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The French Alps by Bike: a journey into the heart of the mythical roads of the Tour de France
Every summer, 12 million spectators thrill along the roads of the Tour de France, from the legendary hairpins of Alpe d’Huez to the relentless slopes of Mont Ventoux. These Alpine roads, the scene of champions’ feats, are not reserved for professionals alone. Once the caravan has passed, they open up to everyone, majestic and accessible. The book The French Alps by Bike, authored by Nicolas Richoz and published in October 2024 by Éditions Slatkine, invites cyclists, travelers, and enthusiasts to explore these mythical routes at their own pace.
An immersive exploration of the French Alps
This beautiful 432-page book offers 37 carefully documented itineraries, covering 4,065 km and 102,000 m of elevation gain. From iconic passes like the Galibier, Alpe d’Huez, or La Loze to lesser-known climbs, each route is a deep dive into the history of cycling, local culture, and the raw beauty of the Alpine landscapes. Thanks to QR codes, the itineraries are downloadable for a practical and connected experience.
Far from being a simple guide, the work combines technical rigor – topography, elevation gains, practical advice – with sensitive narration. The large-format photographs, the fruit of the talent of Nicolas Richoz, an engineer, triathlete, and certified photographer, capture the essence of the Alps. This third installment of a trilogy dedicated to the Alpine massifs (Les Alpes à vélo and Le Valais à vélo) establishes itself as a reference for cycle touring and slow travel enthusiasts.
A living tribute to the Tour de France
The French Alps by Bike does not merely celebrate the heritage of the Tour de France: it makes it tangible. Each pass is recounted as a story, blending memories of great stages, field observations, and cultural anecdotes. The author invites readers to cycle through a living territory, where physical effort meets contemplation.
An aesthetic and rigorous work
With its elegant format (25 x 30 cm, hardcover) and striking aerial images, created thanks to Richoz’s drone photography skills, the book is as much an art object as it is a guide.
A book for lovers of slow travel
At a time when cycle touring and slow travel are gaining popularity, The French Alps by Bike appeals to seasoned cyclists as much as to travelers seeking meaning. From challenges like the “7 Majors” to accessible loops, the work reinvents the mountain as an inclusive and inspiring space. It is aimed at those who see in every pass an invitation to exploration, effort, and freedom.
About the author
Nicolas Richoz, born in 1993 and based in Swiss Valais, is a civil engineer, triathlete, and photographer. After Les Alpes à vélo (2021) and Le Valais à vélo (2023), he concludes his trilogy with this ambitious work, praised for its rigor and sensitivity. Trained at EPFL and the Institute of Photography, he combines technical expertise and an artistic eye to convey his passion for the Alps.
Practical information
Title: The French Alps by Bike
Author: Nicolas Richoz
Publisher: Slatkine
Publication: October 2024
Pages: 432
Price: €49
Format: 25 x 30 cm, hardcover
Link: slatkine.com
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