Route Des Grandes Alpes

[CHLEMCBH]

I'm looking at doing this as part of a European tour next year (yes, next year, 2025 - I like to plan) I'm looking for opinions from anyone who's recently done it North to South as to whether to take a single day or split it into two. If at all possible, could you keep responses to the actual question? I'm not looking for other routes in the area (or elsewhere) or any other information or opinions. Thanks ever so!

[black-k1]

You need a good 2 days. It took us almost 2 days to do 3/4 of the Route des Grande Alpes. Details of our trip is in the link and we were riding for 7 to 8 hours a day.

https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...

The Route Napoleon is a day, and not a long day either but the Route des Grande Alpes is a whole different challenge.

[shirt]

I’ve only done it as far as Beaufort, echo the above I’d want 3 days to do it as a tour with leisurely lunch stops, 2 possible if you are just about the riding.

It’s on my list to do the whole route for this year or next. Hopefully this summer!

[StuntCock]

At least 2 days.

A mate and I did most of the route about 3 years back, North to South. We took two and a half days. There are a lot of hairpins!

We started in Aix-Les-Bains, not Thonon, joining the route at Flumet before Col des Saises. Late lunch in Val d ‘Isere, and spent the night in Valloire, between the Col du Telegraphe and Col du Galibier. The next day included the fantastic Col de la Bonette and the highest paved road in Europe, then a night at the Ranch de Turini on the famous rallying Col. Final half day rode down to Menton and was in Casino Square, Monaco for a lunchtime beer.

It is a lovely route, but not fast!

[CHLEMCBH]

Great input, thanks all! Looks like it might have to be on the way back, then, annoyingly.

[CHLEMCBC]

Zombieeeee!

The trip is now part booked and RdeGA will be done in two - probably very long - days. The days before and after will be relaxed and bimbly so a decent night's sleep before and during and we should be Golden. Mandello del Lario beckons for the second weekend of September then home via the Furka pass and some other alpine twistery...

[black-k1]

The Old Gits are "in the area" (Castellane from Sun 7th to Wed 10th then Barcelonnette until Sat 13th) Give us a wave or join us for a beer if you want.

If you're going to Furka then I'd recommend doing "The Holy Trinity" of Furka-Grimsell-Susten. Doing all 3 takes a little over 3 hours to get you back to where you started and it's some of the best time you'll ever spend on a motorcycle!

I hope you have a great trip!

ETA Grimmsel and Furka

Edited by black-k1 on Friday 10th January 17:49

[CHLEMCBC]

black-k1 said:

The Old Gits are "in the area" (Castellane from Sun 7th to Wed 10th then Barcelonnette until Sat 13th) Give us a wave or join us for a beer if you want.

If you're going to Furka then I'd recommend doing "The Holy Trinity" of Furka-Grimsell-Susten. Doing all 3 takes a little over 3 hours to get you back to where you started and it's some of the best time you'll ever spend on a motorcycle!

I hope you have a great trip!

Ooh, that sounds good, thanks.

[Stevemr]

I go to Switzerland every 2-3 years, and you are not wrong the three passes drive or bike ride is absolutely fantastic!
It’s also like a mobile bike/ car show. Always loads of interesting vehicles, especially at the weekend.
I highly recommend you allow a full day for it. At the end head towards Interlaken along lake Brienz and cool off with a swim in the lake. There are several parking areas with steps down into the lake.

[tvrolet]

Routes Des Grandes Alps you say?

[black-k1]

MyRouteApp says it's 15 hours riding top to bottom so 2 days will be 2 long days as that 15 hours does not allow for petrol, coffee food or photograph stops.

Edited by black-k1 on Tuesday 14th January 21:24