Take advantage of the long weekends in May to explore the Annecy Mountains by bike!
© Tristan-Shu-Annecy-Mountains
© Office de Tourisme Thônes Coeur des Vallées
On this first day, head towards the Col de Plan Bois via Manigod. This cycling loop trail is an opportunity to explore the village of Manigod, a charming village that is characteristic of the traditional Haut-Savoie style. Cycling along the small mountain roads leading up to the Col de Plan Bois is a great way to really experience the Alpine pastures and embrace the wonderful scenery. Here, tranquility is the order of the day. When you arrive at the mountain pass, at the foot of Sulens, the Auberge de Plan Bois invites you to stop off for some well-deserved refreshments. Make sure you stop off to taste their famous potato fritters, overlooking the Tournette mountain. As you head back down to Thônes early afternoon, you could make a stop at the Coopérative du Reblochon for a free guided tour to find out all about how this delicious local cheese is made. Or if you’re feeling really adventurous, get back on your bike and cycle to Saint-Jean-de-Sixt for a truly unique experience on your bike: the bun-j-ride. A bungee jump from a sort of ski jump but on your bike for a rush of adrenaline guaranteed!
© Tristan-Shu-Annecy-Mountains
© Peignee_Verticale
On this 2nd day, you’ll be cycling through hamlets and villages, orchards and across pastures in a rustic and always peaceful atmosphere. You can then get back onto the loop trail up the gentle slope of the Col du Marais and then via Serraval. From there, the Route du Col de l’Épine leads you to Le Bouchet-Mont-Charvin. Stop off in this little village that has been spared from mass tourism and admire the view of the impressive Mont Charvin. Along the Col de l’Épine, admire a succession of spectacular viewpoints. And if you’re feeling hot, stop to cool off at Marlens lake or Fontany waterfall in Saint-Ferréol. As for fans of historic monuments, we recommend stopping off in Faverges-Seythenex and going up the steps behind the Carré des Tisserands that lead up to the château overlooking the whole town.
Whether you choose the Les Sapins hotel in Manigod or the Florimont in Saint-Ferréol, there are several places to stay that are perfectly equipped to accommodate cyclists along the roads of the Annecy Mountains. Here we suggest using Thônes as your base camp for your explorations, but it is also possible to set off for several days on a bicycle touring expedition. To plan your route, pick up the map of cycling routes in the Annecy Mountains and the list of ‘Accueil Vélo’ establishments, available from the Tourist Offices. This cycling booklet could also be very useful!
For several routes, you’ll find alternative sections with varying difficulty depending on what you’re looking for. You can also choose to use an electric bike on all the routes and enjoy bike rides as a family or with friends, even if the whole group doesn’t have the same level of ability. And above-all, this less strenuous mode of transport means you can take the time to explore local heritage sites, admire the scenery, go for a drink in a café for cyclists around Lake Annecy or even stay a while longer… Because we kept the tour of Lake Annecy along little roads for the end of this trip. To make your experience on the shores of a lake with turquoise-blue waters last longer, and to add a touch of the French Riviera to this long weekend.
From Thônes via the Alex plain, you can join onto the route at the Col de Bluffy. From here, you’ll have a superb view of Lake Annecy and the surrounding mountains. And this is only the beginning because this route is just one fantastic view after another. It becomes difficult to carry on pedalling because you’ll want to stop and take in your surroundings. And that’s fine because you’ll be spoilt for choice for places to stop off at: cafés for cyclists, beaches, nature reserves, restaurants… So many opportunities to just take your time and explore the shores of the lake in a different way, such as at Talloires bay or by venturing along the Roselières trail in Saint-Jorioz. Along the way, cyclists looking for a spot of culture will be delighted to stop by the Musée Paccard, explore the narrow streets of Annecy’s old town or the Musée de la Résistance and the Nécropole Nationale when you arrive in Thônes. A long weekend full of new discoveries awaits you on the cycling routes in the Annecy Mountains!
