The Turin to Nice
Alpine Gravel Route
Fri 26 Jul - Sun 4 Aug 2024
8
Days Riding
9
Nights Accommodation
593km
Total Distance
17,570m
Elevation Gain
8/10
Overall Difficulty
£1695
Total Cost
The Turin to Nice high alpine route has been described as the best gravel route in Europe. As it snakes its way through dramatic scenery, it follows the border between France and Italy using iconic high altitude passes and centuries old military gravel stradas, offering a unique adventure-cycling experience.
Our 8 day expedition is a fully guided adventure that follows the well-established Turin to Nice Rally itinerary. We'll travel along the route together, choosing the very best sections and pausing at the countless landmarks to refuel and take in the enormity of the journey. Our support vehicle will meet with us frequently during the day and we’ll stop at designated hotels, hostels, mountain refuges and campsites at the end of each day to relax, refuel, share stories and prepare for the day ahead.
Friday
Arrivals Day at the Old Royal Palace in Turin
Welcome to Italy and to one of the most traditional and beautiful parts of Turin. Expedition members could be arriving from all corners of the world so you'll spend the day settling into your hotel, close to the Venaria Real Palace, meeting other expedition members and getting ready to start the expedition. We’ll check the weather, go through the plan in detail, prepare our bikes and equipment before exploring the local town and enjoying our first meal together.
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Saturday (Day 1)
Venaria Real to Meana Di Susa
101km
2520M
Our adventure starts on ancient streets and minor roads before entering a large country park with straight gravel tracks as far as the eye can see. Once we arrive at Lanzo Torinese, the gradient ramps up gradually until the start of the first proper climb towards the Colle Delle Colombardo. Tarmac is exchanged for dirt tracks with varying sized gravel. The climb is as long as it is inspiring and we’ll settle into a steady rhythm as we gain altitude. Then the obligatory group photos at the top and a descent into the neighbouring valley for refreshments before making our way to our accommodation. One climb down, quite a few to go...
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Sunday (Day 2)
Meana Di Susa to Sestriere
57km
2960M
Day 2 starts with the formidable Colle Delle Finestre climb and then spends most of the day on high alpine tracks picking off summits and cols. The views are otherworldly. We’ll cover less than 60 km in distance but climb nearly 3000 m by the time we reach Sestriere. We’ll take our time and refuel appropriately but today will be about keeping the momentum going and enjoying wild and remote terrain. As we descend into the picturesque ski resort of Sestriere, we’ll feel glad to rest and replenish tired legs.
Monday (Day 3)
sestriere to aiguilles (queyras regional park)
81km
2250M
You'll enjoy an easier start today as we descend into Cesana Torinese on classic alpine roads. We climb again, initially on road before turning off onto the old tunnelled, now traffic free route leading back into France. Crossing the border, the large ski resort of Montgenevre can be seen ahead. Our route snakes through the trees on rooty singletrack before descending into Briancon’s old town, characterised by narrow cobbled streets and views along the Durance valley to the south. We’ll stop here for lunch and explore for a short while before taking on today’s main objective – the infamous Col d’lIzoard. The ambience builds as we climb higher, via Napoleon’s refuge to the col proper. The final leg today is a spectacular descent into The Queyras Regional Park, a truly wild, remote and beautiful landscape and one of France’s best kept secrets.
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tuesday (Day 4)
aiguilles to sampeyre
55km
1440M
Day 4 is spent on some of the most inspiring roads in Europe and we’ll reach our highest elevation of the trip marked by the passage back into Italy through the Col de Agnel (2750 m). Descending at first you'll then settle into a steady pull through magnificent landscapes before enjoying one of the very finest descents of the trip. We’ll pause half way down to allow break pads to cool off and pinch ourselves. This is what you came for. We’ll stop once again at the charming hamlet of Chinale to revel in this areas traditional architecture, before continuing down the valley until reaching the welcoming town of Sampeyre.
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wednesday (Day 5)
sampeyre to the gardetta refuge
56km
2810M
The excitement and anticipation starts to build again as we approach what is, for many, the highlight of the journey – the high route through The Gardetta or ‘Little Peru’as it's fondly referred to. The day starts with a well surfaced road towards the broad shoulder of Col Sampeyre with expansive views across the southern alps. Another descent on glorious switchbacks leads to the upper Maira valley. The final climb of the day takes you into the Mamora valley, another wild and beautiful backdrop and a great way to see the evening in. The gradient is fairly modest and consistent until the final few hairpins that stretch out towards col Priet. Now you can see the Gardetta landscape unfold in front of you and as you look back over your shoulder, the iconic Rocca de Meja stands tall in all its glory. We'll pause here for a 'moment', they really don't get much better than this. The Gardetta Refuge is over the crest of the hill and we’ll rest here and watch those magical alpine colours until the stars come out.
