Day 2 – Route des Grandes Alpes – Val d’Isere to Termignan
Today we really felt we were starting the tour. We have cycled up to the Col de l’Iseran twice before but have not descended the southern side. We departed Val d’Isere on a stunning clear morning, autumn in the air and our bikes casting long shadows on the road. The marmottes are readying themselves for hibernation, scurrying and whistling across the mountain side – perhaps the sign below is not just for fun!
After a steady climb to the Col we were looking forward to the descent. We have ski toured on this side of the mountain and were not disappointed by the view – if anything more spectacular than in winter. With each loop of the descent we were stunned by the beauty of the scenery, almost like the Scottish highlands, and our progress was delayed as we had to stop to take more photos.
We passed through Bonneval-Sur-Arc which is a beautiful village seemingly untouched by tourism. Our descent continued further down the Maurienne valley, with just anothe small col – Col de la Madelaine – before we reached tonight’s stop at Termignan. Overall a trip of 56km climbing 1100m 🚴♀️👍.
