010m
ExpertExpert bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.Bourg-Saint-Maurice is a town of seven thousand inhabitants in the French Savoie. It is an important hub because it is located near the border with Italy and there is a train station served by regional trains and the TGV, the French high-speed train that directly connects Paris with the heart of the
Translated by Google •
by BeCycling
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Collection Stats
- Activities6
- Distance289 km
- Duration21:26 h
- Elevation6,620 m7,250 m
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