Saturday: The Journey Begins in Thonon-les-Bains
We kicked things off on Saturday under a crisp morning sky, heading for Thonon-les-Bains—our starting point for the Route des Grandes Alpes. By the afternoon, the hotel parking lot had turned into a proper car meet: Lotuses, Ferraris, McLarens, Porsches, BMWs, Toyotas, Mazdas… Each one with its own attitude, roar, and colour.
The group matched the cars in variety and energy. We broke the ice over dinner at Flam’s next door, eating Flammekueche, sharing stories, and building up the anticipation. The vibe? Electric.
(Just the people though—the cars were still very much petrol-powered.)
Sunday: Warming Up the Tires and Hitting Roselend
Sunday morning, we hit the legendary D902, the backbone of the Route des Grandes Alpes. The day started easy: a twisty valley road, perfect for getting into the groove. As we climbed higher, the landscape changed, with Tour de France signs popping up everywhere—Alps in full summer mode.
After a light lunch in Notre Dame de Bellecombe, we tackled one of the highlights: Lac de Roselend. Same as every year, it didn’t disappoint. Turquoise water, dramatic peaks, zero traffic. A postcard come to life.
We arrived in Tignes (2,100 m) just in time for dinner at Niurou Steakhouse. Great meat, good wine, and the usual table full of laughter.
Monday: The Big Four
Monday was not for the faint-hearted. We crossed four giants in one day: Iseran, Télégraphe, Galibier, and Izoard. Each pass a different vibe, but all thrilling, with hairpins, altitude, and epic views. We improvised a lunch stop on the way (priorities: fuel, coffee, snacks) before reaching our next hotel in Eygliers.
The group energy was high—some tired faces, sure, but also big smiles and “I can’t believe that road” reactions flying around the dinner table.
Tuesday: High Altitudes, Hairpins, and Turini
Tuesday delivered. We started with Col de Vars, then climbed to the roof of the Alps: Cime de la Bonette, the highest paved road in Europe. Our convoy lined up under a deep blue sky, surrounded by pure Alpine madness.
Next: Col Saint-Martin and a well-earned lunch at Chez Frankie. The grand finale? Col de Turini. If you know rallying, you know. Tight switchbacks, forest shade, and perfect asphalt. We hit Menton by evening, ready for sea air, a shower, and a drink.
Wednesday: Monaco, Beach and a Sunset Farewell
After four days of full driving mode, Wednesday was all about chilling. Some went for Monaco glitz, others hit the beach in Menton. We regrouped for a last dinner by the sea. That golden hour light, plates of seafood, and one final toast to a damn good tour.
Thursday: One Last Pass and Goodbye
Time to head home. Most of the group left early, but a few of us couldn’t resist one last mountain fix. We took the reopened Col de Tende and had a final lunch together in Cuneo. A proper wrap-up before the real world called us back.
