Outdoor activities / Our suggestions / Cycling-Mountain Bike / Cycling tours

101 cycle tours

Cycling Savoie Mont Blanc

101 cycling routes have been signposted throughout Savoie and Haute-Savoie. From gentle roads along valley floors to high alpine passes, Savoie Mont Blanc has it all. Which route to do? That is for you, and your legs to decide!

Savoie and Haute-Savoie Départemental Councils invite you to discover the two départements by bicycle. The following list provides details of more than 100 itineraries starting from the area's major towns and cities.

The difficulty of the routes is indicated via a four-level grading system, with a pictogram of a specific shape and colour for each grade:

cyclo-typo

The circuits have been divided into 14 geographical areas, as shown on the map of Savoie Mont Blanc. All you have to do is choose your route.

To see the map of Savoie Mont Blanc, click here.

Lake Annecy North

For a map of the routes, click here

5 - TOUR OF THE MONTAGNE D'AGE
32 km/80 m. An easy tour to see the side of the mountain hidden from Annecy.

6 - TOUR OF LA MANDALLAZ
55 km/350 m. Start as for the Tour of the Montagne d'Age. The views during the descent are magnificent.

7 - PONT DE LA CAILLE CIRCUIT
42 km and 350 m of height gain, + 4 km round trip to the Pont de la Caille. A short climb at Allonzier. The return route follows the Tour of La Mandallaz, taking in its fabulous view of Lake Annecy.

21 - BORNES PLATEAU SOUTH
90 km and 1200 m total height gain. Start by following the Pont de la Caille Circuit, and then continue through Cruseilles.

20 - SALÈVE CIRCUIT
106 km/1460 m. If you are feeling fit, Le Salève, with its spectacular views over Lake Geneva, can be reached from Annecy. Follow the Pont de la Caille Circuit to the bridge, and then go through Cruseilles.

ANNECY/GENEVA
This route includes sections on main roads without cycle lanes. Take care.

Annemasse / Genevois

For a map of the routes click here.

24 - PIERRE AUX FÉES CIRCUIT
29 km and 200 m. Short but hilly. The dolmen has its own picnic site, so why not take a packed lunch?

26 - THE ANNEMASSE BALCONY ROUTE
27 km and 200 m. A circuit that flirts with the Swiss border. The climb at Lossy is short but steep.

27 - TOUR OF LES VOIRONS
49 km/530 m. A short incursion into the beautiful hills to the north of Annemasse

28 - VALLÉE VERTE CIRCUIT
69 km and 700 m. A slightly longer version of the Tour of Les Voirons that takes in the wonderfully idyllic Vallée Verte.

25 - TOUR OF LE MÔLE
68 km/550 m. The imposing pyramid of Le Môle dominates the Faucigny area. The Lac du Môle, just before St-Jeoire, is an ideal place for a short break.

20 - SALÈVE CIRCUIT
61 km/1100 m. A must for all fit cyclists. The views from La Croisette are second to none.

22 - BORNES PLATEAU NORTH
55 km/600 m. An excellent way to explore the cool and shady forests around La Chapelle-Rambaud. Start as for the Salève Circuit.

23 - ANNEMASSE/THONON
38 km/330 m. Signposted for cycle-tourists passing through the area.

Lake Annecy South

For a map of the routes, click here

LAKE ANNECY CYCLEWAY

30 km. A round trip along one of France's most beautiful greenways.

1 - TOUR OF LAKE ANNECY
40 km. You can do it! The signposted direction was chosen to make the only climb on the circuit as easy as possible and to allow you to stay close to the lake, especially for the section after Talloires.

2 - TOUR OF MONT VEYRIER
25 km and 240 m of height gain. A steep climb at the beginning. Be careful not to miss the right turn during the descent from the Col de Bluffy... ...or the superb view of the Château de Menthon!

4 - THE FORCLAZ BELVEDERE
50 km/700 m. If you hate steep climbs, this is not the ride for you. Great view overlooking the lake.

