On Thursday 14 October 2021, the new course of the Tour de France It was announced. The rumors were persistent: that Switzerland and specifically the cities of Lausanne and Aigle would be the start and finish locations of the 2022 edition of ‘La Grande Boucle’. That’s why we spoke with local guide, Vaud expert and cycling guide phenomenon Alain Rumpf. For cyclingdestination.cc/ We asked him about some beautiful places in his home region, the Valais Alps in the canton of Vaud. In this article, we follow Alain Rumpf through the Alpes Vaudoises.
Alain, tell me who you are and what you do?
I am a former elite cyclist from Switzerland. I was born in Geneva and grew up in the region around Lake Lemain. After a short career as a cyclist, I worked for the UCI for 20 years, here in Aigle. That was from 1994 to 2014. Since 2001, I have also lived in this region in the beautiful mountain village of Gryon. After my time with the UCI, I started as a freelancer. Many know me as ‘A Swiss With a Pulse’ via Instagram. It’s a nickname I once received from a friend. I found it very fitting and have kept it ever since.
Under that category, people mainly see my photography (I’m a photographer) and my work as a guide for groups. In addition, my involvement in the Valais Alps present in this.
Besides those things, I have my own website, Cycliste.ch, really aimed at the French-speaking cycling enthusiast. It is a great place for me to post content and an additional source of income. Furthermore, I am still active as a consultant in various areas of the cycling world. My experience with the UCI (and especially my knowledge of regulations) comes in handy there!
You have been active in cycling for such a long time and have been a cyclist yourself for a very long time. What do you find so beautiful about cycling?
The best thing about cycling is the versatility. When I’m on my bike, I’m working on my health. At the same time, I’m in nature and enjoying beautiful places. As a photographer, of course, I visit many beautiful places. Additionally, meeting people is a very nice aspect of cycling. You have a ‘common ground’. That makes it such a wonderful hobby, or almost a lifestyle. As a guide, I’m in the fortunate position of meeting many different people and being able to show them the most beautiful places.
When I’m trying to finish the Tour des Stations (an ultra cycling race, ed.), it’s all about pushing myself to the limits. Then I really commit to it. I have to train for that too, and that’s when I’m out there working out again.
There’s no shortage of beautiful places in Switzerland. You yourself live in the municipality of Villars-Les Diablerets; how is life there?
I chose to live in this region, in the Alpes Vaudoises. It’s the combination of the mountains, the stunning landscape, the tranquility and calm, and the fantastic climbs. Don’t forget that these mountains are very close to the city. In just 45 minutes I’m in the city. The distances are therefore short.
Col des Mosses (C) Alain Rumpf
About the climbs: they are high, big and challenging, but they are not insurmountable. There is a lot of variety. The mountains are really accessible; it’s not extremely remote. You can choose in this region to go for a quiet climb where you encounter few people or to look for something more crowded. For example here in Villars and Gryon, but also in other places in the region.
If you were to take people on a bike tour, which places would you choose?
Col de la Croix (C) Alain Rumpf
From here, the Col de La Croix is the best option. It is the highest climb and it is truly spectacular. The road up is relatively quiet and you will hardly encounter any traffic at all. I usually combine it with a round trip via the Col du Pillon and the Col des Mosses. It is a wonderful combination, which also includes parts of the Col de la Croix. UCI Granfondo involves.
If I have to mention one more thing, it’s Les Agites. It’s a very challenging climb. At the bottom you’re in the Rhone valley and once you’re up there you have a stunning view over Lake Geneva. The climb is steep; there are tunnels; it’s really an adventure. You end up on the other side of the mountain.
Following Alain Rumpf through the Alps Vaudoises: Gravel tip!
If I take the gravel bike, I have a nice 45-kilometer round in the ski resort. Between Villars – Les Diablerets and Gryon.
Now for the real insider tip. If you live here, then of course you have a favorite lunchtime ride. It starts at the Col de la Croix and then I take a ‘secret’ route that eventually ends right outside my front door. Want to know which route? Check this out page!
Col de la Croix (C) Alain Rumpf
If you really want to explore this region and also want to have a great match experience, then you really have to go UCI Granfondo Suisse Do it. All the important hills are there and you get a regional quick course. Book a few days in advance to get used to the area. The race itself isn't completely closed off, but because there are so many cyclists on the road, you actually have the road to yourself. The region is then very bike-friendly.
Favorite stop
I am a huge fan of Boulangerie Charlet in Gryon. They have by far the best croissants in the village. My honest opinion.
Boulangerie Charlet (C) Alain Rumpf 
When I’m on the road, I like to stop by mountain or alpine huts, along the roadside or on the top. Almost every one of these has good coffee and you can usually get a delicious local cheese. The standard is simply high in that regard. (When we were ourselves in Vaud in 2020, we got to experience that)
What is your favorite hotel or place to stay overnight?.
Well, that’s tricky. I’m of course a local and I usually just sleep at home. But if I could choose, I’d say choose Villars as a base. From here you can go up or down. It’s a large ski resort, with several cafes and restaurants (among others). Alpe Fleurie, a recommended read).
As an alternative, Aigle It is also a good one. Not only because of its location (in the valley, which means there are many opportunities) but also because of the presence of the UCI and the Centre Mondial du Cycliste. At the headquarters of the world cycling federation, you can schedule a coffee break (they have delicious bike coffee) and you can also take a look at the indoor cycling track. There you will find not only an impressive photo gallery featuring the greats of the cycling world, but also a large selection of cycling equipment.
You also have the chance to meet David Lappartient (he drinks his coffee black ;)) and to see the new Chris Froome or Egan Bernal. Because the CMC is the place where great talents from all over the world come together.
In addition, you can also go to the cycling track yourself for an introductory course or you can choose a multi-day guided tour from the Centre Mondial du Cyclisme. For more information, visit the UCI website.
Best time to go?
Would you like to follow in Alain Rumpf's footsteps through the Alpes Vaudoises? Then head to this region between 15 May and 15 October for the best experience. Of course, the weather can always be unpredictable (but also beneficial), but then you have the best chance of having a wonderful experience.
Also check out the offers from the region of the Vaud Alps
Questions & tips
Do you have any questions about this route, or have you been there yourself? Share them here. We read everything and usually respond within a few days.