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 de Plaisance (PNV)
Descriptive
This Vanoise National Park refuge, renovated in 2022, offers hiking and mountaineering at the entrance to the heart of the Park. Set in a verdant valley, the refuge faces the Grand Bec massif.
The Refuge de Plaisance consists of 2 chaloin-style cabins. One contains the wardens' dining room and kitchen, the other a 32-place dormitory and sanitary facilities.
- The dormitory is equipped with comforters and pillows, but for reasons of hygiene and comfort, please bring a "sac à viande" (sheet-bag) or comforter, and possibly a pillowcase.
- You'll find drinking water to fill your water bottles.
- Showers: cold showers are free, but as gas is delivered by helicopter and therefore available in limited quantities, hot showers are not free.
- If you prefer to be self-sufficient, the kitchen is available for €2 per person.
- Our electricity is produced solely by solar panels, and is precious and weather-dependent. The refuge does not allow cell phones to be recharged, so remember to activate the airplane mode and take an external battery if you feel the need. In addition, there is no telephone network or wifi at the refuge.
- Bivouacs are possible next to the refuge during the guarding period. The cost is €5 per person and includes access to the kitchen and sanitary facilities. Please book in advance, as the number of places is limited.
- The chalet-refectory is equipped with a wood-burning stove.
During the day, we offer food and beverage service at all hours. Omelettes, cheese and charcuterie slates, pastas, sweet tarts and cakes... Treat yourself to a well-deserved break!
In the evenings, we also welcome hikers on a half-board or bivouac basis. We offer half-board, with a balanced, hearty meal based on local, organic produce, which varies according to supply. If you'd like to take it easy on the trails, don't forget to book your picnic at the latest the day before your arrival.
Tips :
Refuge sur le tracé du GR5 à 1 h 45 de marche.
Randonnée à la journée : Lac de la Plagne à 2h - Col du Palet à 4h30 - Col de la Sachette à 4h 30 - Col de la Tourne à 4h - Golet de la Vallaisonnay à 2h - Col de Plan Séry à 1h30 e- Col de la Grassaz à 3he.
Randonnée itinérante : tour de la Vallaisonnay (4 jours - 2 jours pour les sportifs)
Alpinisme : Dôme des Pichères, voie normale (par le refuge de Plaisance) - Sommet de Bellecôte, voie normale par le glacier du Cul du Nant - Sommet de Bellecôte, Arête S (et traversées vers le Dôme des Pichères).
Sustainable tourism :
Au refuge de Plaisance, chaque geste compte pour préserver la montagne. L’eau et l’énergie sont utilisées avec sobriété. La gestion des déchets fait aussi partie des priorités du refuge. L'approvisionnement privilégie largement le vrac afin de réduire les emballages. Avec ces bonnes pratiques, chacun contribue à protéger cet environnement fragile.
Host portrait :
Au refuge de Plaisance, les gardiens Pascal & Julia, avec leur bébé et leur super équipe d'aides-gardiens, vous accueillent avec simplicité et passion. Amoureux de la montagne et du partage, ils veillent à votre confort après l’effort, proposent une cuisine chaleureuse et de saison, et partagent volontiers leurs conseils pour profiter pleinement des itinéraires et du cadre exceptionnel du site.
Tips :
Refuge sur le tracé du GR5 à 1 h 45 de marche.
Randonnée à la journée : Lac de la Plagne à 2h - Col du Palet à 4h30 - Col de la Sachette à 4h 30 - Col de la Tourne à 4h - Golet de la Vallaisonnay à 2h - Col de Plan Séry à 1h30 e- Col de la Grassaz à 3he.
Randonnée itinérante : tour de la Vallaisonnay (4 jours - 2 jours pour les sportifs)
Alpinisme : Dôme des Pichères, voie normale (par le refuge de Plaisance) - Sommet de Bellecôte, voie normale par le glacier du Cul du Nant - Sommet de Bellecôte, Arête S (et traversées vers le Dôme des Pichères).
Practical Information
Opening Times :
From 15/09/2025 to 09/06/2026 daily.From 10/06 to 13/09/2026, daily.
From 14/09/2026 to 10/06/2027 daily.
Languages spoken :
- English
- French
Services :
- Bivouac
- Breakfast
- Full-board
- Groceries/grocery stall
- Half-board
- Picnic hampers
Restaurant
Equipements :
Conveniences :
- Fireplace / Wood burning stove
- Gas available
kitchen corner
- Pay shower
- Shared WC
Shower
- Wood available
Tariffs
Night : 12€ ()
Child rate per night : 5€ (Gratuit pour les -8 ans)
From 10/06/2026 to 13/09/2026 :
Night : 24€ (tarifs pour une nuitée sans demi-pension)
Child rate per night : 12€
Half board (pp) : 59€
Half-board (child) : from 25€ to 41€
From 14/09/2026 to 10/06/2027 :
Night : 12€ ()
Child rate per night : 5€ (Gratuit pour les -8 ans)
Tarifs réduits pour les enfants, jeunes jusqu'à 18 ans et étudiants (sur présentation d'un justificatif).
Bivouac, sur réservation : 6 €
Payment methods