Haute Tarentaise cycling road trip: 3 days, 3 passes, 3 atmospheres
The call of the Alpine peaks by bike
Between breathtaking Alpine panoramas and mythical mountain roads, the Haute Tarentaise is a paradise for cycling enthusiasts. This region, nestled in the heart of Savoie, offers a unique experience: a three-day cycling road trip to discover three emblematic mountain passes – the Petit Saint-Bernard, the Iseran and the Cormet de Roselend. Whether you’re a road biker or a mountain biker, each day will immerse you in a different atmosphere, ideally based in the town of Bourg-Saint-Maurice, home to GRAVITYLAB, the benchmark bike store.
Follow us on a journey where passion for cycling meets the beauty of the French Alps.
Why choose the Haute Tarentaise for a cycling road trip?
The Haute Tarentaise, with its peaks flirting with 2,700 meters, is a land of challenges for cyclists. From legendary cols to verdant valleys and alpine meadows, the diversity of the terrain makes it an exceptional playground for all levels.
Bourg-Saint-Maurice proves to be the ideal base camp: easily accessible by train, rich in sports facilities, and above all, home to the GRAVITYLAB store specializing in bike rentals, repairs, mountain bike suspension maintenance and bike fitting.
Choosing Tarentaise means opting for authenticity, for effort rewarded by breathtaking panoramas and the warm welcome of a community of mountain and mountain bike enthusiasts.
Day 1 - Col du Petit Saint-Bernard: Immersion between France and Italy
Departure from Bourg-Saint-Maurice: quick and easy bike hire
First day of your road trip. Come to GRAVITYLAB in the morning to pick up your road or mountain bike, perfectly prepared thanks to their expert workshop. Our rental service means you can set off with a top-of-the-range bike that’s perfectly suited to climbing the Col du Petit Saint-Bernard.
Climbing the pass: tips for road bikes
The pass rises to an altitude of 2,188 meters. From Bourg-Saint-Maurice, the climb is gradual, with a positive difference in altitude of around 1,300 m over 26 km. The road is well maintained, ideal for cyclists with road tires. Don’t forget to adjust your gear ratio and eat well along the way.
Break at the summit: panoramas, history and refreshments
The views from the summit are breathtaking: Italy on one side, Savoy on the other. A small refuge offers hot drinks and snacks. This pass, rich in history (a strategic crossing point since ancient times), offers an unforgettable glimpse of the great Alpine crossings. Remember to immortalize this moment before the descent to Bourg-Saint-Maurice.
D2 - Col de l'Iseran: wild grandeur
Early start from Les Arcs
On this second day, we head for Europe’s highest road pass: the Col de l’Iseran, culminating at 2,764 meters. From Les Arcs, a connecting route takes you to Bourg-Saint-Maurice, before starting the ascent through the Haute-Maurienne valley. This pass is a real challenge for experienced cyclists, with landscapes of raw beauty, between glaciers and alpine pastures.
Choice of equipment: mountain bike or road bike?
Although it can be ridden on a road bike, some sections can be uneven, depending on the season. A gravel bike or mountain bike with slick tires can offer extra comfort. GravityLab offers a range of suitable models, and their RETÜL bike fitting service ensures that your posture is just right for tackling this alpine giant.
High mountain atmosphere and a feeling of freedom
The last few kilometers before the summit are a unique sensory experience: pure air, silence, glacial views and grandiose isolation. The Iseran is more than just a pass, it’s a journey into another world. Beware of wind and temperature, even in summer. On the way down, a brake check at GravityLab may be in order.
Day 3 - Cormet de Roselend: between lakes and forests
Return itinerary via Bourg-Saint-Maurice
The last day of your cycling road trip: head for the splendid Cormet de Roselend, culminating at 1,968 meters. From Bourg-Saint-Maurice, it’s a gradual ascent via the village of Seez that brings this adventure to a close. This stage is perfect for light mountain biking or gravel. Find out more about this legendary climb in our dedicated article.
Perfect for mountain biking: varied trails and gradients
Mountain bikers will appreciate the many off-road variants accessible from Le Cormet. Forests, torrents, flower-filled plateaus: one singletrack after another for maximum pleasure. For technical mountain bikers, GravityLab offers suspension tuning and a workshop specialized in mountain bike suspension maintenance.
Recommendations for pre-climb mountain bike suspension maintenance
Before such an outing, a visit to the GravityLab workshop is advisable. Check pressure and tightness, and diagnose any loss of performance. The team is trained in RockShox, Fox and other hydraulic suspension systems, with fast, efficient service.
Which bike for your road trip?
The choice of bike depends on your level and preferences. For asphalt passes like Petit Saint-Bernard and Iseran, a road bike is ideal. For the Cormet and its trail variants, opt for a mountain bike or gravel bike. At GravityLab, you’ll find all these models for hire, with personalized advice to adapt the equipment to your morphology and your program.