8 - LESCHAUX CIRCUIT
59 km and 700 m of height gain. A long but steady climb with wonderful views. This incursion into Savoie will whet your appetite to discover some of the other signposted tours in the Bauges Regional Park

9 - TOUR OF LE SEMNOZ
55 km/650 m. A relatively easy climb. The route can be extended into the heart of the Bauges by making a detour to the Pont de l'Abîme

10 - TRAVERSE OF LE SEMNOZ
51 km and 1220 m of height gain. Unbeatable views across the Alps.

48 - TAMIÉ CIRCUIT
70 km round trip with 480 m of height gain. From the Col de Tamié, it is only a short detour to the Abbey, where you can try the monks' famous cheese.

Massif des Bauges Regional Park

For a map of the routes, click here.

11 - TOUR OF MONT ST-MICHEL
23 km/450 m. Beautiful in both directions! The switchbacks on the Challes-les-Eaux side give this short circuit a surprisingly mountainous feel..

12 - TRAVERSE OF THE COL DU MAROCAZ
46 km/810 m. The short detour to the Lac de la Thuile, just before the Col, is an absolute must. The road down from the Col into the Combe de Savoie is magnificent;

13 - ST-OFFENGE LOOP
50 km/580 m. This beautiful route through the foothills of the Bauges has one steep climb before the descent back to Lake Bourget. Morning shade or afternoon sun? It is for you to decide.

14 - TRAVERSE OF LES BAUGES
102 km/1000 m. With a flat start beside the lake and a gradual climb through the Gorges du Sierroz to the Pont de l'Abîme, this is a fabulous way to see the heart of the Bauges. The descent from the Col du Frêne, with Mont-Blanc in the background, and the final kilometres through the vineyards provide a perfect end to this exceptional circuit.

15 - PONT DE L'ABÎME CIRCUIT
76 km/1390 m - see 17.

16 - TOUR OF LE COLOMBIER D'AILLON
80 km/1350 m - see 17.

17 - MONT REVARD CIRCUIT
59 km/1200 m.
These three difficult circuits all share the same start before going their separate ways to discover different aspects of the Bauges. The area offers "col-baggers" rich pickings, with pride of place going to Mont Revard and its domineering view of France's largest natural lake..

Chambery / Chartreuse Regional Park

For a map of the route, click here

18 - AVENUE VERTE NORD
28 km/50 m. The "Avenue Verte Nord", between Chambéry and Lake Bourget/the Les Mottets leisure area is one of France's most famous greenways. The greenway is currently being extended along the lakeshore to Aix-les-Bains. .

19 - AVENUE VERTE SUD
14 km/40 m. An excellent outing for children that starts in the beautiful Buisson-Rond Park before winding through the vineyards below the imposing mass of Mont Granier.

20 - LAKE ST-ANDRÉ LOOP
25 km/110 m. A tour over the remains of one of the largest landslides in recorded history - the collapse of the north face of Mont Granier in 1248. The debris from this catastrophe formed the characteristic hummocky terrain of the area known as "Les Abymes".

21 - VOGLANS LOOP
23 km/70 m. A few short climbs and a direct return route along the cycle lanes beside the main road or, if you are in less of a hurry, the much quieter Avenue Verte.

22 - ST-SATURNIN LOOP
14 km/140 m. A mini Col that anyone can do. Like most passes, the view from the top is excellent!

23 - WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP CIRCUIT
13 km/230 m. A circuit that should be ridden in the original direction in order to appreciate the difficulty of the 1989 World Championships circuit -the famous hill at Montagnole was climbed 17 times in the race that crowned Greg Lemond world champion! If you are not racing, you will have the time to admire the fabulous view across Lake Bourget.

24 - AROUND VIMINES
23 km/350 m. The contrast between the city and the rural countryside around Vimines is as striking as it is sudden, despite Chambéry never being more than a few kilometres away. The other surprise is the steepness of the gradients - you will need those small gears! !

