France
France
Le Tour, Paris Roubaix, Paris - Brest - Paris - France is synonymous with bicycle and cycling.
It is a place close to our hearts having cycled through the WW1 battlefields, ridden to watch the climax of Le Tour in Paris and regularly visited the mountains of the Pyrenees and the Alps - we love all things French cycling.
The trips we offer reflect our passion for the country and experiences within the tours sector. Whether you are a Sprinter, Rouleur or Mountain goat there is plenty for you to enjoy in France.
As well as cycling, the history and topography of France ensures that there is a diverse range of off bike activities available for all clients. Triathletes will love the cool, still waters of Lake Annecy and the lake path and trials for running. Meanwhile, the historians will enjoy the history of north eastern France as well as cycling in the footsteps of the French resistance in the Alps.
As well as for road cycling, France has a fantastic network of on and off road routes. It represents an opportunity for relaxed cycle-tourism provided by the country's vast network of secondary roads and country lanes. France has some 880,000 km (550,000 miles) of roads - excluding motorways - and almost all of this network is open to cyclists.
For off road enthusiasts - the Alps have an extraordinary network of gravel routes as well as some extremely gnarly MTB trials in and around Les Gets and Morzine and more local to our base are the trails of La clusaz which are open for July and August.
Alpine Adventures
The Medieval town of Annecy sits on the Northern shore of its very own mountain fringed lake. Annecy is affectionately known as the Venice of the Alps and the jewel of the Haute Savoie region. We ensure all our guests get the chance to meander through this beautiful town and eat dinner it's beautiful restaurants as the sun sets over the mountains.
Our base at The Hotel Arcalod sits at the southern end of Lac d'Annecy in Doussard. From here we are within just a few minutes cycle of the cycle path which circumnavigates the lake and links Annecy with Albertville with 40km of traffic free valley floor cycling.
We have a number of epic climbs within striking distance of the Hotel. Within just a few KM is the Col de la Forclaz which at 9km and a 7.4% average (incl 2km downhill!) is a real leg sharpener. Our routes also include a number of climbs made famous by Le Tour including Col de la Croix Fry and HC climb to Semnoz.
For those who love both cycling and History we will also take in the Plateau des Glieres which was made famous by the French resistance fighters in WW2 and more recently has featured in Le Tour (2020).
The cycling and lifestyle in and around Annecy is what inspired us to start Sporta Bike + and it is a privilege to be able to share it with you.
Pyrenean Pilgrimage
We are extremely lucky to have a fabulous base for self catering stays in the Pyrenees. The beautiful town of Argeles Gazost is teeming with opportunities for on and off bike adventure.
Whilst we can cater for all level of cyclist at all locations - it is likely it is the mountain goats who will thrive in the Pyrenees. A week in the Pyrenees includes climbs of the Tourmalet, Hautacam, Aubisque, Col de Portet and Luiz Ardiden to name just a few. The mountains around Argeles Gazost were labelled the ‘circle of death’ after a fearsome stage 8 in the 1910 TDF.
Our base in the Pyrenees is a stunning modern chalet style house which sits just above the sleepy hamlet of Prechac, 5 mins drive to the busy and friendly market town of Argeles-Gazost with its many delicious traditional food shops and lovely cafes spilling on to the 2 town squares where you can relax with the locals taking in the gossip and fantastic mountain views or join them sampling the local Madiran or Jurancon wines.
We derive the name for our pyrenean adventure from its proximity to the town of lourdes which is a famous cite for Catholic pilgrims and has featured heavily in key events through religious history.
Hell of the North
Paris Roubaix is affectionately known as the ‘Hell of the North’. Whilst it may not have the climbs of Flanders or the picturesque finish of Strade Bianchi - Paris Roubaix is considered the toughest of all the one day races. Bone rattling pave will test the hardiest riders and their equipment - insuring an unforgettable day on the bicycle.
From the iconic entry into the Arenberg forest to your victory lap at Roubaix velodrome you will be riding in the wheels of cycling greats. The Paris Roubaix sportive has three different routes all of which finish in the iconic velodrom.
At Sporta bike + we will provide transport and accommodation as well as all off bike support, though clients will need to secure their own entry to the sportive.
