Aix Les Bains to Nice

Cycling from the shores of Lac du Bourget in Aix-Les-Bains to the Mediterranean in Nice. Three days of epic riding amongst some of the most famous Cols of the Alps.

Distance (KM)

Elevation (M)

Days Riding

This route offers plenty of flexibility and isn’t limited to the example shown here. There are many different ways to do this journey, and we can adapt it to your requirements. The options are endless, what you’ll find below is simply a typical itinerary.

Aix Les Bains to Nice Itinerary

Day 1

Cyclists fly out to France and make their way to Aix-Les-Bains, register with the pie team on arrival, followed by dinner and the Event briefing.

Day 2 – Aix-Les-Bains to Le Monetier-Les-Bains

150km distance

3,225m of ascent

We start the day with a short spin next to the lake out of Aix-Les-Bains, before heading into the hills. The main focus of the day is the Col du Galibier – we approach from the north with a 35km climb, gaining 2120m in height at an average gradient of 6.1% (maximum gradient is around 10%). Mercifully, the route then takes us downhill all the way to the next hotel. Dinner will be taken at the hotel or in a local restaurant.

‘Everyone had an amazing time and that was massively down to your team. We will definitely work with you again on our next adventure!’ – Bee, PCA London to Paris 2023

Day 3 – Le Monetier-Les-Bains to Pra-Loup

125km distance

3,353m of ascent

Today is “double col day”, with the route being divided into two sections with almost identical climbs. It’s uphill straight out of the hotel as we begin our ascent of the first col of the day – the famous Col D’Izoard. The climb from Briançon is 19km long, with an 1100m gain in height at an average gradient of 5.8% and a maximum gradient of 9%. The top of the climb is marked with a monument, next to which you’ll find the all-important pie support crew on hand to offer refreshments and encouragement.

We then descend for 30km, before beginning our ascent of the Col de Vars. Again, the ascent is 19km long, with an average gradient of 5.7% (overall ascent of 1,111m). The final section of the day is another 30km downhill ride, with a short, sharp sting in the tail around the hairpin bends up to the ski resort of Pra-Loup and the welcome sight of the hotel.

Day 4 Pra-Loup to Nice

158km distance

2,522m of ascent

The final day! There is a short descent back down into the valley, before the final major ascent of the tour as we take on the Col de la Bonette. Tantalisingly, there is a loop at the top of the Col which ascends slightly into the “highest paved through route” in the Alps – a must for any serious cyclist! The climb itself is 24km long, ascending 1589m at an average gradient of 6.6%. Fittingly, the Col de la Bonette is the highest point of the trip and so it’s a 115km descent from here all the way to Nice for celebratory beers on the promenade!

Later in the evening, we enjoy a well-deserved celebratory meal, and friends and family are more than welcome to join (subject to availability).

Day 5

Travel home at your leisure.

Example Routes

What Our Clients Say…

      
   pie - Passion In Events
   48 Google reviews 
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   Sally 
 17/09/2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Superb organisation by Team PIE
  
 
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   Sarah Bower 
 16/09/2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Four day trip from Ljubljana to Trieste. Lovely friendly staff with excellent efficient organisation. Very nice hotels  and great coffee and lunch stops - only wish they could have organised the weather too! Incredible support in tough conditions. Top notch all round.
  
 
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   Jason Bacon 
 16/09/2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. My 9th PIE organised cycle challenge for the 40tude charity. Another spectacularly organised PIE ride. The way the team and guides handled and responded to all the surprises and challenges thrown their way, making everything smooth for us punters was extraordinary. And very much appreciated. The most professional and friendly group of tour managers, support team and cycle guides. Well done to the whole PIE team and Paul & Tina. You are simply the best.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Greg Martin 
 16/09/2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Event team did a great job coping with air traffic meltdown in the UK, storms in Slovenia and road closures from visiting diplomats.

accommodating, feeding and moving over 30 people on a daily basis is no easy task and they do it very well! Kudos to Paul and team.
  
 
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   James Purves 
 16/09/2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. This is probably my 6th rode with pie. They always have things organised and when something isn’t quite right it is fixed quickly and with lots of communication. Paul and the team were brilliant in Slovenia with us all. When you are cycling and out of your comfort zone the last thing you want is to worry about the logistics and pie do that all for you. Thanks And see you soon at the next ride!
  
 
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   Richard Plaistowe 
 05/09/2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Pie Events helped me organise the Branditos networking cycles at the International Trademark Association Annual Meeting in London, and sorted routes and guides.  Tje rides were thoroughly enjoyable and professionally guided (and 100% safe)  Riders from all over the world participated and everyone  was effusive in their praise.  A fantastic success thanks to Pie Events.
  
 
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   Daniel Osmer 
 27/07/2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I've just completed my second 4-day group ride managed by pie. Again, it was a fantastic experience. The 3 person pie team - a trip co-ordinator, ride guide, and on-bike medic - were all top professionals as well as great fun. It was another great trip which the whole team enjoyed. I highly recommend pie.
  
 
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   Ron Rees Davies 
 27/07/2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Michael Taylor 
 24/07/2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. PIE is outstanding and are indeed passionate about their events.

Whether Medical, Portering, Providing Food (paying attention to dietary requirements) and Drink (morning coffee, regular rehydration electrolyte tabs, soft drinks at lunch, alcoholic beverages at the end of the day - if you like that sort of thing), excellent hotels & restaurants, - all needs catered for.

Staff - highly sympathetic & empathetic - who convert a steep hill into a mere undulation. All staff  were immaculately turned out in identical uniforms.

Bike maintenance - Brilliant
Route planning - beautiful lanes, B roads, cycle paths - superb routes.

Overall - excellent management throughout, with high empathy and support for all participants (including a cat!!).
  
 
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   John Pocock 
 23/07/2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Many many thanks for all your team’s support and guidance over the last 4 days. You provided perfect guides and excellent on the spot management. Your ride support team were always on hand to help and kept our water and salt levels up at all times. Your team were really professional and our whole group gelled around them.

Of us 8 riders who did the whole 260 mile trip, we have all gone away absolutely delighted with the achievement AND the organisation provided by yourselves.
  
 
  
  
 
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