25 - LAKE BOURGET BALCONY ROUTE
29 km/440 m. Two parallel routes allow you to vary your trips to Lake Bourget. Both can be combined with either the Avenue Verte or the Voglans Circuit.

26 - CHARTREUSE CIRCUIT via Corbel
54 km/1180 m - see 27.

27 - CHARTREUSE CIRCUIT via The Vallée des Entremonts
57 km/1070 m. Two stunning circuits through the breathtaking countryside of the Chartreuse, both of which start with the fabulous climb to the Col du Granier.

Combe de Savoie / Coisin - Hurtières

For a map of the routes, click here

43 - ISÈRE / ARC / GELON LNK
37 km. The highlights of this flat route are the picturesque village of Chamoux-sur-Gelon and the open views across the Combe de Savoie. As well as being worthwhile in its own right, it provides an ideal return leg for the more alpine circuits.

44 - COMBE DE SAVOIE
34 km/350 m. The route follows the ancient "Sarde Way", which winds its way through the villages at the foot of the Bauges. These villages were built on the slopes above the valley floor to avoid flooding from the River Isère, so the road through them is far from flat..

45 - VINEYARDS CIRCUIT
31 km/320 m. A lovely circuit that takes in both sides of the Combe de Savoie.

46 - VAL COISIN CIRCUIT
48 km/720 m. Nestled below the towering peaks of the Bauges, Belledonne and Chartreuse Mountains, this is one of the most pastoral corners of Savoie. The rolling hills of Val Coisin provide excellent vantage points for admiring the surrounding summits.

47 - TAMIÉ CIRCUIT
35 km/810 m. A reasonably difficult climb leads to Tamié Abbey, home to its famous and eponymous cheese. Don't forget a bag so you can take some home!

48 - CHAMP-LAURENT CIRCUIT
38 km/830 m. A superb series of tight, shady and quite steep hairpins lead into the heart of the Hurtières Mountains, one of the most beautiful areas of Savoie, but one that is frequently overlooked.

49 - TRAVERS OF THE HURTIÈRES
61 km/1090 m. An extremely varied circuit that goes past the surprising Lac de Charbonnières at the entrance to the Maurienne Valley and below the immense "sierra" of the Lauzière Mountains, before climbing steeply to the Col du Grand Cucheron, and then descending through the lost valley of Les Huiles.

Haut Rhône / Albanais

For map of the routes, click here

16 - RHÔNE LOOP
77 km/530 m. Starts as for the Tour of the Montagne d'Age, and then goes past the Château de Clermont to the River Usse. The Rhone is followed south from Seyssel to its confluence with the River Fier, which leads back to Annecy.

17 - TOUR OF LE VUACHE
104 km/1000 m.
Start as for the Rhone Loop but continue over the River Usse to the unspoilt Rhone Valley at Fort l'Ecluse.

11 - ALBANAIS CIRCUIT
74 km/620 m. A lovely pastoral circuit that takes you over the Pont de l'Abîme.

14 - TRAVERSE OF LA CHAMBOTTE

13 - TRAVERSE OF THE SAPENAY

12 - TRAVERSE OF LE CLERGEON
97 km/ 1100 m - see 15.

15 - FIER LOOP
60 km and 330 m of height gain. As well as being an enjoyable and relatively easy circuit in its own right, the Fier Loop is used by the more difficult traverses mentioned above - three different ways of crossing the mountains that separate Annecy from the magical countryside of Chautagne.

51 - ANNECY / AIX-LES-BAINS
42 km and 360 m of height gain. Recommended for cycle tourists passing through the area via Chambéry, Les Echelles and Valence. Goes via the Pont de l'Abîme.

Avant-Pays savoyard / Lake Bourget

For a map of the routes, click here

50 - TOUR OF LAKE AIGUEBELETTE
17 km. A superb outing for all the family, with plenty of opportunities to stop for a swim! It is best cycled clockwise to be on the side of the road next to the lake.

