Bytagand the publication "The French Alps by bike": a tribute to routelegendary Tour de France"
The French Alps by bike : a journey to the heart of routelegendary Tour de France
Every summer, 12 million spectators thrill to the edge of the routeof the Tour de France, from the legendary switchbacks of Alpe d'Huez to the relentless slopes of Mont Ventoux. These routeThe Alpine mountains, the scene of the exploits of champions, are not reserved for professionals alone. Once the caravan has passed, they open to all, majestic and accessible. The book The French Alps by bike, signed Nicolas Richoz and published in October 2024 by Éditions Slatkine, invites cyclists, travelers and enthusiasts to explore these legendary routes at their own pace.
An immersive exploration of the French Alps
This beautiful 432-page book features 37 carefully researched routes, covering 4 km and 065 m of elevation gain. From iconic passes like Galibier, Alpe d'Huez, and La Loze to lesser-known climbs, each route is a dive into cycling history, local culture, and the raw beauty of Alpine landscapes. Using QR codes, the routes are downloadable for a convenient and connected experience.
Far from being a simple guide, the book combines technical rigor – topography, elevation changes, practical advice – with sensitive narration. The large-format photographs, the fruit of the talent of Nicolas Richoz, engineer, triathlete and qualified photographer, capture the essence of the Alps. This third part of a trilogy dedicated to the Alpine massifs (The Alps by bike et Valais by bike) has established itself as a reference for lovers of cycle touring and slow travel.
A living tribute to the Tour de France
The French Alps by bike doesn't just celebrate the heritage of the Tour de France: it makes it tangible. Each pass is told like a story, mixing memories of the major stages, field observations, and cultural anecdotes. The author invites you to pedal through a living territory, where physical effort meets contemplation.
An aesthetic and rigorous work
With its elegant format (25 x 30 cm, bound) and its striking aerial images, created using Richoz's skills in drone photography, the book is as much an object of art as a guide.
A book for lovers of gentle roaming
At a time when cycle tourism and gentle roaming are gaining popularity, The French Alps by bike is aimed at both seasoned cyclists and travelers in search of meaning. From challenges like the "7 Majors" to accessible loops, the book reinvents the worldtagas an inclusive and inspiring space. It is aimed at those who see in each pass an invitation to exploration, effort and freedom.
About the Author
Nicolas Richoz, born in 1993 and based in the Swiss Valais, is a civil engineer, triathlete and photographer. After The Alps by bike (2021) et Valais by bike (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 artistic vision to convey his passion for the Alps.
Practical information
Title: The French Alps by bike
Author: Nicolas Richoz
Publisher: Slatkine
Release: October 2024
Pages: 432
Price: 49 €
Format: 25 x 30 cm, bound
Link : slatkine.com
