© Tour de France
La Plagne loop via Bourg-Saint-Maurice
Stunning and challenging circular road bike ride that showcases the best of the Tarentaise Valley
The clockwise loop described here can also be done in the alternative direction.
La Plagne loop
From La Plagne Centre
Distance: 72km
Elevation gain: 2,180m
Estimated ride time: 3h30 to 5 hours (depending on pace and stops)
Difficulty: hard with long climbs and technical descents
Best season: from late spring to early autumn when the roads are free of snow
Route description
Starting in the resort, descend via the D221. With 24 switchbacks after 19km you'll end up in Aime, cross the river and join the D86.
Head east along the valley floor towards Bourg-Saint-Maurice, enjoy this flat section where you can give your legs some time to rest before the climb.
There are a few options when it comes to the climb up, either to Bourg, Montée de Hauteville or Granier. The traverse and climb towards Granier and La Côte d'Aime is beautiful, through meadows and alpine vlllages.
There are a couple of route variations also to make things easier or harder:
- harder - add the Cormet de Roselend climb from Bourg-Saint-Maurice for a massive ride of 120km
- easier - skip the upper villages and return to aime from Bourg via the valley
Worth knowing
Cycling conditions and tips
- there are food and water stops in Aime, Bourg-Saint-Maurice, and small cafés in the villages of Hauteville, Granier, or La Côte d’Aime
- for your bike make sure you've got a compact chainset or wide-range cassette, some gradients reach 10–11%
- a GPS device is very helpful, especially in the upper villages where signage can be minimal
- the road conditions are generally very good, but always check for recent repairs or weather impacts