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thursday (Day 6)
the gardetta to tende
102km
1860M
The majestic off-road circuit around the Gardetta doubles back towards Rocca de Meja before passing through Colle Cologna and continuing along the high military stradas that make this area so special. Eventually we’ll reach Col Valcavera where we’ll exchange gravel for alpine roads once more and descend the wide open Vallon Mora and Del Arma that run all the way towards the traditional village of Demonte and shortly afterwards the sizeable town of Borgo San Dalmazzo. Once refuelled, our route heads south, out of town, towards the small alpine skiing resort of Panice Soprana. Soon our legs will be spinning once more as we ascend towards col Tende. The descent back into France is sublime. 48 hairpin bends, some as little as 60 m apart, bring us into a large gorge carved out by the river Roya and onto Tende nestled in archetypal south of France territory.
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friday (Day 7)
tende to sospel
72km
2210M
The road south from Tende continues to descend along the Roya valley before cutting back and making the long steady climb, initially on road and then on forgotten dirt tracks along the Route de la Maglia towards Col Turini. Remote canyons littered with tunnels and ancient pine trees occupy most of the landscape now as we rise high above the river below. Eventually we'll reach the ridge and follow the trail with breathtaking views until the summit. Col Turini is reached by descending on tarmac. You'll continue along more stunning switchbacks until we reach our campsite and overnight stop.
Saturday (Day 8)
sospel to nice
70km
1520M
The first part of our final day is spent contouring the Roya Gorge with more short tunnels that characterise this region. We've left the high alpine mountains behind and can now really feel the warmth of the mediterranean. Only col de Braus, col du Farguet and the infamous Col de la Madone stand between us and the sea. You'll dabble with high quality tarmac and gravel tracks once again before reaching the small village of Saint Agnes perched high on the mountainside. Our legs will want to follow the ramp down into Nice but our spirits will drive us up following the modest sign that signals the col de la Madone. As the road sweeps around the large canyon below we get our first glimpse of the col. It's hard not to increase the wattage for the final metres. It really is all down hill from here. You'll soon be experiencing a stark contrast between the wild and remote landscapes that you've travelled through as we navigate bustling suburbs that lead through Nice to the Mediterranean Sea.
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Expedition Highlights
The inspiring high alpine terrain between the Col de Finestre and the Strada dell Assietta.
Passing Napoleon's Refuge on route to the mythical Col d'Izoard then descending through the Casse Deserte into the Queyras Regional Park.
The warm hospitality of the local hotels and remote campsites.
Sampling local produce - nothing beats fresh croissants in France and delicious gelato in Italy.
Reaching Col de Agnel (2744m) - the third highest col in the Alps.
Overnighting in the Gardetta Refuge and watching the magical alpine sunset.
Entering France for the final time by descending all 48 hairpin bends of Col Tende.
Seeing the Mediterranean sea after spending days trying to reach it!
FAQ
What bike is best for Turin to Nice High Alpine Gravel Route?
The route is long and varied. There's a lot of classic alpine tarmac and lots of rough roads and gravel tracks. So, taking everything into consideration, we highly recommend a comfortable drop bar gravel bike with fast rolling tyres that are at least 45 mm (2 inches) wide. Do also ensure that your gear ratios are kind enough to allow you to spin on the climbs with little fuss. You don’t want to be grinding up anything or forced out of the saddle for long periods. We’ll ascend over 17,500 m by the end of the trip. A lightweight XC mountain bike with fast rolling tyres will also work. Please call for a chat if you think this will help.
Do I need my own bike?
No, we can arrange rental for you and have it ready for you to ride. Please let us know if you need a bike and we’ll discuss options but rental prices start at £190 for the trip. We'll need to pre-order this, so advance notice is needed.
Do I need my own bikepacking bags?
We'll be supported by a vehicle but we’ll be travelling through some remote areas, where the support vehicle can’t access and we’ll all need to be able to carry spare clothes, food and water for extended periods. You won't need a full set of Bikepacking bags but a few items will be useful. If you don't have these, don't worry. Please let us know what you need and we’ll find a solution together.
