Crossing the Alps by Gravel Bike

The Route des Grandes Alpes allows all cycling enthusiasts to cross the French Alps, from Lake Geneva to the Mediterranean. Like the legendary GR5 intended for hikers, this route is perfectly signposted and offers sublime mountain scenery, as well as a good breath of fresh air, to anyone daring to take on this demanding yet immensely rewarding journey. While many choose to do it by mountain bike or hybrid bike, we offer an equally interesting and rather original alternative: Gravel. This bike has many advantages that are certainly worth discovering. Our team embarked on this extraordinary adventure, and it must be said that positive reviews and anecdotes are plentiful. We will explain everything in this article, including the reasons that led us to choose Gravel for our crossing of the Alps. We will also examine the route of this legendary road, as well as the variations available for those who have a little more time, or, on the contrary, for those who are desperately short of it!

Why choose Gravel?

Before focusing on the Route itself, one question deserves to be asked: why did we choose Gravel? The Route des Grandes Alpes is usually frequented by road bikes, mountain bikes, and electric bikes. But since the 2000s, Gravel has managed to carve out a place for itself in the cycling world, and especially in cycle touring. Since we enjoy trying new things, it seemed interesting to us to test this bike and discover its capabilities during long mountain expeditions. And we can say that it is certainly an excellent companion for long-distance journeys. So what exactly makes it a good adventure bike?

First of all, it stands out for its robustness. After all, we certainly would not have advised you to take on France’s highest passes if this bike could not handle the road! Unlike a conventional road bike, Gravel can be used on all types of terrain: asphalt, gravel, and dirt tracks. Note, moreover, that its full name, Gravel Bike, literally means a bike for gravel in English. For road surfaces as varied as those found on the Route des Grandes Alpes and its variations, Gravel is therefore ideal.

Although particularly robust, this bike is fairly light, unlike other heavier models. It is therefore more lively and responsive. This characteristic is especially appreciated on steep climbs, for example. And there are plenty of those in the mountains.

Its wide tires guarantee excellent grip and good road handling, qualities that are essential for a long expedition through mountainous terrain. The tires are easy to change and can be replaced with larger models as needed.

Finally, it is worth noting that the geometry of Gravel is quite different from that of other models. The handlebars are higher and curved, the crankset is fairly low, and it is equipped with disc brakes. The cyclist’s position is therefore somewhat different and more similar to the position one might adopt on a city bike. The cyclist’s back is slightly more upright and less parallel to the frame. This position proves more comfortable over the long term. Be aware, however, that there are several frame shapes and materials. For a touring trip such as the Route des Grandes Alpes, we opted for steel frames. These are very sturdy and provide good comfort for the cyclist.

As you can see, Gravel has no shortage of advantages. Its versatility, liveliness, and robustness make it an excellent touring bike for mountainous terrain. Its downside is its price, which is slightly higher than that of other types of bikes. But for an expedition such as the Route des Grandes Alpes, it is better to have high-quality, sturdy equipment, and that obviously comes at a cost.

The Route des Grandes Alpes: the itinerary

Having explained the reasons that led us to choose Gravel, it is time to get to the heart of the matter: the route of the Route des Grandes Alpes. The name alone is enough to make more than one cyclist dream and promises unforgettable moments of freedom and escape. And you would be right to think so. This 720-kilometer road crosses wild landscapes dominated by majestic, imposing snow-capped peaks, lovely green valleys where cows and mountain dogs laze, and small villages with typically alpine charm.

But that is not all. As you pedal south, the high mountains give way to more rolling landscapes, houses in Provençal colors, and much lusher vegetation.

The Route des Grandes Alpes starts in Thonon-les-Bains and ends in Nice, facing the Mediterranean Sea. The route is quite difficult and is intended for trained Gravel cyclists in good physical condition. All the members of our team were athletic and accustomed to riding in the mountains. However, you do not need to be a specialist in the discipline to embark on this adventure. But make sure you train properly in the weeks before your departure. With 18,000 meters of elevation gain, this is a long way from a casual Sunday ride.

90% of the route is on roads, with the rest alternating between dirt and gravel tracks. This route crosses legendary passes such as the Col de l’Iseran (2764m), the Col du Galibier (2642m), and the Cime de la Bonette (2802m). Needless to say, the Route des Grandes Alpes is undertaken in summer, between June and September, to prevent snow from obstructing the route.

The itinerary is divided into 15 “official” stages classified as difficult to very difficult. Depending on the time available and your physical abilities, it is entirely possible to lengthen or shorten the proposed stages. Most cyclists complete this route in 7 days, but do not hesitate to take your time, stop at the local cheese shop, and admire the beautiful views that open up before you.

