GETTING THERE

If you’re on the first train of the day, it’s possible to get to Grenoble in a day… but that’s a tiring day of motorway riding. Taking an extra day - or even two makes for a more pleasant journey. An overnight ferry to Caen or Le Havre may cost more but it saves a lot of miles (and as you land early, gives the trip a flying start). If you’re in a hurry, consider the Bikeshuttle: it ships your bike overnight to St Genis-pouilly, just over the border from Geneva. You fly out and in the morning, you’re ready to head south into the Alps. (www. bikeshuttle.co.uk)

OUR ROUTES CAEN TO GRENOBLE

Distance: 560 miles Riding time: Two days Overnight stop: Avallon

CALAIS TO BOURG ST MAURICE

Distance: 590 miles Riding time: Three days Overnight stops: Soissons

LE HAVRE TO BRIANCON

Distance: 600 miles Riding time: Two days Overnight stop: Lapalisse

CALAIS TO GRENOBLE

Distance: 565 miles Riding time: Two days Overnight stop: Chaumont