The ideal base camp for cyclists, the Annecy Mountains are home to countless legendary cols and secret passes. The choice is yours!
Deep within the Aravis mountains, set off from Thônes towards Grand-Bornand to get to the Col de la Colombière (1618 m). Accessible from 1st June, this mountain pass has seen Tour de France cyclists race up it 23 times. The road climbs amidst mountain pastures with the Aravis mountains as your backdrop. You can also set off towards Manigod and tackle first the Col de la Croix-Fry (1477 m) then the Col des Aravis (1487 m) with stunning views over Mont-Blanc to make it worth your while!
A more recent feature of the Tour de France, the Col des Glières (1390 m), open from 1st June, has a challenging ascent in store, with gravel biking across the plateau an option
The Col de la Forclaz (1157 m) and Col du Semnoz (1673 m) are fairly demanding mountain passes which require a bit of training before attempting the ascent. But they promise amazing views over Lake Annecy and the surrounding mountains! Especially a sweeping view over the Aravis mountains and Mont-Blanc from the Col du Semnoz.
The Col de Bluffy (639 m) and Col de Leschaux (897 m) are two shorter, easily accessible mountain passes that you can combine on an undulating circuit round Lake Annecy.
The Annecy Mountains also boast several secret passes where you can enjoy riding away from the crowds. They are not any less challenging for all that, though! From the Col de Plan Bois (1299 m) on the slopes of Sulens mountain, you are afforded a wonderful view over the back of Tournette mountain and can get to the Col de la Croix-Fry. Around Mont-Charvin, the Col de l’Épine (947 m) and Col de l’Arpettaz (1581 m) wind through hamlets and mountain pastures in a peaceful, natural mountain setting. The Col de Tamié (907 m) is the most undulating of the four. It can be taken as part of the Tour de la Belle Étoile which takes you through part of the Bauges Regional Natural Park.