What clothing and equipment will I need?
You can find a recommended clothing and equipment list by clicking...
If you are unsure about any of these items, or you need to purchase any of these items, you are more than welcome to get in touch for some help and advice. We've bought our fair share of kit over the years and we're very happy to share what works for us.
How physically fit do I need to be to complete the expedition?
Cycling from Turin to Nice is a serious undertaking, no matter which route you take or how you do it. You'll need to be comfortable covering 100 km a day and you’ll need to be able to climb between 2000 m - 3000 m per day. The supported nature of the trip means that you won’t need to take expedition equipment with you, so you won’t be carrying a tent, sleeping systems or cooking equipment. All of this will be transported in the support vehicle. You will need to take appropriate layers, depending on the weather and food and drink to sustain you through different stages of the day. This means that our bikes will be fairly light which extends our range, keeping distances and elevation profiles manageable. All that said, this route is not suitable for entry level cyclists. It’s an ambitious goal for those who are keen to push their own boundaries physically and mentally. If you are in any doubt about your own fitness levels and / or suitability, please do contact us and we'll be happy to help you with your decision making.
What sort of prior experience do I need to have, to enjoy the Turin to Nice High Alpine Gravel Route?
You don't need a huge amount of expedition or riding experience actually, but you will need to be physically conditioned and mentally prepared to get the most out of the trip. The ascents are long and there's quite a few of them! We won't be riding at pace, but we'll need some momentum to reach our daily objectives. The good news is that the scenery is some of the best you'll see anywhere in Europe and it's a powerful motivator. And, we're fully supported so we won't be carrying very much and we'll be well looked after along the route. If you're unsure in any way, do get in touch. We can discuss your suitability openly and transparently.
How many hours will we be riding for each day?
We’ll aim to start riding around 8:00 am and we’ll be riding for around 10 hours each day. All timings are rough estimates and subject to the daily itinerary, weather and the speed of the group. The key is to keep moving, at a reasonable pace, throughout the day with sensible stops to take in the views.
How many riders will make up the group?
We'll need at least 5 riders to make the expedition viable and we'll never have groups larger than 8.
Will riders stay together during the day?
Yes, we'll stay together as a group. There may be short sections (usually inclines) where those who want to stretch their legs can enjoy a challenge but we'll move together, and for safety reasons, we'll always descend together, as a group.
Where will the expedition start and what's the best way to get there?
Our meeting point is a comfortable hotel close to the old royal palace on the outskirts of Turin. It's known locally as La Venaria Reale. It's only a short drive from the airport. You’re welcome to join us from midday on Friday. We’ll gather as a group during the afternoon, prepare for the week ahead, explore the local town and enjoy our first meal together. If you'd like to be shuttled from the airport to the hotel, no problem, we'll get your flight details during the booking process and see you at the airport.
When and where will we finish on Saturday?
We'll arrive in Nice, on Saturday afternoon, having completed one of the very best cycling adventures imaginable. We'll check into our hotel, close to the airport, and after sorting our kit and taking a much needed shower, we'll explore locally and relax. We'll enjoy one last evening meal together before preparing to travel home. If you'd like to be taken to the airport on Sunday, no problem. We'll know your departure information and have a plan ready to go.
Will my spare clothes and equipment be transported for me during the trip?
Yes. This is an important aspect of the expedition. Being self-sufficient brings with it its own challenges and rewards but being able to travel light and being supported affords a level of flexibility and peace of mind that, we feel gives the very best chance of enjoyment and success. You'll get access to your kit bag whenever we meet up with the support vehicle which is likely to be 2-3 times a day and at the end of each day.
Is there a limit on what I can bring?
The only limit we have is space within the support vehicle. All we ask is that you fit whatever you need transporting into one bag / holdall / suitcase that is no bigger than 100cm x 45cm x 45cm. These measurements equate to a large expedition holdall and should be enough for the week.
What will I need to carry with me during the day?
You'll need to wear appropriate clothing to suit the weather and each day will vary slightly, depending on the itinerary, but generally speaking, we'll travel light carrying a few extra layers, snacks, water, spare tubes, repair kits etc. Your guide will take care of group safety items and they will also carry a range of more general spares. Our support vehicle will be on hand and we'll reunite regularly most days.
What type of accommodation will we be using?
