Arrive in Geneva at your leisure. Take as much time as you need to explore this charming international city - treat yourself to some rich Swiss chocolate or go for a wander through the beautiful botanical gardens! The city is easily accessible by car, train, and air — many low-cost carriers stop at the city’s manageably sized airport. If you're starting your tour in Gaillard, no need to worry - it is located just next to Geneva on the French side of the border and it's easy to reach by tram.

Depending on which option you choose, the tour will either begin in Geneva or in our office in Gaillard, where a member of our team will be there to greet you and outfit you with your bikes if you have chosen to hire with us. The route begins by skirting along the Swiss/French border heading south towards Annecy with Mont Salève (known as Geneva’s balcony) on your left. The route is beautifully balanced on a few short single trails (nothing very technical) and a mix of some unpaved roads and some quiet country roads. The highest point of the day’s ride is at the Croix de Vin (850m) which gives you an incredible 360-degree panorama over the surrounding massifs. Enjoy a descent down into the town of Copponex before a shorter climb into Allonzier-la-Caille. The ride ends gently descending as you make your way into Annecy to enjoy a relaxing overnight stay.

Today's ride begins in cycling paradise, riding along the bike path which skirts the west bank of Lake Annecy with incredible views across the lake! After leaving the lake behind at Doussard, get prepared for the major climb of the day along a magnificent forest track to Col du Mont Cherel. Once at the top, enjoy magnificent views over the surrounding mountains (Aravis and Belledone). As well as magnificent views, the reward for that climbing effort is a magnificent descent into the town of Jarsy!  Just before you reach Montmélian, you'll ride through the wine-producing "Combe de Savoie," at the edge of which lies the Massif du Bauges. This mountain range is classed as a UNESCO World Geopark (i.e. an area that is recognized as being geographically important).

Aix-les-Bains has been awarded the label of ‘City of Art and History’ by the French ministry of Culture and Communication. Before you get to this charming city though, you’ll ride through the town of Chambéry, the former capital city of Savoy. You can stop to take a look at Chambéry’s famous landmark, the Elephant Fountain (created in 1838 to honor Benoît de Boignes, an adventurer from Chambéry who sought his fortune in India) as well as the Château de Chambéry, a magnificent building from 1285 which is now open for tours and concerts. From Chambéry, enjoy some flatter riding along a popular cycle path with local cyclists known as the “Avenue Verte,” which will take you all the way into Aix-les-Bains along the east bank of Lake Bourget. Pause for a few photos, a quick swim or simply to take in the sublime views of the lake while heading along the cycle way into Aix-les-Bains.

En route to Geneva (or Gaillard), you’ll ride through Seyssel, a beautiful town between the départements Ain and Haute Savoie, split by the river flowing through it. You’ll also encounter the quaint commune of Chancy, the westernmost point of Switzerland as well as the idyllic wine-making village of Russin. Before you know it, you’ll have reached Geneva where you can drop your bikes off with us (if you rented them) and spend the rest of the day in the city doing whatever takes your fancy. Enjoy!

Depart from Geneva or Gaillard on your own schedule.