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
Festiv'été des Gorzdérés - 13th edition
Descriptive
Come and celebrate summer in the heart of Champagny-le-Haut during a day of festivities dedicated to nature, culture and leisure. Entertainment, workshops, a craft market and things to discover await you in a stunning setting.
PROGRAMME
CULTURE
The Banquet of Stories
Reading session by artist Eve Pietruschi from 5:00 pm to 6:00 pm at Salle Pierra Nevan (next to Saint-Clair Church), in the hamlet of Le Bois.
Opening of the exhibition "Eve's Notebooks"
Meet artist Eve Pietruschi from 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm at Saint-Clair Church.
Exhibition on display until September 18.
"Eve's Notebooks" Exhibition
From 10:00 am to 5:00 pm at Saint-Clair Church.
LEISURE ACTIVITIES
Pony Rides – Le Chalet des Vignobles
From 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. From 3 years old. €4 per ride. Duration: 5 to 10 minutes.
Arboria – Tree Adventure Course
From 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. From 3 years old and 1 metre tall. Prices: €15 children / €20 adults.
Archery and Axe Throwing
From 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. Paid activity. Archery from age 5. Axe throwing from age 12. Duration: 5 to 10 minutes.
FREE ENTERTAINMENT
La Tchoupa Eco-Carrousel
From 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. For children aged 1 to 11.
Surprise Face Painting
Roaming entertainment from 12:30 pm to 4:00 pm. Suitable for all ages.
Nature Escape Game
From 10:30 am to 12:00 pm and from 3:30 pm to 5:00 pm. From age 5 with an accompanying adult.
FREE CREATIVE WORKSHOPS
Introduction to Basket Weaving
From 10:30 am to 12:30 pm and from 1:30 pm to 3:30 pm. From age 6 with an accompanying adult. Duration: 30 to 45 minutes.
Introduction to Micro Macramé
From 11:00 am to 1:00 pm and from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm. From age 5. Duration: 15 to 30 minutes.
Culinary Workshop: Discover Raw and Living Foods
Sessions at 10:30 am, 11:15 am, 1:30 pm, 2:30 pm and 3:15 pm.
From age 7 with an accompanying adult. Duration: 20 minutes. Maximum 8 participants per session.
Registration at the Tourist Office until Saturday 27 June at 12:00 noon or at the Festiv'Été welcome stand from 10:00 am.
NATURE ACTIVITIES
Managing the Forest: Take Up the Challenge! – ONF
From 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. Games and discussions with a forest ranger to discover the vital role of forests and mountain forest management.
All About Compost – Val Vanoise Community of Municipalities
From 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. Fun games and demonstrations to learn everything about composting.
Discover an Educational Beehive – Rucher des Allobroges
From 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. Activities focused on beekeeping and life inside a beehive.
Mountaineering Land (Terre d'Alpinisme)
From 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. Presentation of the label and mountain sports.
Justice Animaux Association
Help create a collaborative Zoo Fresco.
Mountain Wilderness
From 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. Learn about noise pollution in mountain environments.
Discover Alpine Flora and Fauna – Vanoise National Park
From 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. Games and activities focusing on mountain biodiversity.
Botanical Walks
Departures at 10:00 am and 3:00 pm. Meet at the welcome stand 10 minutes before departure. Discover the edible and medicinal wild plants of our mountains.
Meet local associations Mussango and Le Remou Sauvage.
CRAFT MARKET
Around twenty local artisans and producers will be present, offering cheeses, Alpine spirulina, craft beers, cosmetics, jewellery, soaps, honey, decorative items and local products.
PHOTO CONTEST 2026
Take part in the photo contest across the Champagny-en-Vanoise area.
Themes: pastoral life and mountain pastures, water in all its forms, and the iconic wildlife of the Vanoise region.
Free competition open to everyone: professionals, amateurs and young talents.
AROUND FESTIV'ÉTÉ
Les Gorzdérés Accessible Walk
An easy walk between Le Bois and Friburge.
Glaciology Trail
A themed trail between Le Laisonnay and La Glière. Guidebook available at the welcome stand (€5).
Wood Sculpture Workshop Visit
Visit the workshop located in Friburge.
Via Ferrata and Rock Climbing
At Plan de Bouc. Equipment rental available in Champagny Village.
FOOD & DRINK
On-site: food truck, Refuge du Bois, Le Canada restaurant (Huttopia campsite), local producers' market and associations serving matafans, drinks and local specialities.
From Le Laisonnay: Refuge du Laisonnay, Snack La Zarzette, Refuge de la Glière and Refuge de Plaisance.
ACCESS
Festiv'Été takes place in the hamlet of Le Bois, in Champagny-le-Haut.
As part of our eco-friendly approach, consider carpooling with Togetzer to offer or find a shared ride.
Practical Information
Opening Times :
Sunday 28 June 2026 between 10 am and 5 pm.Services :
Pets welcome
Tariffs