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
Notre Dame des Neiges Chapel
Descriptive
The Notre-Dame des Neiges chapel, erected in 1750 following a vow. Firstly built at « La Bonne Fontaine » above the « Plateau de la Challe », it soon started to deteriorate. It was rebuilt in 1891 closer to the villages.
The Notre-Dame-des-Neiges chapel overhangs all the valley and is located at the intersection between the road to the Villard and the main town, when we go up to Moranche.
The first chapel was built in 1750 at « La Bonne Fontaine » on the « Plateau de la Chal », where there was a small oratory. It involved realizing a vow from the villagers, in gratitude for the intercession of the Virgin Mary which preserved them from an extraordinary amount of snow from February to June 1749. The first mass was celebrated in august 1750.
In a bad shape (particularly during winter 1886/1887), too small and at two hours of walk from the village (at an altitude of 1740 meters), the chapel was rebuilt on the mound of the « Chatelard », visible from the 4 villages and only 30 minutes away from the main town. The laying and the blessing of the first brick were done on the 14th of July 1889. On the 21st of may 1891, a procession followed by a mass and a solemn blessing ended the works with the Notre-Dame-Des-Neiges’s day on the 5th of august. The statue of the Immaculate conception erected on the church tower and the statue of Notre-Dame-Du-Sacré-Cœur of Issoudun adorning the front recess blessed respectively the 15th of august 1890 and the 15th of august 1891.
However, around 1918-1920, some cracks started to appear, probably caused by the explosions of the coal mine located under the chapel which exploitation was accelerated during the Great War. Since the 15th of august 1950, the masses and the pilgrimage had to happen outside the chapel, on the esplanade.
Finally, a complete renovation happened in 1970-1971.
It was renovated in 2000-2001 as well.
The ancient chapel of « La Challe » was demolished during the year 1891 and was replaced by a small oratory, now in ruins.
The pilgrimage of the 15th of august at the chapel still happens nowadays.
Practical Information
Opening Times :
All year round daily.Languages spoken :
- French
Tariffs
Documents
save_altNotre Dame des Neiges Montagny