CycloWorld is partner of Brides-les-Bains Tourisme and the gran fondo Col de la Loze by Brides-les-Bains
Brides-les-Bains is a cozy, traditional mountain village in Savoy, located at the foot of Europe's largest ski area, Les 3 Vallées. It's a comfortable, extremely affordable base for cyclists. The village is easily accessible, compact but still has all the amenities for a great vacation. Brides-les-Bains is also very centrally located, and therefore perfect for all kinds of excursions.
Spoil yourself in one of the many restaurants after a day of riding and then head to a bar for the rest of the evening. Traditional restaurants, gourmet menus, local specialties - there is something for everyone. Brides-les-Bains has nearly 30 restaurant, in all price ranges.
Who likes to gamble can visit the casino! How unique is that, in the middle of the mountains?
The traffic-free Col de la Loze was completed in 2019 and connects Méribel with Courchevel. In the Tour of 2020, Roglic defeated his rival Pogacar here in a legendary sprint.
From Brides-les-Bains, both sides are perfectly accessible. A tour is 50 kilometres. You first ride to Meribel or Courchevel, where the traffic-free road starts. The Méribel side is the toughest climb in France, but via Courchevel it is hardly easier.
In Les 3 Vallées, existing unpaved paths are asphalted which creates a network of high-altitude cycling roads; completely traffic-free! You won't find it elsewhere. The Col de la Loze was step one.
In 2021 followed by La Tougnète (2405m) from Les Menuires, only accessible for cyclists. In 2022, the road between Meribel and La Tougnète will be asphalted, creating a through cycling route.
Brides-les-Bains is the perfect base for cycling in Les 3 Vallées.
Team SD Worx, the number one in women's cycling, has also discovered Brides-les-Bains as a location for training camps and altitude trials. "Brides-les-Bains is also called the cycling basecamp in Les 3 Vallées, as many climbs start from here. So you start here the climbs to Courchevel, Meribel and Val Thorens and you can climb the Col de la Loze from two sides. The foot of the Col de la Madeleine and the climb to Valmorel are also just around the corner."
Brides-les-Bains is the best place for a training camp or to check off the most mythical cols of France. No matter how long you stay, you will always be short of days.
Very challenging gran fondo with the Col de la Loze from both sides. Start in Brides-les-Bains, finish on the col.
Cycle Travel and CycloWorld offer a preparation trip in the French Alps for the next big top event: the Gran fondo Col de la Loze by Brides-les-Bains. An event with a double ascend of the most difficult climb in France: the Col de la Loze. You will stay in a super location for cycling holidays. In the centre of Vallandry lies the small-scale 4-star holiday park of Villaparcs. A perfect accommodation for your preparation and of course the granfondo itself.
Surrounding Méribel is a paradise for mountain bikers. There are 11 downhill trails, 9 enduro trails, 3 XC trails and of course a bike park.
For those who are less fanatical, there are several places where you can rent e-MTBs. Méribel even has 3 special trails that are only accessible to electric MTBs.
The whole Les 3 Vallées area is full of challenging and less challenging trails. Around Courchevel and Les Menuires there is also a lot to do.
Even a ride through the three valleys is possible, if you are well trained. Take a look at the map and discover the many possibilities.
There is so much to do besides cycling. Brides-les-Bains is the perfect base for a wide range of activities. Some examples:
And much more. Visit the website of Brides-les-Bains for more tips!
Brides-les-Bains is very suitable for active people. All possible mountain sports are within reach. Hiking, cycling, e-biking, climbing, rafting, paragliding, via ferrata and much more. Both in summer and winter, you will not be bored for a second.
Many walks start from the ski resorts. Ask the local tourist office for information and hiking maps.
Tips (see photos):
Brides-les-Bains is connected by a gondola lift directly to the Les 3 Vallées ski area, the largest ski area in the world. More than 600 km of slopes are at your feet! Ski from Val Thorens to Courchevel and back. Snow guaranteed from November to April.
The big advantage of Brides-les-Bains is the accessibility, there is no long climb by car necessary. In addition, you will find in the village also particularly affordable accommodation.
Of all the villages in Les 3 Vallées, Brides-les-Bains is by far the easiest to get to. The perfect French highways will breng you there in no time. No need for a long mountain pass, from Moûtiers you can reach your destination in a few kilometers!
Geneva airport is about 2 hours away. There are non-stop flights to Chambéry (1 hr by car) from the UK, Portugal, Spain and Italy.
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