The Annecy Mountains feature on the Route des Grandes Alpes. By road bike or gravel bike, cycle hot on the heels of the Tour de France competitors.
© Tristan-Shu-Annecy-Mountains
© Tristan-Shu-Annecy-Mountains
Cycling to the Mediterranean via Lake Geneva, crossing the Alps on the Route des Grandes Alpes is a challenge that attracts many cyclists. You’ll follow the itineraries and legendary passes taken by the cyclists of the Tour de France. In particular, you’ll take a section across the Annecy Mountains via the Colombière pass in Le Grand Bornand and the Aravis pass in La Clusaz. Cycle along to the sound of cowbells from the mountain pastures, cross typical villages and gaze at the stunning views of Mont Blanc. By bike or E-bike, enjoy a well-deserved break in the heart of the Aravis mountains at bike-friendly accommodation with the Accueil Vélo seal of approval.
© Bike Plaza
© Daka Store
The Annecy Mountains make cyclists feel welcome and offer a whole range of bike-friendly services and facilities that ensure you enjoy a hassle-free stay. Accommodation but also restaurants, cycling cafés, luggage forwarding services, bike rentals and repairs… To go even further and organise a bespoke getaway, be it for 2 people or a group of 20, our destination-management experts are here to accompany you all the way. The Annecy Mountains boast 1,580 km of waymarked roads: enough choice to put together a memorable adventure!
Fancy leaving the direct route to the Mediterranean to admire the beauty of Lake Annecy? Opt for the alternative route that starts in the resort of Saint-Jean-de-Sixt midway between Le Grand Bornand and La Clusaz and passing through Thônes. A 2-day itinerary that takes you to see the turquoise waters of Lake Annecy via the Marais pass, Val Sulens and Faverges before climbing the Leschaux pass to reach Lescheraines. You’ll then join the main Route des Grands Alpes itinerary and cross the Bauges mountains and Geopark.
For those who prefer taking a longer route to Lescheraines, you can take the Croix Fry pass and cross the authentic little village of Manigod, then head down the other side to the Plan Bois pass before reaching the road up to the Marais pass. Each of the places visited makes an ideal base camp where you can stop off for a day or longer if you fancy staying!
Because it’s sometimes nice to go off the beaten track… The Route des Grands Alpes also has a gravel-bike itinerary that crosses the Aravis mountains. From the Bouchet valley in Le Grand Bornand, you’ll reach the Confins lake, at the foot of the Aravis mountain range. Then you’ll cycle back down to La Clusaz and rejoin the Aravis pass road. You’ll finish this stage on the Route de la Soif, a superb balcony trail in the heart of the mountains that offers an amazing experience. A route combining remote lanes, a legendary pass and spectacular scenery!
