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
Saint Roch chapel
Descriptive
Saint-Roch Chapel is situated in Villard village in Montagny (Savoy). It was built just before the pastoral visit in 1633.
The Chapel had a door to the north because at the time the path from Le Villard to the chief town went this way. In 1901-1902 it was rebuilt thanks to the priest, E. Eynard, born in Le Villard and the villagers. The door was moved to the south to open onto the new road leading to the village.
The statue of Notre Dame de Lourdes is on the front. On the top there is a 40cm hole diameter bell casted by Georges and Francisque Paccard, smelters in Annecy-le-Vieux. A similar bell is in La Thuile.
Inside, the painting of the altarpiece shows, at the feet of ND, Saint John the Evanglist, Saint Roch affected by the plague and Saint Appoline holding pincers. You can see several statues of polychrome.
On the top of the cupboards a Sacred Heart in plaster made in Le Tarn in the 19th century waves at Saint Roch in polychrome wood. Far more baroque Saint Germain and Saint Emile face each other on their shelves. Discreetly a Holy Bishop accompanies Saint John on the Predelle.
In a configuration close to that of La Chapelle de la Roche a gold leaf statuette of the Crowned Virgin and Child from the 19th century stands in a niche in the centre of the set.
During the plague events in the 1600’s confirmed or suspected patients were isolated in huts west of the village at La Chenaie du plan de la Combe near the only path from Le Villard to the chief town. To feed them food was handed on a long handled shovel called palaton. The palaton was used to put the bread in the oven or to remove it from the oven. Prayers were said for protection from the disease. The help from Saint Sebastian and Saint Roch was eagerly sought.
Saint Roch got the plague and survived. That is why he was chosen as the Patron Saint of the chapel of Le Villard and is seen in other chapels of the parish.
Practical Information
Opening Times :
All year round, daily.Languages spoken :
- French
Tariffs