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
Glière refuge and the Grassaz pass
Descriptive
Enter the Vanoise national Park and let yourself be carried away by the beauty of exceptional landscapes. Admire glaciers and high peaks such as the Grande Casse, the Grande Motte or the Épéna.
Guidebook with maps/step-by-step :
0/ From the Laisonnay d'en bas (Alt. 1560m) to the Refuge de la Glière
From the Laisonnay car park (Info Point open in summer), walk along the tarmac road for 300 m; after the bridge, first turn left onto the track which then goes to the right, towards the Glière refuge.
This is a wide track, which allows the alpacists to drive their vehicles with the permission of the Park; it quickly enters the Park and rises in this magnificent valley of the Glière. From time to time, a path allows you to cut the track (signs). You reach the Glière refuge.
1/ From the Glière refuge (Alt. 1996m) to the Chalet des Gardes
From the refuge, retrace your steps to get back on the track that climbs to the chapel (dating from 1692) and to the Glière lake (alt. 2050 m). This lake is in fact a vast alluvial plain in which the waters that came down from the glaciers at the foot of the Grande Casse meander. From there, one of the most beautiful landscapes of the Vanoise Park opens up. Grande Casse, Grande Motte, Epéna are some of the prestigious summits that make up this exceptional setting that will accompany you throughout the hike.
On the left, a fairly steep path rises up and joins the track above; you quickly reach the Plagne mountain pasture; you pass below the Plan du Sel chalet where the mountain Beaufort cheese is made, the "Prince of Gruyères" which has a registered designation of origin.
2/ From the Chalet des Gardes (Alt. 2289m) to the Col de la Grassaz
Continue on the wide track; opposite the "Chalet des Gardes", take a path towards the "Col de la Grassaz" (sign); the route rises on the left of the track, crossing meadows to reach the Col de la Grassaz (Alt. 2637m) in 1 hour.
Return: by the same route.
Practical Information
Height difference : 1197 m
Distance : 10.5 km
Duration : 6 h
Altitude : 2640 m
Level : blb
Opening Times :
From 01/05 to 01/11 daily.Subject to favorable snow and weather conditions.
Equipements :
Tariffs