VIALPS Cross-border route

Between France and Italy

The VIALPS route passes through the  Savoie,  Piedmont, and the Hautes Alpes, crossing the Col du Galibier (2642 m altitude), Col de Montgenèvre (1850 m altitude)/ Echelle (1762 m altitude), Col de Finestre (2178 m altitude), Col de Sestrières (2035 m altitude), Col du Mont Cenis (2085 m altitude). Several variants have been imagined to complete the initial route.
Download the GPX routes of the different stages for free.

To each his or her own way of discovery

Maurienne Tourisme presents this new sporting route, to be done by bike :

• By cyclosportive (road bike, and gravel bike for some variants)
• By  slow tourism / bike packing (MTB, Touring bike)
• By electronic bike

1.1 La Classique : 66 km, D+ 1924 m

1.2 Variant via Aussois : 66 km, D+ 1462 m

1.3 Variant via Novalaise : 73 km, D+ 1453 m

This first step takes you right to the heart of the Haute Maurienne at the foot of the Vanoise massif and its majestic peaks.

On the road, you will not fail to admire Fort Esseillon with its 5 towering forts. From village to village, you will gradually climb towards the Mont Cenis pass either by the main route or by Aussois. At the top of the Mont Cenis plateau, you will discover all the riches of this high place, a passage between France and Italy through the centuries. You will take the opportunity to admire its lake with turquoise waters surrounded by the forts of Variselle, Ronce, and Pattacreuse. Further on, are the switchbacks to Italy taking either by the main road or by a variant where you will be surprised by the small traditional village of Moncenisio (cut stones walls and slate roofs) and its lake. You will then come to Novalaise before joining Susa and its unmissable historic center.

A new atmosphere invades you “welcome ! ” or as they say in Italian “Benvenuto! ”

2.1 La Classique Suse – Briançon : 58 km, A+ 1565 m

2.2 Variant via the col de Finestre : 78 km, A+ 2853 m

2.3 Variant via the col de l’Echelle : 66 km, A+ 1473 m

Departing from Susa, 3 options: the shortest main route (2.1) via Oulx allows you to discover the Fort d’Exilles and Lake ‘Orfù before arriving at the Col du Montgenèvre. Either you go through Bardonecchia ( Bramafam fort) then the Echelle pass and the Clarée valley (2.3). This reveals its authentic hamlets ( Névache, Val des Prés ) and above all a still preserved nature. Another option (2.2), the longest and sportiest, is worth the detour via the Col de Finestre. You leave quietly on the road when it becomes a gravel road for a few km before reaching the pass. Efforts certainly, but incredible panoramas like Pian dell’Alpe. As you see the fortress of Fenestrelle in the distance, you cross the small village of Balboutet with its cobbled streets. Further, you admire the lake of Pourrieres before arriving at the Olympic resort of Sestriere. The end of your journey is approaching and rewards the Vauban city of Briançon, its castles, and fortified town walls.

The proposed route :

Distance: 57 km, A+ 1832 m

A legendary stage tackling the famous Lautaret and Galibier passes where you will cross the highest threshold of this route at an altitude of 2,642m. This passage between the Southern and Northern Alps will offer you landscapes and grandiose panoramas on the surrounding mountain ranges such as Les Ecrins, Thabor, or Les Cerces. On your way, you can take the opportunity to try the Grands Bains de Monêtiers-les-Bains (thermal spring), or even discover the secrets of the alpine botanical garden of the Col du Lautaret. At the top of the legendary Galibier, at 2642m, take a break to admire a 360° panorama from the orientation table which is located just above the pass. From there you can even see the Mont-Blanc. In Valloire one of the most beautiful Baroque churches in Savoie awaits you, and you can finish the stage with a glass (of local beer in moderation)!

The proposed route :

Distance : 32 km, D+ 557m

The last stage is a very gentle ride into Saint Michel de Maurienne via the Telegraph pass. You will be able to discover the Fort Telegraph before the great descent into the valley. If you need it, you can find equipment and services dedicated to cyclists all along the VIALPS route,  the “Espace Maurienne Galibier  ” of St Michel brings them together in an innovative reception center. Everything to take a “real” break with an information point, luggage storage, shower, repairs, and even a vending machine selling local products. Take the opportunity to visit ” L’Espace Alu” which reveals the history and secrets of aluminum in the Maurienne. For the end of your journey to Modane, 2 solutions are available to you, either you take the train to finish quietly, or you continue by bike along the Arc and its hydroelectric heritage. You have crossed 2 countries, 3 regions, 4 valleys, and 8 great Alpine passes, cycling has no borders for you – Congratulations, Bravo !!