51 - CRUSILLE CIRCUIT
40 km/510 m. Start with the climb to the Col and its wonderful views and the rest of the ride is plain sailing. Finish beside Lake Aiguebelette, following whichever bank takes your fancy.

52 - TOUR OF LAKE BOURGET
50 km/550 m. Start early and follow the route clockwise so you do the climb to the Col du Chat in the cool of the morning. The views over the lake are outstanding.

53 - TOUR OF LAKE BOURGET Petit Bugey variant
50 km/580 m. This variant includes the wonderful descent from the Col du Chat to the vineyards below and allows you to visit the highly picturesque village of Chanaz, beside the Canal de Savières.

54 - TOUR OF LAKE BOURGET La Chambotte variant
58 km/920 m. A more difficult way of completing the tour, where your extra effort will be rewarded with the breathtaking view from La Chambotte. A shorter and easier version of the circuit can be done by following the east shore of the lake to the foot of La Chambotte.

55 - MONT TOURNIER CIRCUIT
50 km/990 m. An extremely quiet road that rises gently from farmland into a beautiful forest. A detour via the centre of Yenne is highly recommended.

56 - TOUR OF THE ÉPINE
88 km/1300 m. Climb the Col du Chat in the cool of the morning so you have plenty of time to explore the bucolic hills of the Avant-Pays Savoyard. Lake Aiguebelette marks the halfway point of this magnificent tour.

57 - TRAVERSE OF THE EPINE
54 km/1280 m. The same charms as the Tour of the Epine in "more concentrated" form.

58 - MONT DU CHAT
62 km/1580 m. One of the most sustained climbs in the Alps and a must for "col-baggers"! The view from the summit extends over the lake to Mont Blanc and beyond.

Bornes / Aravis

For a map of the routes, click here

3 - TOUR OF THE TOURNETTE
62 km for 450 m of height gain. One of the area's great classics, with a beautiful descent between Serraval and St-Ferréol, and an easy return leg along the Annecy Cycleway.

45 - TOUR OF LES GLIÈRES
90 km/1280 m. A supeb way to discover the varied scenery of the Aravis, Faucigny and Bornes areas. If you like hard climbs, and aren't put off by a short section of dirt track, the traverse of the Plateau des Glières is an excellent challenge.

46 - CROIX-FRY CIRCUIT
93 km/1270 m. Quieter than the Aravis, with a superb, sinuous descent.

47 - ARAVIS / ARLY TRAVERSE
110 km/1300 m. Also called the "Prince of Wales" in honour of one of the most prestigious visitors to have cycled the route. The view of Mont-Blanc from the Col des Aravis is not to be missed.

44 - TOUR OF LE BARGY
127 km and 1800 m of height gain. A very athletic circuit that culminates with an ascent of the Col de la Colombière. Cycling the route clockwise minimises the time spent on the busy main road through the Arve Valley and allows you to climb the shady side of the Colombier. What is more, the descent to Le Grand-Bornand is simply sumptuous.

Tarentaise / Val d'Arly / Beaufortain

For a map of the routes, click here

1 - TARENTAISE GREENWAY
24 km and 120 m. At the heart of the High Alps and surrounded by ski resorts and eternal snows, Bourg St Maurice and Aime are not places you would expect to find a greenway that can be enjoyed by all, even young children. A gem!

2 - THE OLYMPIC VALLEY
27 km/140 m. A surprisingly easy cycle route on lovely quiet roads that lead from the Olympic City of Albertville into the heart of the Tarentaise Valley.

3 - THE OLYMPIC VALLEY left-bank variant
27 km/270 m. A variant that allows part of the Olympic Valley route to be done as a loop.

4 - TARENTAISE BALCONY ROUTE
24 km/140 m. You might not think it when looking at a map of the Alps, but many alpine valleys are relatively flat. A circuit that is accessible to all.

