This transalps route from Chamonix to Saint Aygulf on the Mediterranean coast is an adventurous mountain bike trip that crosses the French Alps. The routes take you through wild and remote alpine landscapes with endless, breathtaking views, fuelled by sumptuous blueberry tart. It puts the mountain into mountain biking; long climbs up and over high cols, meandering alpine singletrack, and exhilarating descents that’ll induce adrenaline-fuelled grins by the end. However, due to the nature of the exposed terrain and the steep and challenging sections of hike-a-bike, this route is only recommended for riders who are experienced in travelling through high mountain areas.

Tarmac is kept to a minimum, along quieter roads, except for the climb up to the col d’Allos, which is busy in July and August. Otherwise you’re off-road, from rugged gravel and forest tracks to singletrack – a mix of flowy to challenging, steep and technical. Bring a dropper post if you can make it work with your bikepacking set up. I’d recommend front suspension as a minimum, as well as 2.4 tyres for control and comfort. A full suspension would be an absolute blast. This Tour is not suitable for a gravel bike however.

Autumn is a stunning time to ride this route, the ambiance muted from the summer’s frenzy of visiting trail seekers, who are rarely encountered at this time of year as the infrastructure that supports their endeavours is mostly closed for the season. The autumn sun is less intense too, casting a softer light over the landscape, one that is starting to change its colours. On the flipside, only a few cafes and boulangeries (bakeries) remain open and the availability of accommodation becomes limited.

Refuges and gites are open from mid-June to mid to late September (do check exact seasonal opening dates), as are the smaller stores and cafes dotted along this route. Ideal for riding light, but I’d avoid the peak period of mid-July to the end of August as you’ll be constantly dodging other trail users. Booking ahead is always recommended, especially for the alpine refuges which have limited capacity. Don’t forget a sleeping bag liner and check what covers they supply.

Camping is an option too, with a number of campsites en route and it’s also permitted at some refuges. Wild camping is tolerated if you set up late and leave early. During the low season, you can enjoy incredible quiet nights out under the stars, with mountainous skylines lit up by the glow of glorious sunsets and sunrises.

The stages are recommendations, so split the route as you please. Numerous accommodation options are mentioned in each stage. I wild camped, which will maximise your options, but the extra gear makes the bike heavier of course!

At any time of the year, always pack waterproofs and a warmer layer, which are essential should the weather come in, as well as an emergency/first aid kit and a packable duvet jacket for nights out at altitude. Don’t wear your stiffest cycling shoes - ones with a more flexible sole will be better for the hike-a-bike. Make sure your bike is in good working order and you carry appropriate spares, as it’ll be an extended hike out in some areas. There are bike shops in the two larger towns and the occasional bike hire shop for repairs en route.

Most importantly, check the weather forecast, as conditions will dictate accessibility to this route. It would be foolhardy to attempt in poor weather due to regularly travelling across exposed terrain that sits between 2,000 and 2,600 metres (6,562 ft and 8,530 ft).

Chamonix is well serviced by public transport, both bus and train, but long-term parking is expensive or hard to come by. There’s a plethora of accommodation options, from hotels to Air B&Bs. Returning from the Mediterranean coast is straightforward by bus and train or the national car sharing service, BlaBlaCar, although always check if your bike can be carried. The cheapest and fastest way to return however, is by train via Italy and then a bus through the Mont Blanc tunnel.