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I've been to the alps a few times but never with my bike. I'd like to ride some of the kinds of roads you see in the Tour, stuff like the Galibier,but that's just an example. I'm more interested in quiet roads than I am in ticking off the classic honeypots - I reckon I'd actively avoid e.g. Alpe d'Huez.
Could be France, Switzerland, Austria, etc.
Ideally I'd be based somewhere I wouldn't have to drive to ride but car hire could be an option. Not every day would heve to involve an epic col.
This would probably be for 4 or 5 days in September . I'd be on my Camino with probably 38mm slicks so could include some light gravel.
Where should I be looking?
Yep, Briancon or just over the border in Bardonecchia. Stayed in the latter and watched the tour at the top of the Izoard, then spent a few days cycling round there. Got the train to Modane which was just a few mins then did a route that took in the Telegraphe, Galibier, Montgenevre. We also did Mont Cenis. Sestriere and Finestre are also nearby.
It's really easy to get to by train from Milan or Turin.
Barcelonette
I'm in the Alps now just north of Moutiers at the bottom of the Madeleine. Done the Madeleine both ways, Lacets de Montvernier and Col de Chaussy, Cormet de Roselend, Col de Petit St Bernard, and some less famous ones around courchevel and Valmorel. Also in range is the Iseran and the Maurienne valley is a short drive away which gives you access to the Galibier, Croix de Fer and Glandon.
A couple of suggestions for you.
5 day Tour du Mont Blanc. E.g. Beaufort - Bourg St Maurice - Aosta - Martigny - Chamonix - Beaufort. Have a look at the maps; this circuit has some really interesting passes.
When we did it, we actually started in Martigny, having taken a train from Geneva airport. Then after the riding, had a day and a night at the Montreux jazz.
Alternatively, if I were to pick a single base, I would suggest Beaufort. There's good, classic quiet road passes all around you. Plus some lesser known gems, such as the Col du Pre.
Alta Badia/ Val di Fassa.
Vistas of the Dolomites. Plenty of big climbs.
Better food than in France.
Thanks all, some good stuff to look at there!
Beaufort is a lovely village in a lovely area.
I flew into Geneva and used these guys for a base and guiding.
www.traverse.vc
Based right at the bottom of the Colombiere, you also have Aravis, Col de la Croix Fry and Plateau to Glieres in the vicinity - and not too far to cycle around Lake Annecy too. Recommended!
Samoens is worth considering - Joux Plane out of town, or the new climb up to Samoens 1600 as used in the Dauphine recently. Col de la Ramaz and col de la pierre carré to Flaine not too far, then you get to Colombiere, or the climbs to Avoriaz / Mont Chery a little further afield. The town is nice and there's plenty to do in time off the bike, plus it's relatvely close to Geneva