Preparing your equipment: bike maintenance and repair in Bourg St Maurice
A successful cycling road trip starts with meticulous preparation of your bike. Whether you’re riding a road, mountain or gravel bike, every day of your adventure places heavy demands on your transmission, brakes and suspension.
At GravityLab, you’ll benefit from a professional workshop equipped for everything from brake bleeding and transmission adjustments to spoke tension and, of course, mountain bike suspension maintenance. A full diagnostic is recommended before you set off.
Checkpoints before each stage
Tire pressure (adjusted to your weight and terrain)
Brake pad and disc wear
Gear indexing
Bottom bracket and steering play
Suspension adjustment (mountain bikes)
A daily check-up of these elements guarantees safety and the pleasure of riding in the mountains.
Where can I get my bike serviced in Bourg St Maurice?
GRAVITYLAB, located in the Alpins district at the entrance to town, is THE place to go for bike maintenance and repair in Bourg St Maurice. The team, passi
Photographs and souvenirs: capturing the adventure
The three passes offer exceptional panoramas, perfect for immortalizing your road trip. Here are a few photo tips:
Best photo spots on the 3 passes
Petit Saint-Bernard: view of Mont Blanc from the pass stele
Iseran: straight approach with glacier in background
Cormet de Roselend: turquoise-blue lake and green peaks
Tips for creating an album or vlog
Remember to bring a smartphone holder or a GoPro, and alternate wide shots and uphill sequences to capture the effort. GRAVITYLAB staff can even show you the best angles and golden hours to get the best shots.
Eco-responsible road trips: sustainable cycling
Cycling is already a virtuous way to get around, but here are a few more ways to reduce your impact:
- Don’t leave any waste behind, even biodegradable waste.
Follow marked routes, especially on Les Arcs mountain bike trails.
Choose eco-labelled cleaning products for your suspension systems. - GRAVITYLAB is committed to promoting sustainable cycling: sensible maintenance, equipment rental rather than systematic purchase, and recycling of worn parts.
When should you go? Best seasons and cycling events
The ideal time to take this cycling road trip is from late May to early October, depending on when the passes open. The months of June and September offer a good compromise between mild weather and low crowds.
Calendar of pass openings
Col du Petit Saint-Bernard: generally open from mid-May to late October.
Col de l’Iseran: open from mid-June to mid-September
Cormet de Roselend: mid-May to mid-October
Cycling events in the region
Every summer, Bourg-Saint-Maurice hosts cyclosportives and mountain bike events such as the Enduro Series Les Arcs. Remember to book your rental bike with GRAVITYLAB in advance during these popular periods.
Tips for avoiding the crowds
Choose early morning departures on weekdays. GRAVITYLAB welcomes you as soon as it opens to fit out your bike and give you the latest information on weather and traffic conditions.
3 passes, 3 days, an unforgettable adventure
From the Petit Saint-Bernard to the Iseran, via the Cormet de Roselend, this cycling road trip will take you through three unforgettable Alpine landscapes. Each pass tells a story, offers unique sensations and reinforces your passion for two wheels.
And to make the experience perfect, GRAVITYLAB is your ally: rental, maintenance, advice, preparation and technical support await you. Cycling isn’t just a sport, it’s a culture – and in Tarentaise, it’s alive, authentic and just a pedal away.
Visit GRAVITYLAB.FR to reserve your bike or have yours serviced. And above all, share your stories and photos: the mountain biking community is always eager for inspiration.
FAQ - Everything you need to know about driving in the Haute Tarentaise with GRAVITYLAB
Where can I rent a bike in Bourg-Saint-Maurice?
You can rent a road, mountain or gravel bike directly from GRAVITYLAB, located at the entrance to Bourg-Saint-Maurice. The store offers top-of-the-range models, overhauled and adapted to all types of alpine terrain.
Can a mountain bike be repaired in Les Arcs?
Yes, GRAVITYLAB has a fully equipped workshop in Bourg-Saint-Maurice, very close to Les Arcs resort. You can have your mountain bike repaired or serviced there, even during your stay.
What are the best mountain passes in the region?
The most famous are the Col du Petit Saint-Bernard, the Col de l’Iseran and the Cormet de Roselend. They offer mythical climbs, spectacular scenery and are perfectly accessible from Bourg-Saint-Maurice.
How can I maintain my mountain bike suspension efficiently?
It’s a good idea to have your suspension regularly checked by a professional workshop like GRAVITYLAB. The team is trained to service RockShox, Fox and other models, including hydraulic bleeding and checking seals and pressures.
Does GRAVITYLAB offer advice for novice cyclists?
Absolutely. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced rider, the GRAVITYLAB team will advise you on your choice of bike, the right equipment and the right route for your level. The bike fitting service is also available to all.