The Alps don't just serve up amazing scenery and wonderful cycling roads, but also some fantastic wines with a long history. The Celtic Allobroges had been cultivating a vine able to withstand the alpine climate from before the Roman invasion in 121bc. This ride in part follows the Route des vins of the Savoie.
We will set off from Frontenex, near the foot of the Col de Tamie and head south to Saint-Pierre d’Albigny. Here we take on the majority of the days climbing with several short sharp challenges. It's a beautiful route flanked by the Bauges Massif to our right and as we approach Saint-Pierre d’Albigny the Château de Miolans comes into sight. Originally built as a fortress dating back to the 11th century before becoming the Bastille of the Alps it sits on a rock ridge 200m above the hamlet of Miolans.
From here we cross over the valley to Aiton, sitting at the gateway to the Maurienne valley, the starting point for infamous climbs such as the Glandon, Madeleine and Galibier! But for today we will spare you these and take the more gentile route home. Climbing gently to Albertville before following the Tarentaise valley up to Moûtiers.
If this has inspired you to push a little more, Have a look at this ride over the Col de la Madeleine that links the Maurienne and Tarentaise Valleys.
