#Explore2Tours – Episode 2: The Alps

After crossing the Jura on the French and Swiss side, Aline Clément and Isabelle Barthe-Franquin arrive in the Alps.

The beginning of this alpine course, which will last 3 days, starts under the sweetness of "Thonon-les-Bains" for an arrival at the end of the day in "Saint Martin d'Arc".
During this day, in addition to the passes, they will have to face the cold, the wind and the heat.

They start with a series of difficulties to get on their feet by climbing the Col de Jambaz and the Côte de Châtillon-sur-Cluse and after a few extra kilometers 😉, they arrive in Megève and close stage 10 of the Tour de France for men ( Morzine > Megève) at the top of the Altiport bathed in sunshine. They cross magnificent landscapes of which here are some photos

After this short break in Megève, Aline and Isabelle set off again (transfer by bike) towards Albertville, the starting town of the 11^nd step.

After taking a few side roads to take cycle paths that lead them to the Maurienne valley, they follow the Lacets de Montvernier (8 to 10% slope) in oppressive heat to finish their 1^st stage in the Alps at the foot of Col du Télégraphe.

2nd day in the Alps –> “Saint-Martin d'Arc > Saint-Martin d'Arc”

Announced high mountain day.

Their goal is to finish the men's stage 10 (Albertville > Col du Granon) and start stage 11 (Briançon > Alpes d'Huez), what a challenge!

Their stage begins in the early morning with the climb of the Col du Télégraphe, 11,8 km, followed by the Col du Galibier with its 18 km.

Mid-morning arriving, Aline and Isabelle decide to eat before facing the Col du Granon and its 11 km of ascent at 9%… in the middle of a dodger!

The North wind decided to pick up when they started the Col du Lautaret (22kms) which slowed their progress. Arrived at the summit, they chain the Col du Galibier, by the slope descended in the morning, always with the wind.

And they finish their 2^nd day via the Col du Télégraphe, for the 2^nd time, but this time from Valloire, only 4,8 kms of climb 😉.

Well… after all that, a good dinner and a good night's sleep won't be too much to face the 3^nd alpine day which will take them to Grenoble.

3rd day in the Alps –> “Saint-Martin d'Arc > Grenoble”

Last day in the Alps and for this 3^nd day, they attack a rapid descent of about fifteen kilometers on Saint-Michel-de-Maurienne

before attacking the climb of La Croix de Fer, 30 km of ascent

After a few photos at the pass, it's the descent to arrive in the Oisans valley where they are expected for a well-deserved meal before attacking Alpe d'Huez.

Ah… Alpe d'Huez with its 21 bends, the ascent of a myth of 14 km over 1 m of drop. Despite the blazing heat (120 degrees), they climb, they climb to reach the summit and the famous ski resort.