TOUR 5 The Alps (high-mileage)

TOTAL DISTANCE: 1785 miles RIDING TIME: Seven days

DAY ONE: Calais to Chatillon-sur-seine (285 miles)

DAY TWO: Chatillon-sur-seine to Bourg-st-maurice (265 miles)

DAY THREE: Bourg-st-maurice to Barcelonette (195 miles)

DAY FOUR: Barcelonette to Castellane (250 miles)

DAY FIVE: Castellane to Tence (260 miles)

DAY SIX: Tence to Mesnil-st-pierre (265 miles)

DAY SEVEN: Mesnil-st-pierre to Calais (265 miles)

All the great passes plus the Gorges du Verdon are on this intense week-long trip, with full days suitable for solo riders. Easly extended with extra days to ride loops around Bourg-st-maurice, Barcelonette or Castellane, or you could plan a rest day or two into the trip.