The Experience

La Marmotte is the Tour de France for the rest of us. A brutal, beautiful loop through the high Alps, this is the gold standard of European Granfondos—and for many, the ultimate amateur cycling achievement.

Starting in Bourg d'Oisans, the route takes in four legendary cols: the Col du Glandon, Col du Télégraphe, Col du Galibier, and the iconic Alpe d'Huez finish. With over 5,000 meters of vertical gain and countless stories written on its slopes, La Marmotte is not just a ride—it's a rite of passage.

With PurpleVelo, you arrive trained and focused. Logistics, nutrition, and race-day panic? Leave that to us.

Thu, Jun 19

Arrival in Geneva/Lyon, transfer to Bourg d'Oisans, hotel check-in, dinner, orientation

Fri, Jun 20

Breakfast, bike assembly & tuning, short leg-spinner ride, climb recon, dinner

Sat, Jun 21

Visit event village, BIB collection, expo, course talk, early dinner, rest

Sun, Jun 22

Early breakfast, full race support, post-event transfer to hotel, celebration dinner

Mon, Jun 23

Breakfast, bike packing, airport transfers to Geneva/Lyon

Premium Accommodation

4 nights premium hotel stay in Bourg d'Oisans (twin-share or upgrade)

Transfers

All airport and local transfers

Ride Support

Ride-day support van with nutrition, hydration, and roadside assistance

Mechanical Support

Dedicated mechanic & bike check sessions

Guidance

PurpleVelo road captain for pacing and on-route guidance

Recovery

Post-ride recovery support and kit wash (1 mid-trip)

Advanced Cyclists

Who have completed long-distance, high-elevation events

Ultra Riders

Training for ultra sportives or multi-pass events like Haute Route

Performance Enthusiasts

Endurance-focused club riders and high-performance enthusiasts

Flights to/from France

You'll book your own airfare

Mid-ride snacks & café stops

We provide nutrition but coffee stops are extra

Travel insurance

Mandatory—must include event and bike coverage

Massage/spa treatments

Optional add-on

Single-room upgrade

Available upon request