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Route de Grande Alpes Route de Grande Alpes
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  #1  
Old 12 May 2008
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Route de Grande Alpes
Has anyone done this route. We're heading off down that way for a week in June and I'm just wondering if it's do-able. That week includes from Dover then back to Dover, with fast blasts down & back up.

So, any info on this route would be welcome eg how far is it, fuel stops, accomodation etc. And is it worth it.

Thanks.
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  #2  
Old 13 May 2008
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I hope it's late June! A lot of the higher passes - Iseran, Gali, Bonnette etc are still blocked with snow and even after they open are going to be streaming with water for a while yet.

It's about 400+ miles if I remember correctly but a good two day trip, or possibly three if you take in some of the options (eg the Annecy/Albertville loop, the Bourg d'Oisans loop etc) and like sightseeing. I've not done all of it but the middle section is local to my French base so I've ridden it many times.

You should be able to get to Geneva in a long day from channel although the return from Nice might be two days unless you're really in the hardman category.

Have a look at "www.AlpineRoads.com - The Best Biking Roads In The Alps". They've got info on most of the passes inc pix.

It's certainly worth it! I don't think you'll have any problem with fuel (maybe on a Sunday on some of the remoter bits)
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  #3  
Old 16 May 2008
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We did it last year, September and it was a fantastic ride.
We stopped at Peronne, Thenon-les-Bains, Bonneval-sur-Arc, Les Gets, Menton for 2 days to rest on the Med. Then returned up the Route Napolean to Grenoble, back to Peronne then home.
All done over 9 days, 8 nights.
Looking to go again this year, probably go to Gap as a base and tour from there.
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  #4  
Old 17 May 2008
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Hi
We did it a few years ago it’s a top route

We camped most of the way and had a great time we did it over 2 weeks and had a few days on the coast and then a few days in the Verdon on the on the way back

Just take your time and work your way south and remember that you are only ever 2 days away from the ferry home at any point on the route so better not to make it all, the way to the coast and enjoy the bits that you do ride than to rush the trip and then as 1dayIwill Said come back up north by the Route Napoleon


http://www.routedesgrandesalpes.com/pages/home/index.php

http://www.mountainpassions.com/summer/touring/grandes_alpes_2.htm

Here are some pics of my trip
Just Back from France - ::. UKGS'er.com .::




Have a Safe Trip

Bob
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  #5  
Old 18 May 2008
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Yup, sof the highish passes (up to 2300m(ish))are closed right now - Col de la Bonnette/Iseran etc are all shut as of 3 days ago so i'd factor in a Plan B or wait till July...
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  #6  
Old 21 May 2008
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Thanks for the replies. My mate has planned the route out and says we're doing part of this anyway, so all sorted. Pics look great.

Only problem is the other 3 guys I'm going with all want to get cheap b&b, while Im up for camping. Oh well, we'll see what happens. Thanks again.
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  #7  
Old 22 May 2008
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If you camp, you'll be pleased to know that it'a very cheap in France - i've recently been paying an average of about 7 Euros for me+tent+bike - that's half the price of Italy, now. Check out Motocamps there as well, they're primarily catering for bikers but some of the French-operated ones only seem to like to deal with French bikers
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