Road Biking Route Samples

There is a diverse selection of road cycling you can enjoy in the Aravis region of the French alps. From high cols and mountain passes made famous by the Tour de France to slightly lower level Annecy lakeside rides – there is definitely something for everyone in the Aravis mountains – no matter your level of experience or fitness. Here are just 3 examples of our numerous rides to give you a taster of what you can enjoy whilst on your road cycling holiday with us.

Col de Colombiere via Le Reposoir

Road biking in the Aravis Mountains Follow the windy gorge road descent down the valley for 15km until you reach the town of Bonneville on the valley floor. Ride along through Bonneville in the direction of Chamonix until you come to Scionzier. From here take the turning towards Le Reposior and Col de Colombiere. The climb starts gently through trees up to Le Reposoir, situated at 980 metres and centred around the old monastery. From here on the views become amazing as the trees disappear allowing a vista back over the Mont Blanc mountain range, but the incline becomes steeper. Keep on until you round the final bend, seeing the hotel at the Col in front of you at a height of 1,618 metres. The total climb from Sconzier to the col is 16.3 kilometres climbing 1,110 vertical metres. On completion of the Col you start the 11.7 km descent down into Grand Bornand - notable in the 2007 Tour de France when this was the last descent of the stage finishing in Grand Bornand which was won by German cyclist Linus Gerdemann.

From Grand Bornand it is just a 2km ride back to the Aravis Lodge where you finish you day having completed a 68km circuit.

Aravis Mountain range loop - including the Col de Marais and Col des Aravis

Start this ride from the Lodge in St Jean de Sixt, turning left out of the carpark for the quick 7.5km descent down to the town of Thones. At the Thones roundabout turn left towards the historic village of Les Clefs crossing the river Fier by the Roman Bridge. Follow signs towards Faverges, beginning your gradual climb here towards the Col des Marais situated at 843 metres high. After crossing the Col you begin the descent to the picturesque village Road biking in the Aravis Mountains of Serraval. Continue the 8km descent to St Ferreol via the Chaise gorge which has stunning views of the surrounding mountains, this is a real mountain descent with all the hairpin bends you'd expect in this area. At the valley bottom head past Faverges and Ugine following signs for Megeve and the Gorge d'Arly until you reach Flumet. From here turn left towards the Col des Aravis, starting the 11.5km climb towards the summit. You'll pass through the ski resort village of La Giettaz - after which you continue another 5.5km of hairpin bends, through a tunnel or two before reaching the Col - situated at 1468 metres. Stop for a minute here to enjoy the view of Mont Blanc behind you. Finish the ride with a steep descent down past the via ferratta into the town of La Clusaz, from which it's just 2km back to base at the Aravis Lodge.

Col de la Forclaz and Lake Annecy

Road biking in the Aravis Mountains Drop down to Thones from the Lodge in St Jean, following signs towards Annecy. As you climb up from the main Annecy road take a small road on the left towards Col de Bluffy - a beautiful alpine village with stunning views over the lake at altitude of 630metres. Turn left at the main road where the 7km ascent to Col de la Forclaz begins. At 15% this is a tough climb although not too long. The height of the Col is 1,150 metres and has fantastic views down over the whole lake towards the medieval town of Annecy. This is also where a lot of paragliders take off to fly in the area which makes for a colourful panorama as you take in the view. Begin the narrow descent towards Dousard which is on the lake. The road has recently been resurfaced and has some great twists and turns as you descend. On reaching Dousard you join the lakeshore path which follows the lake all the way to Annecy - around 14km of flat fast riding, passing scenic villages such as Duingt and Sevrier. Spend the afternoon in Annecy exploring, from where we can collect you, or choose to ride the 25km home back through Thones with climbs of around 500metres back to St Jean de Sixt.

It is also possible to join our partner, kiwi style bike tours, to partake in a series of challenging rides through July and August round the Aravis region - try to bag every col in the area with these Kiwi boys!.

For more details or to discuss other ride options drop us an email on info@bikeweekender.com.