Leaving Saint-Jean-de-Maurienne, head for the Col de la Madeleine. You'll start the loop with the elegant switchbacks of Montvernier, before fully entering the wild, unspoilt mountain environment.
The route is 60% road and 40% gravel. Along the way, you'll discover Lac du Loup, the ski resort of Saint-François-Longchamps and a number of chapels for heritage enthusiasts.