5 - VERSANT DU SOLEIL
30 km/520 m. The "Versant du Soleil" has retained its traditional villages, in contrast to the giant resorts of La Plagne and Les Arcs, which lie below the Sommet de Bellecôte and Mont Pourri on the other side of the valley.

6 - COL DU PETIT ST-BERNARD
31 km/1370 m. One of the most enjoyable high passes to cycle. With a steady gradient and flat hairpins, even a 2000-metre pass can feel easy! The views across to the glaciers of the Vanoise are outstanding.

7 - THE ARLY BALCONY ROUTE
61 km/1160 m. A superb little road overlooking the gorge provides a direct route into the heart of Val d'Arly and its charming village-resorts of Crest-Voland and Notre-Dame-de-Bellecombe.

8 - TRAVERSE OF THE ARAVIS
47 km .../1750 m... An ascent of the Col des Aravis is hard work but very pleasant, as the road rises in tight switchbacks through picture-postcard scenery. The view of Mont-Blanc from the summit is second to none. If you would like to do a great circuit, turn left just before La Clusaz and go over the Col de la Croix-Fry, and then the Col des Marais to St-Ferréol and Ugine.

9 - LES SAISIES CIRCUIT
88 km/1600 m. The climb to the Col de Saisies, with Mont-Blanc gradually rising above the surrounding mountains, is a great moment in any cyclist's career. For the descent, avoid the Gorges de l'Arly by taking the much quieter and picturesque road through Crest-Voland and Héry-sur-Ugine.

10 - TRAVERSE OF THE BEAUFORTAIN
61 km/1690 m. The regular train service between Bourg St Maurice and Albertville (bicycles are carried free) allows cyclists to do a fabulous traverse of the Beaufortain, via Lake Roselend and the pass of the Cormet de Roselend.

Lake Geneva / Portes du Soleil

For a map of the routes, click here.

31 - BAS CHABLAI S CIRCUIT

50 km and 100 m of height gain. The outward leg follows flat roads along the lakeshore to the charming village of Yvoire. The return leg heads inland, through the gentle hills and traditional villages to the south of the lake.

50 - PLANBOIS CIRCUIT
32 km and 260 m of height gain. A pleasant little circuit that nevertheless includes a sharp climb at the start. The shade provided by the Forest of Planbois can be very welcome.

49 - THONON / ANNEMASSE
38 km/330 m. The route has been signposted for cycle tourists passing through the area.

30 - GAVOT CIRCUIT
37 km and 650 m. A superb mountain plateau in the shadow of the Dent d'Oche.

29 - TOUR OF MONT D'HERMONE
45 km and 840 m of height gain - see 28.

28 - VALLÉE VERTE CIRCUIT
66 km/950 m. The Vallée Verte circuit and the Tour of Mont d'Hermone, together with their variants, allow cyclists to reap an impressive harvest of easy passes.

36 - JOUX-PLANE CIRCUIT
116 km and 1800 m of height gain - see 37.

37 - TOUR OF THE ROC D'ENFER
96 km and 1740 m of height gain. For those who enjoy steep climbs or who are looking to join the "Club des 100 Cols".

Faucigny / Grand Massif

For a map of the routes, click here

39 - THE GIFFRE LOOP

42 km and 430 m of height gain. A beautiful tour that can be enjoyed by all.

40 - THE FER-À-CHEVAL RETURN TRIP
68 km and 580 m of height gain from Cluses.
The Fer-à-Cheval Cirque is one of the most spectacular corners of the French Alps.

25 - TOUR DU MÔLE
55 km and 300 m. Pace yourself on the climbs at Ayse and Hyot in order to have the energy to appreciate the views of the Faucigny. A break at the Lac du Môle is a must before starting the return leg across the mountainside between St-Jeoire and Marignier. .

38 - COL OF LA RAMAZ CIRCUIT
67 km/1300 m of height gain. Less well-known than the Joux-Plane but still no pushover.