We’ll use a real mix during the expedition. There'll be everything from hotels, mountain refuges and remote campsites. This gives us the most flexibility and helps us develop a range of useful skills necessary for more adventurous expeditions. You can bring your own tent or you can use one of ours, free of charge. We have enough tents so that everyone can have their own, should they wish. We’ll have one large communal tent, where we can all meet, plan, chat and share meals together. We’ll also have a (secure) bike tent, so we can clean, prepare bikes and carry out any maintenance under cover, if needed.
Will I have to share a tent?
No, but you can if you choose to. All of our tents are two person semi-geodesic. They are comfortable for two or palatial for one.
Will I have to share a room?
You need to be prepared to share a twin room but this will depend on the final number of expedition members. If you wish to have your own room, this is possible (depending on individual accommodation availability) but there will be an additional cost. We can give you more information about this during the booking process if you wish to explore this as an option.
What's the catering plan?
We’ll provide all meals and snacks between the time you arrive on Friday until we say farewell on Saturday. We love food and know how important it is during an expedition. All meals provided will be healthy and plentiful (cake will just be plentiful). A sample menu can be found by clicking...
Once you're booked onto an expedition, we'll ask you for your preferences so that we have the best chance of offering foods you love.
What if I have food allergies and / or dietary requirements?
No problem. Let's discuss this during the booking process and we'll do our utmost to support your needs.
How do I get from the airport to the hotel on day 1?
Turin airport is only 17 km from our arrival day hotel. It's likely that expedition members will arrive at different times throughout the day. You can make your own way to our hotel by train or bus, or once you know your arrival time, you can arrange a pick up with us. We'll happily pick you and your bike up and shuttle you from the airport to the hotel, free of charge.
Do we start the route in the centre of Turin?
No, whilst the Equestrian Monument marks the start of the official Turin to Nice Rally (TNR), the practicalities of finding suitable accommodation close to the city and supporting everyone to get there from the airport is challenging. Also, navigating out of the centre of Turin, as a newly formed group, can be tricky with cars being less than sympathetic towards cyclists. And the route out of the city is not all that inspiring really. Starting at the old palace in Vaneria means that we can shuttle you from the airport quickly and efficiently and we can prepare properly in a more relaxed (and beautiful) environment. The old palace is a much better location to start this route, in our opinion.
Are there different options along the route?
Yes, the original Turin to Nice Rally (TNR) route does allow the rider to choose a few options along the way, some on road and some exploring more challenging off-road sections. We feel we have found the perfect journey that blends the best of both on and off-road to create the very best route between the two cities. We will set out to complete our planned route but we may be forced to adapt as there are sometimes forces at play, beyond our control, to include weather and route closures. We have lots of options and each and every one will inspire us and leave its mark.
What's the best airport to fly into and when should I book flights?
Turin has one main international airport called Turin Casselle Airport. It's about 17 km from our arrival day hotel. Most of the regular short haul companies fly to Turin and we'll contact you to confirm the expedition is going ahead by no later than Friday 26th April 2024. Please do not book flights before we confirm the trip is definitely running.
How do I book onto this expedition?
You can start the simple booking process by clicking...
and we'll contact you to arrange a quick chat, just to make sure you've picked the perfect expedition that matches your ability and expectations. Once we're both happy, we'll ask you for a deposit (50% of the total cost of the expedition), then we'll confirm your place and take you through the rest of the booking process. This involves getting some information from you and us sharing everything you need to know in preparation for your expedition. If you would like to discuss any aspect of this expedition before making a booking, no problem, go to the 'Ask Us Anything' section below and we'll answer your query as quickly as we can.
If we've not covered an area you're keen to explore in the FAQ above, please do get in touch using the 'Ask Us Anything' form below and we'll answer your query as quickly as we can.
Book an adventure in 3 Easy Steps
Start the simple booking process by clicking and we’ll arrange a convenient time to call you. We just need to make sure you’ve picked the perfect expedition for you. If you’re keen to chat before deciding whether to commit to an expedition, no problem, contact us via 'Ask Us Anything' below and we’ll get back in touch as quickly as we can to answer any questions you have.
Once we're both happy that you've picked a suitable expedition, we'll ask you for a deposit (50% of the total cost of the expedition), then we'll confirm your place, via email, and take you through the rest of the booking process. We’ll need to get some more information from you and we'll send you some more details about your expedition.
We’re happy to field any questions you have leading up to your expedition but roughly 14 days before your expedition is due to start, we’ll contact you to make sure you’re ready to join us. We’ll share the final GPX file of your route and update you on any relevant information to include details about other expedition members.