Haute Savoie by Bike
Discovering Haute-Savoie by bike is undoubtedly the best way to appreciate the beautiful panoramas our beautiful region has to offer. Whether you're looking for leisurely greenway routes or more challenging trails, there's something for the whole family!
On the road and cycle paths
Accompanied
A historic greenway: a bike ride around Lake Annecy
What if you explored one of the oldest greenways in France? Several cycling routes are available around Lake Annecy. The West Bank route, which stretches 30 kilometers to Val de Chaise, is the most comfortable and safest, as it runs entirely along the old railway line that connected Annecy to Albertville.
Lake Annecy
Enjoy the enchanting scenery of Lake Annecy by following the well-marked cycle paths. Cycle the 40 km circuit on your classic or electric bike, passing through the charming villages that line the lake. Admire the beautiful shades of the water as you ascend. A tip: cycle clockwise to avoid the main roads. At the Veyrier-du-Lac roundabout, take the first right for a quiet route along the beaches, offering breathtaking views.
If you wish, take a break at the Bout du Lac nature reserve in Doussard. There, you'll find trails with impressive views of the lake. For the more adventurous, continue to the Col de la Forclaz. After passing Menthon-Saint-Bernard, climb the Côte d'Echarvines to reach a spectacular viewpoint over the lake, where paragliders add a touch of magic to the landscape. Then continue to the Col de la Forclaz for breathtaking views, passing through picturesque villages like Montmin and Vesonne before finishing with a pleasant cycle path overlooking the lake.
For sportive people
The Mont Veyrier forest tour
Fancy a bike ride with breathtaking views of the lake? The Tour du Mont Veyrier is for you. This 25 km, medium-difficulty circuit follows a clockwise direction and begins on a cycle path to Annecy-le-Vieux. You will then follow the signs for the Tour du Mont Veyrier. Along the way, cross the Alex plain, branching off to join the Tour de la Tournette, Les Glières, and the Croix Fry circuit.
The route includes the Col de Bluffy with its 100m elevation gain. After the descent, take a break to admire the view of Menthon Castle. Continue along the Route Balcon with its panoramic views of the lake. For the more ambitious, add the Col des Contrebandiers to your itinerary. This pass, culminating at 1054m, is easier to climb on an electric bike, offering spectacular views of the region.
The Fier loop and its gorges
Discover the west of Annecy along the Fier torrent. Follow the clockwise route through Cran-Gevrier via the Gevrier and La Salle bridges. This walk takes you through rural landscapes, picturesque villages, and shady valleys. Take a break in Rumilly to visit the old town and enjoy a coffee.
The most beautiful part of this loop is along the Fier torrent before it plunges towards the Rhône via the Val-de-Fier gorges. At the entrance to the valley, crossing the St-André bridge is a photo opportunity not to be missed. For the more motivated, a 4 km descent and ascent will take you to the sites of Montrottier Castle and the Gorges du Fier.
Semnoz
Labeled "Bike and Cheese," this ride around Annecy introduces you to the Bauges Massif and its gastronomy. Follow a clockwise direction and start on the cycle path, which offers breathtaking views of the lake, all the way to Sevrier. Then turn off at the port of Sevrier to reach the Col de Leschaux, known for its panoramic views of the Bauges Mountains.
For ambitious cyclists, this 12 km pass with a 480 m elevation gain is ideal. Visit the Abîme Bridge near Allèves before descending towards the Chéran Valley to Lescheraines. Don't miss the dairy cooperative and end your ride on the western slope of the Semnoz with a stop at the Gruffy dairy.
For athletes
The Glières Pass
Tackle the western slope of the 14,1 km Col des Glières, starting in Thorens-les-Glières. The first 4,7 kilometers are relatively easy with a slight elevation gain. The real challenges begin in the hamlet of Le Vernet, with an average gradient of 9% over 7 km. The bends are flat and steady, offering a shaded climb.
At 1393 m, a short descent takes you to the Collet at 1354 m. The landscape opens up to the surrounding peaks. There are 2 km left with a 7,5% climb to reach the Glières plateau. The final section is gentler with a gradient not exceeding 2,5% to reach the Col des Glières at an altitude of 1445 m.
By paths and mountain bikes
Very gentle circuit
Traces on the Glières plateau
Discover easy trails offering breathtaking views of the Glières Plateau. Ideal for mountain biking or hiking, these trails allow you to enjoy the region's natural beauty while remaining accessible to all skill levels.
Sapinière Circuit
Explore this 13,4 km loop trail near Fillière, Haute-Savoie. This moderate route, ideal for hiking and mountain biking, takes approximately 4 hours to complete. Enjoy the tranquility of the trails, perfect for a nature getaway away from the crowds.
For the challengers
Parmelan Refuge
The Refuge du Parmelan, perched on the Tête du Parmelan, overlooks the hamlet of La Blonnière. Admire the panoramic view of the Annecy basin, the Usillon valley, Thorens castle, the Aravis mountains, and the Mont Blanc range. Take a break for a bite to eat before setting off again. This circuit is accessible on foot or by mountain bike, ideally between April and October.
Le Chesnet points to Sur Cou
This round-trip route begins in the hamlet of Le Chesnet, near La Roche-Sur-Foron. After a 2 km forest trail, you reach the Pointe de Sur Cou, offering a panoramic view. In calm weather, enjoy a picnic before heading back down. This route is suitable for hiking or mountain biking, offering a beautiful escape into nature.
Did you decide ?
Whichever route you choose for your day spent cycling, you'll enjoy passing through authentic villages and beaches along the lakeshore. A great combination of sporting activity and relaxation with family or friends.