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
Orienteering course : discovery
Descriptive
Welcome to the summer orienteering course in Champagny le Haut, on the theme of discovery and heritage!
Choose your route (blue or green), and with the orientation map, find the markers in the order suggested.
Using the legend and symbols on the map, orient yourself and find your position and the route you need to take to find the markers in the proposed order.
The starting point is represented by a triangle (Nordic ski chalet) and each marker by a circle with its number. In the centre of each circle is a characteristic feature of the terrain (intersection, corner fence, tree, etc.) on which the marker is located. Sometimes you have to go off the beaten track a little to find the marker.
On each beacon, the code number will allow you to check your location. Punch your card in the corresponding box.
Once you have completed the route, come and check your punches at the Tourist Office and win goodies!
The colour of the course does not indicate its difficulty.
Green route: Le Bois
- 6 markers to find
- 2 km
Blue route: La Chiserette
- 9 markers to find (5 with the shortcut)
- 5 km (or 2.5km for the shortcut)
Recommendations :
- Do not cross private property, hay meadows or herds
- Be aware of other hikers, bikers, cyclists, runners...
- Pick up your rubbish, do not leave anything on site
You evolve on this space and this orientation course under your own responsibility.
PRACTICAL :
At the starting point: car park and public toilet.
Practical Information
Height difference : 25 m
Distance : 7 km
Altitude : 1500 m
Level : blb
Opening Times :
From 24/04 to 10/12 daily.Not accessible once the Nordic area is open.
Subject to favorable weather.
Languages spoken :
- French
Services :
Pets welcome
Equipements :
Tariffs
04 79 55 06 55
départ : Chalet Nordique73350 Champagny-en-Vanoise