Brides-les-Bains, the perfect base camp for cyclists
Nestled in the heart of the most stunning mountain scenery, Brides-les-Bains is the perfect base to explore the Alpine passes on a road bike.
With quality accommodation and facilities, this village in the Savoie region is the gateway to some truly legendary cycling routes.
Brides-les-Bains could just be the perfect place to stay if you’re looking to get (back) in the saddle
Iconic Alpine Routes to Discover by Road Bike
Highly prized by professional cyclists, the Alpine circuits boast countless attractions to captivate road bike enthusiasts.
From Brides-les-Bains, the ascents to Col de la Loze and Col de la Madeleine rank among the must-do routes.
Starting from the village or nearby, several climbs let you pedal through stunning mountain landscapes: Méribel climb, Pradier climb, Prioux climb...
Extending the exploration around Brides-les-Bains, many other road bike routes cater to the most demanding cyclists, such as Cormet de Roselend or Col de l’Iseran.
To discover all the routes, check out the dedicated page: Cycling the Alpine passes on a road bike
How do I choose my road-cycling route?
Although it’s accessible for beginners, road cycling still requires a certain level of fitness, especially in the mountain environment.
This is a physical activity that will develop your cardio fitness, test your speed and challenge your endurance, power and strength.
To take full advantage of the benefits and the pleasures of cycling, it's essential to choose the right route to suit your level of ability (and all the necessary protective kit!).
Short or long distances; riding time; difficulty; elevation; solo, with friends or in a team; leisure cycling or racing, etc.
There are so many things to consider when choosing an appropriate road cycling route.
Other activities at Brides-les-Bains
As well as being a rewarding activity in itself, road cycling has the huge advantage of also being a mode of transport!
From Brides-les-Bains, you can explore some wonderful natural scenery on two wheels, opening up a whole range of other activities.
You can take a hike through valleys and peaks, wander in the mountains within the Parc de la Vanoise, discover local wildlife and cultural sites, play golf, try via ferrata or water-based activities.
Suitable for various types of roads and paths, mountain bikes can offer a pleasant alternative to a standard road bike.
There are many ways to combine cycling with other activities so you can enjoy changing things up.
Bikes in Brides-les-Bains: events and partnerships
Col de la Loze Challenge
In the heart of the 3-Valleys area, the Col de la Loze links the resorts of Méribel and Courchevel.
At an altitude of 2,304 m, it's only accessible by bike or on foot.
Well known for its difficulty level, the ascent can be made via the slopes of Méribel or Courchevel (the more accessible option).
The Col de la Loze was the playground of cycling pros at the Tour de l’Avenir in 2019, a legendary stage at the 2020 Tour de France and seems to be on the bucket list of an ever-increasing number of cycling enthusiasts.
Departing from Brides-les-Bains, the route takes you just over 22 kilometres towards the Col de la Loze (featuring 1,715 metres of elevation with some sections having a 20% gradient!).
The local authority has held the “Col de la Loze Challenge” cycling sportive every summer since 2020.
Featuring various race formats, access to e-bikes and staggered start options for women, this extraordinary challenge combines a love of cycling with the most stunning scenery.
How can I prepare for my Alpine mountain pass cycling trip?
Brides-les-Bains famously boasts a wide variety of winter and summer activities, while also being the perfect base camp from which to tackle the Alpine mountain passes on a bike.
Whether you're enjoying a weekend away, a short break or a longer holiday, this pleasant village has a range of amenities and specific services, such as group activities, bike storage and hire and places to eat.
All for your pedalling pleasure!
More info: : for bike hire and maintenance services in Brides-les-Bains, contact : Obiclou (06 79 45 74 17) in Brides-les-Bains, Veloland Mout'n bike in Moûtiers (04 79 40 16 35) and Espace VTT in Courchevel (06 18 08 18 41).
Cycling around Brides
Refuge Bois
Descriptive
The refuge is located next to the Vanoise National Park, reached by car in winter and summer.
This refuge at the entrance of the Vanoise national park is accessible summer and winter by road (parking nearby - buses 50 places allowed).
Sleeping in dormitories, partitioned for your comfort in "boxes" (cabins closed by curtain) of 4 single bunk beds. Duvets and pillow cases provided. It is recommended to bring your own personal cloth.
Sanitary (separation Men / Women) with washbasins and individual showers. Bathroom linen not provided.
If it is possible, we award a complete box even if you are 1, 2, or 3 people, without extra charge.
Beautiful dining room with 80 seats (+ terrace)
Possible access to a pic-nic room.
It offers wheelchair access to the dining room and accessible toilets.
Graceful loans of an all-way module and 3 audio guides for people with motor and visual disabilities.
Accreditation by the Departmental Education of Savoie for the reception of the schoolchildren.
Animation / projection / seminar room for 35/40 people, with video-projection equipment
Animations proposed by the Vanoise national Parc every summer.
Tips :
NEARBY :
- Espace Glacialis "Discovering the glaciers": museographic space partner of the Vanoise National Park - 100 meters from the refuge.
Suggested itineraries:
SUMMER
- Refuge and lake of "la Glière": 2h - Marmots and landscapes.
- Col du Palet: 5h - Glaciers and marmots.
- Lac des Echines: 3h30 - Panorama on the glaciers, chamois and marmots.
- Tour du Merle: 2h - Forests and views of the valley of Bozel and Champagny.
- Refuge of "le Plan des Gouilles": 2h30 - Forest and beautiful wild landscape.
- Pointe de la Vélière: loop 5h30 - Belvedere on the glaciers.
ITINERANCES
- Tour de la Vallaisonnay (2/3 days)
- Tour de le Grande Casse (4/5 days)
- Grand Tour de la Vanoise (7/10 days, depending on variants)
OTHER ACTIVITES
- Via Ferrata du Plan du Bouc (fairly easy) and the Big Stones (very difficult).
- Tree climbing in Canada
WINTER
- Artificial ice climbing tour: initiation activity or free access.
- ski cross-country resort of Champagny le Haut.
- Activity initiation dogs sledges
- Ski area of La Plagne / Paradiski 5 km (free shuttle)
Practical Information
Opening Times :
From 01/06 to 30/09 daily.From 20/12 to 30/04 daily.
Languages spoken :
- English
- French
- German
Services :
- Breakfast
- Coach access
- Full-board
- Guarded refuge in winter
- Half-board
- Picnic hampers
Restaurant
Shuttlebus
Wi-fi
Equipements :
Conveniences :
- Baby equipment
Bunk beds
Free private internet access
- Fridge
- Hot showers
No-smoking
- Shared WC
Wi-fi
Tariffs
Night : from 12€ to 22€
Half board (pp) : from 25€ to 57€
Payment methods
Documents
save_altLa recette du bivouac en Vanoise