Here are the recommended stages:

• Thonon-les-Bains – Morzine-Avoriaz: 49,96 km
• Morzine-Avoriaz – Cluses: 47,60 km
• Cluses – Le Grand-Bornand: 30,30 km
• Le Grand-Bornand – Beaufort-sur-Doron: 56,99 km
• Beaufort-sur-Doron – Bourg-Saint-Maurice: 39,71 km
• Bourg-Saint-Maurice – Val d’Isère: 34,41 km
• Val d’Isère – Val-Cenis: 48,37 km
• Val-Cenis – Valloire: 57,32 km
• Valloire – Briançon: 54,04 km
• Briançon – Guillestre: 49,57 km
• Guillestre – Barcelonnette: 50,18 km
• Barcelonnette – Valberg: 76,19 km
• Valberg – Saint-Martin Vésubie: 59,20 km
• Saint-Martin Vésubie – Sospel: 51,22 km
• Sospel – Nice: 52,28 km

This itinerary is generally very well signposted and marked. You will find directional signs all along the route. Equipped with a map or a book on the subject, it is therefore impossible to get lost! It is just as easy to find accommodation and something to eat. There are many lodges, hotels, and apartments that welcome cyclists and their bikes for the night. Nevertheless, remember to book well in advance, as you certainly will not be alone on the roads this summer. For the more adventurous, camping is an option. However, be sure to find out whether it is permitted to pitch your tent in certain protected areas.

The Route des Grandes Alpes and its 17 mountain passes are a classic cycling expedition and undoubtedly offer unforgettable moments and encounters to any Gravel cyclist worthy of the name.

Variations on this Gravel journey through the Alps

The proposed itinerary is far from fixed. If you have the time or are determined to discover certain places, there is nothing to stop you from taking a short detour or choosing a variation. The official Route des Grandes Alpes website also offers several.

We will not list them all, but the variation via Alpe-d ’Huez is the most popular. Not only does it allow you to avoid the national road between Bourg d’Oisans and Lac de Chambon, but it also takes you up the 21 hairpin bends of the climb to Alpe d’Huez. All that would be missing would be a few spectators along the road to make you feel like a Tour de France rider! More luggage and less competition.

Another variation much appreciated by cyclists is the one between Val-Cenis and Oulx. Be warned: it is classified as very difficult and is rather long at 72 km, but it offers magnificent scenery and a delightful excursion into Italy. If you feel like a good plate of pasta, do not hesitate to stop there.

Further south, the variation between Guillestre and Barcelonnette via Lac de Serre-Ponçon will allow you to enjoy a few hours or a few days of relaxation, swimming in the lake or going kayaking.

Finally, if the 6 passes over 2000 meters worry you or you are not sufficiently trained, a complete alternative to the Route des Grandes Alpes should be considered. Les P’tites Routes du Soleil, a charming name with a lyrical ring to it, also connect Thonon-les-Bains to Nice, but they go around the Alps to the west, crossing pre-Alpine ranges such as the Chartreuse, Vercors, and the beautiful Baronnies. The passes do not exceed 1400 meters in altitude, but beware: taken together, the route still includes 17,000 meters of elevation gain! So do not set off lightly. This route is nevertheless much more accessible than the other one, for a family Gravel expedition, for example.

Greenways for those in a hurry

For those who have neither the physical fitness nor the time to embark on an expedition of this scale, there are countless ways to enjoy Gravel in mountainous terrain. Some routes are even intended exclusively for cyclists and pedestrians. Perfect if you are reluctant to share your path with cars.

The French Alps have a large number of Greenways, and they continue to expand. The Haute-Savoie department plans to have up to 350 kilometers of cycling routes in the long term. Across the Alps as a whole, there will be thousands of kilometers of paths reserved for cyclists. The Route des Grandes Alpes has several Greenways in its vicinity.

• The Greenway between Bourg-Saint-Maurice and Aime:

This Greenway forms part of one of the variations of the Route des Grandes Alpes between Bourg-Saint-Maurice and Saint-François-Longchamps. It allows you to cross Haute Tarentaise along a pleasant, mostly shaded route with no major difficulties. The path follows the Isère, which serves as a playground for many kayakers.

• The Oisans Greenway

This route, much appreciated by locals and tourists alike, stretches from Allemond to Venosc. It also passes through the lovely village of Bourg-d’Oisans. At 25 kilometers long, it allows you to discover the bottom of the Romanche Valley at your own pace or warm up your legs for a possible climb up the hairpins of Alpe d’Huez. The path is overlooked by the magnificent surrounding peaks. Be careful, however, because you will be far from alone! This Greenway is open to all vehicles or non-motorized means of transport, and there are many of them: bicycles, rollerblades, strollers, horses, and so on. So do not launch your Gravel at full speed; slow your pace and enjoy the surrounding scenery.

• Via Vercors

Via Vercors is a wonderful alternative to Les P’tites Routes du Soleil, which we described above. Stretching for 50 kilometers, it connects Engin to Corrençon-en-Vercors. It may be the route best suited to Gravel, as most of it is covered with gravel. It passes through the main towns and villages of northern Vercors: Lans-en-Vercors, Méaudre, and Villard-de-Lans, where it is pleasant to stop for a few hours. The itinerary has little elevation and is very well secured. This route therefore provides a great introduction to mountain biking before tackling the more audacious Route des Grandes Alpes.

Conclusion

Crossing the Alps by Gravel is certainly an extraordinary experience to have at least once in your life. It is difficult and demanding, but it takes cyclists through breathtaking scenery and promises wonderful encounters if you take your time. Thanks to its robustness and lightness, Gravel proves to be a formidable ally that will take you everywhere, even along the small dirt tracks scattered throughout your detours. These detours and other alternatives are endless, and that is ultimately why we love traveling by bicycle so much: it offers unparalleled freedom. For those in a hurry and those who are less fit, Greenways are excellent alternatives that might inspire you to attempt the great Route des Grandes Alpes adventure in the near future. We returned delighted from our adventure and can only recommend it to cyclists who want to take on a great sporting challenge.