Stage 1 of the Route des Grandes Alpes

🏍️ Stage 1: Thonon-les-Bains → Bessans 

• Total length: approx. 240 km

• Pure riding time: approx. 6–7
  >>> actual riding time including breaks was from 9:00 AM departure in Thonon to 6:00 PM in Bessans 

🏔️ Passes Crossed

• Col des Gets (1,163 m)

• Col de la Colombière (1,613 m)

• Col des Aravis (1,486 m)

• Col des Saisies (1,650 m)

• Cormet de Roselend (1,967 m)

• Col de l’Iseran (2,764 m) >>> total super high to ride, but it was really cold and incredibly windy.
  
  The whole day was just great. Such amazing landscapes, such great roads and curves without end, simply fantastic. 

🛣️ Road conditions

• Consistently paved, well-maintained mountain roads

• Often tight bends, partly steep climbs and descents

• Limited overtaking opportunities, but with a bit of risk-taking, it’s gorgeous and above all doable

🌄 Scenic Highlights

• Panoramic views of the Mont-Blanc massif from the Col des Aravis

• The Lac de Roselend with turquoise water

• Alpine pastures and traditional Savoyard villages

🏨 Accommodation

• Hotel Chez Mamie Anna, Bessans
  Cozy hotel with motorcycle parking, very comfortable, uniquely decorated, and a totally nice host