Home > The Adventure Nextdoor through the Alps
More info: Receive detailed hotel list, bike specs, and route description
More infos BOOK NOW !Somewhere between road cycling and mountain biking, gravel cycling is the ultimate in flexible riding.
It has really taken off over the past few years and the Savoy region has some brilliant routes. If you want to enjoy some of the best scenery the area has to offer whilst riding a mix of forest roads, country roads, bikeways, and gravel trails then this is the tour for you!
Depending on whether you choose to rent bikes with us the route will start from the hotel “Porte de Genève” in Gaillard, a few steps from our office just outside Geneva.
The route begins by heading south, skirting along the Swiss border and winding its way down to Annecy. Leaving the ‘Venice of the Alps’ the next day the tour continues south along the stunning Lake Annecy arriving into Sainte Hélène-sur-Isère
You will then ride west towards Lake Bourget through Chignin and Apremont, some of the most famous wine growing areas of the Savoy region. After passing through Chambéry the itinerary will take you to Aix-les-Bains along the banks of Lake Bourget.
The last leg encapsulates the nature of the area: with views over Lac du Bourget and Lake Geneva, you will ride via farmlands, vineyards, in the shadow of the surrounding mountains… a real adventure nextdoor!.
The tour begins in Gaillard just outside Geneva on the French side of the border where our office is located.
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. Gaillard is easy to reach by tram from Geneva. Transfer from Geneva airport or from the closest
train stations (Chêne-Bourg or Annemasse) can be organized.
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 Allonzierla-
Caille. The ride ends gently descending as you make your way into Annecy to enjoy a relaxing overnight
stay.
Gravel: 25%
The 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! The much more gentle final climb of the
day begins in Ecole and culminates at the Col du Frene from where it is an exhilarating downhill complete
with switchbacks into Sainte-Hélène-sur-Isère.
Gravel: 20%
If the mileage/climbing is too daunting, an easier route is also possible.
Gravel: 20%
The final stage of this tour sees you setting off into the heart of the Savoy. The most difficult climb
begins in Saint-Baldoph before descending into Chambéry, a town renowned for its art and history. Located
in a wide valley between the Bauges and Chartreuse mountain ranges and at the crossroads of ancient
trade routes, the old-town section of Chambéry is one of the most remarkable in France. 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.
Gravel: 10%
You'll finish your tour with exclamation points!!! Plenty of them. Today's ride encapsulates the nature of the
area. You'll leave with amazing views over Lac du Bourget and end with spectacular views over Lake
Geneva… In between, you'll experience quaint villages, farmlands, and vineyards. It is a long day… but
well worth it. The ride will end in Gaillard.
Gravel: 25%
Transfers can be organized to Geneva airport or to the closest train stations (Annemasse or Chêne-Bourg)
4 nights' accommodations in 2- and 3-star hotels