France Camp 2025

Come and ride with us in the French Alps and let me take you on my secret routes in, around, and through the Oisans valley, including many of the climbs featured in the Tour de France.  Arrive excited to compare your climbing legs to those of the best cyclists in the world. 

While we're on the subject of climbing - remember that we're in the mountains. Accordingly, plan to log lots of climbing and descending kilometers (they use the metric system in France) on the most storied and revered routes existing in the sport of cycling. We will not spend very much time riding on flat roads - and that may be an understatement!

If you need to get your tri-geek on, there’ll be a little time to help yourself to the local running trails and quiet gravel roads, or choose from one of four local 25 meter lap pools.

You'll enjoy fresh, locally sourced food prepared by Chef Michael, in your quaint, charming, and private Chalet. Take in endless breathtaking views, or sooth your legs in a cool mountain stream while enjoying a glass (or two) of local wine. Make friends and tell stories, but most of all - RIDE.

France Camp Week 1 takes place from July 13-July 20, and France Camp Week 2 from July 20-27.

Campers should plan to arrive in Lyon, France (Lyon St Exupery Airport) or the Grenoble Train/Bus Station via various connection points such as Paris, Geneve, or London, on either Sunday, July 13 (Week 1) or Sunday, July 20 (Week 2). Departure dates are July 20 and July 27, respectively. We are happy to help you coordinate your travel plans once you decide to attend.

Cost and details:

• Camp Tuition of $5600 USD per person, single occupancy, or $4000 USD per person for campers willing to share a room.

• Bed and Breakfast style Chalet featuring 8 double occupancy room, each with its own bathroom and shower.

• Price includes:

  • Airport pick-up on July 13 (Week 1) and July 20 (Week 2) in Lyon, France (Lyon St Exupery Airport) and airport drop-off on July 20 and July 27. Pick-up at the Grenoble train station can be arranged for those taking the TGV from Paris to Grenoble.

  • 7 nights accommodation

  • Bicycle rental (but feel free to bring your own bicycle, if desired). Your bicycle will be waiting for you at the Chalet (Ultegra Di2 equipped Wilier ZeroSL or equivalent) – climbing gears, of course!

  • France Camp cycling kit (shorts and jersey)

  • One massage with the option to purchase additional massages

  • Morning stretch / yoga session on the porch (three mornings per “week”)

  • Six guided and fully-supported rides (one rest day) - Our vans will provide the best SAG ever. During the rides, you'll feel like a World Tour team member – just a little slower.

  • Big “Euro” Breakfast featuring eggs, cereals, fruits, yoghurts, Nutella, homemade jams, homemade breads, coffee (lots), tea, etc.

  • Afternoon (evening for us Americans) Tea featuring cheeses, nuts, local olives, local meats (salami, sausage, and such), and of course, Tea (and coffee).

  • Big Dinner featuring some kind of protein (Chicken, Beef, Fish, Pork), pasta, and/or rice, locally sourced veggies and cheese, homemade bread, dessert, and last but not least - wine.

  • Daily Camper pick-up at a scheduled time from either Bourg d'Oisans (base of the Alp d'Huez) or Allemond (base of the Reculas climb) for those who are too wimpy to ride back up to the Chalet (no pressure ;).

  • Ample energy bars, gels, and sports drink for each ride.

  • One load of laundry per day (ride clothes only).

  • On-site Sauna (clothing required – you know who I'm talking to).

  • Wi-Fi throughout the Chalet, including bedrooms.

  • Access to the extensive Chalet library (books, music, videos).

  • Access to our Bluetooth Speaker "music center" (I must approve all music before public consumption).

  • Bocce Ball (called "Boules" or "Petanque" in French) World Championship Tournament (unofficial)

  • Did I mention wine?!

  • On-site supplemental laundry service (if needed) for non-cycling clothes ($5 per load).

  • Honor Bar featuring beer and an assortment of sodas and chocolate bars - $2/item.

Cycling Information 

France Camp will feature rides of 3-5 hours and some courses that will be new to alumni. We will hit all of the famous climbs of the Oisans Valley and some that are awaiting fame. Ride as much or as little of each route as you want - we'll SAG you in should you choose to cut a ride short, or skip portions of a ride.

As usual, the riding is second to none, showcasing spectacular climbs and descents from Tours de France past and present, superb weather, minimal traffic, food that is healthy, delicious, fresh and plentiful, and awesome company and accommodations.

Climbs that you will visit while in the cycling mecca that is the French Alps may include: the col du Glandon, the col de la Croix de Fer, les deux alpes, the col du Lauteret, the Galibier, la Berarde, and the col de Ornon. Of course I would be remiss if I failed to mention our two hometown climbs, without which, access to our wonderful Chalet is not possible: the mythical 21 switchbacks of l'alpe d'Huez, and the soon to be legendary Reculas climb (aka: col de Reckyourass).

Shoot me an email (jimmy@riccitello.com) if you're interested in reserving a spot. You can find pictures from previous France Camps and comments from staff and campers at Riccitello's France Cycling Camp Facebook page. This is a trip that will produce memories that last a lifetime, new friendships, and some nice fitness gains while you're at it.