CYCLING IN THE FRENCH ALPS: TOUR DE FRANCE CLIMBS AROUND TIGNES
The Tignes area is packed full of some of the most picturesque Tour de France climbing, descending, and best cycling in the French Alps. Within riding distance of any Tignes resort, you tackle some of the best climbs the Alps have to offer. Highlights include the Col de L’Iseran (the highest paved Col in the Alps and also part of the legendary road trip “Route des Grandes Alpes” for all non-cyclist), Le Col du Petit Saint Bernard, Le Cormet de Roseland, and the climb up to Tignes 2100. All of these have featured in previous Tour de France routes and are a must if you’re cycling in the French Alps!
Read more: Looking for more cycling in the French Alps? Check out Cycling in Morzine
CYCLING IN THE FRENCH ALPS -COL DE L’ISERAN – 16KM @ 6%
This technically begins from Bourg-St.-Maurice which is further down the valley. However, it is common to also start from Val D’Isere, which is just over 10km from Tignes and provides you with an opportunity to warm the legs. From Val D’Isere the climb takes you from 1,854m all the way up to 2,764m, providing you with stunning scenery for the full ascent. This is a very exposed climb so be prepared to fight the elements of that day. This famous climb is a big tick in the box for any cyclist and one that will undoubtedly stay fresh in the memory for a long time to come.
Top tip: Make sure you ride with the latest safety tech for your trip to the Alps – my personal helmet choice is the Met Rivale MIPS
LE COL DU PETIT SAINT BERNARD (VIA LA ROSIERE) – 31KM @ 4.4%
Le Col Du Petit Saint Bernard is another climb that begins in Bourg-St.-Maurice and offers stunning scenery along the way. Although long, this climb is forgiving and can be tackled by someone looking to get their first col under the belt (just as I did). The climb provides you with a fair amount of cover for the first half as it winds its way out of Seez. The climb will then take you through 19 great switchbacks before you hit La Rosiere with the odd switchback providing you with a brilliant view up the valley. To welcome the Tour in 2018, La Rosiere painted a section of road within the stage bright pink and placed red dots on their white church to mimic the Polka Dot Jersey. Although the dots have since been removed, the paint is very much still there, giving you another reason to tick this Col off the list. Although the tour finished in La Rosiere, the full climb continues on. The road winds its way up the exposed valley to the Italian border at an altitude of 2188m. Be sure to have a well-deserved espresso at the top before enjoying the long descent back down!
Read more: Looking for more cycling in the French Alps? Check out Cycling in Morzine
LE CORMET DE ROSELAND – 19.5KM @ 5.9%
Beginning from Bourg-St.-Maurice, this is one of the most picturesque Alps climbs you can find yourself on. Challenging at times, take the gradient reductions as a chance to catch your breath. Around the 8km mark, you will begin one of the highlights of the climb – the 2km of switchbacks, 9 to be precise. These then release you to the remaining 9km which will provide you with everything you’ll be wanting from an Alps climb. Once you reach the summit, it would be a crime to not go over the top and descend to the Lac de Roseland. The return ascent is tough, but sore legs with stunning views are the sole reason for cycling in the French Alps.
Tip: Be sure to have the means to track all your rides reliably and accurately – my personal choice is the Garmin 520 Edge
CLIMB TO TIGNES 2100
Technically starting in Saint Foy Tarentaise, this climb is 18km @ 5.8%, but can be extended by starting further down the valley. This is a climb that can be completed in various forms (depending on where you join the D902) if you’re choosing to stay in 2100. But this isn’t a climb to be forgotten. At the end of each ride, the Tignes Lake will provide you with a scenic welcome home as you take the final corners of a long day in the saddle. 2100 was intended to be a finish for Stage 19 in the 2019 Tour which means the road has received the traditional Tour de France paintwork which adds to the character of the short ascent from the Lake, so be sure to look out for graffiti supporting your favourite rider. The climb is planned to be included within Stage 9 of the 2021 Tour de France.
Read more: Looking for more cycling in the French Alps? Check out Cycling in Morzine
Much like cycling in the Pyrenees, Tignes is epic. If you’re looking for a cycling holiday that doesn’t break the bank, then look no further than here. Providing you with a sport for every taste as well as some of the best cycling in the French Alps. Tignes is a must for any active holiday seeker.
Enjoy your trip!
Tom
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