36 - JOUX-PLANE CIRCUIT
74 km and 1620 m of height gain. A classic climb that will test even the fittest cyclists.

44 - TOUR DU BARGY
70 km and 1160 m of height. The Col de la Colombière, like the Joux-Plane, is a regular feature in the Tour de France. Follow in the tracks of the champions!

Maurienne / Arvan-Villard / Lauzière

For a map of the routes, click here

35 - THE MAURIENNAISE
58 km/600 m. Since the motorway was built, the Maurienne Valley has become much greener! This route along the valley floor is extremely pleasant and can be cut short at any moment to suit your mood.

36 - THE MONTVERNIER HAIRPINS
17 km/370 m. A not-too-difficult but highly spectacular climb.

37 - COL DU CHAUSSY
37 km / 1110 m.
A more challenging continuation to the Montvernier Hairpins for those with strong legs. The road continues over the Col du Chaussy to Montaimont, but it is in poor condition.

38 - CORBIER / TOUSSUIRE LOOP
35 km/1100 m. A road with innumerable switchbacks leads to two contrasting resorts, one of whose sons, Sébastien Amiez, won a silver medal at the Salt Lake City Olympics.

39 - TOUR OF LES ALBIEZ
37 km/980 m. A fabulous circuit that starts up the incredibly sinuous road to Albiez-le Jeune.

40 - TRAVERSE OF THE COL DU MOLLARD
44 km/1230 m. An excellent way of extending the Tour of Les Albiez. The three summits of the Aiguilles d'Arves, one of Savoie's most spectacular mountains, stand sentinel over the Col du Mollard.

41 - GLANDON / CROIX DE FER CIRCUIT
62 km/1760 m. A legendary tour but not impossibly difficult. Take a break in one of the pleasant cafés in St-Colomban before attacking the final 1-in-10 slopes below the Col du Glandon. The view from the Col de la Croix de Fer across to the Aiguilles d'Arve is truly breathtaking.

42 - TOUR OF THE LAUZIÈRE
118 km/2000 m. Officially, the Col de la Madeleine is only 1993 m above sea level but you can think of the extra seven metres awarded by the summit sign as a bonus for climbing this unrelentingly steep pass. The route from La Chambre gets the sun all day; if you prefer shade, the circuit is just as enjoyable in the other direction.

Haute-Maurienne / Galibier

For a map of the routes, click here

28 - AUSSOIS BALCONY ROUTE
23 km/600 m. A sunny circuit that takes in the Forts de l'Esseillon and the Sardières Forest with its famous monolith.

29 - LAKE MONT-CENIS
16 km/700 m. The slopes below Lake Mont Cenis, in contrast to the Aussois Balcony Route, face due north, so sunshine will be at a premium until you reach the immense summit plateau.

COL DE LA MADELEINE
13 km/350 m. This Col de la Madeleine, between Lanslebourg and Bessans, is not as prestigious as its more westerly cousin (n°42) but it has its own charm..

31 - COL DE L'ISERAN
20 km/1050 m. Although it is no longer the highest pass in France, the Col de l'Iseran remains a much sought after prize.

32 - BEAUNE LOOP
23 km/720 m. The moderate gradients of this lovely circuit provide ideal training before tackling the climbs to the Col du Télégraphe and Col du Galibier.

33 - COL DU TÉLÉGRAPHE
17 km / 860 m.

34 - COL DU GALIBIER
17 km/1220 m. A legendary pass that cyclists from all over the world dream of doing. The first section, to the Col du Télégraphe, should not be underestimated; however, the ascent can be started directly from Vallloire. With icy winds and persistent snowdrifts on the final steep ramp, an ascent of the Galibier early in the season can be an heroic undertaking. Whatever the season, the views of the Vanoise and Ecrins National Parks are truly grandiose.

Updated March 2009

Mountain bike and bike parks