A Wander Through the Alps

 Your adventure begins with a gentle ride through the rolling fields and vineyards of Champagne. Troyes welcomes you with its half-timbered medieval houses, cobbled lanes, and lively squares. It’s a warm, atmospheric first stop where you can unwind, explore, and settle into the rhythm of the tour. 

 The route to Bourg-en-Bresse flows through Burgundy’s soft hills and farmland, with long, sweeping D-roads perfect for confidence building. The town itself is calm and elegant, known for its monasteries, markets, and relaxed evening atmosphere. It’s the ideal stepping stone before the mountains begin to rise. 

Briançon is a fortified mountain town with cobbled streets, panoramic viewpoints, and a friendly alpine vibe.

Your full day here lets you explore some of the Alps’ most classic routes, Col du Lautaret — one of the easier high passes in France, Col du Galibier (south side) and Col d’Izoard (from Briançon side).

It’s a perfect base for riders who want the thrill of the Alps without the intimidation.

The ride to Chamonix is pure mountain theatre: glacier-fed rivers, forested slopes, and sweeping valley roads. Chamonix itself sits beneath the towering presence of Mont Blanc, giving you one of the most iconic views in Europe. The town buzzes with cafés, bakeries, and alpine charm — a lively contrast to Briançon’s quiet fortifications. 

Andermatt is your base for exploring some of the passes in the Alps:

• Oberalp Pass — wide, flowing, confidence-building
• Susten Pass — sweeping bends and glacier views
• Grimsel Pass — smooth tarmac and dramatic lakes
• Lukmanier Pass — gentle gradients and peaceful scenery

The village itself is tidy, welcoming, and perfectly placed for relaxed loop rides.

 Leaving the high mountains, you descend into the gentle landscapes of Alsace. Vineyards stretch across the hillsides, and the villages look like something from a storybook. Colmar is all colourful timbered houses, flower-lined canals, and wine-route warmth — a beautiful, calming contrast to the Alpine peaks. 

 The ride to Nancy is relaxed and scenic, passing through forests, farmland, and quiet rural roads. Nancy’s centrepiece, Place Stanislas, is one of Europe’s most beautiful squares — golden gates, elegant façades, and a calm evening atmosphere. It’s a refined stop before the final stretch north. 

 Your journey continues through the Champagne region, with vineyards rolling across the hillsides. In Reims, you’ll find grand boulevards, historic Champagne houses, and the magnificent cathedral where French kings were crowned. It’s a celebratory stop near the end of your adventure. 

 Your final day brings you back to Calais, where the tour began. After days of mountain air, lakes, vineyards, and quiet roads, you’ll return home with new confidence, new friendships, and a deeper love for the Alps.