Backroad cycling France
Discover Lake Annecy and Lake Bourget, a lovely cycle ride at the gateway of the AlpsRef CN7A
Discover the lakes of Savoie, sparkling pearls set in the heart of the Alps. First of all, Annecy, the starting point of this loop, with its canals, its narrow streets and its incredible view on the lake dominated by the Semnoz and the Tournette. We ride on cycle paths, small roads or gravelled tracks. One thing leading to another, we will ride along the river Rhone, cross different vineyards, sail on the Lac du Bourget and in the end, the Mont Blanc reveal itself to us. Oh, surprise! these five days will take place on an almost flat route... a way to discover the mountains in an accessible way!
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This tour is E-bike compatible
Highlights
- Annecy the "Venice of the Alps" and its lake
- The discovery of the charming village of Chanaz on the Via Rhona and the Savières canal
- A boat trip on the Lac du Bourget to Aix-les-Bains
- A route with a majority of safe cycle paths
- The crossing of different vineyards: Chautagne and Combe de Savoie
- Our navigation application for smartphones.
Description
Day 1: Annecy
- Annecy is enchanting because of the intertwining of the arms of the Thiou, the local river, with the many medieval streets. This particularity has earned it the well-deserved nickname of "Venice of the Alps".
Day 2: Annecy - Seyssel : les Gorges et le Val de Fier
- Past the outskirts of Annecy, we ride to the Fier gorges, one of the most remarkable sites of the northern pre-Alps. The clear waters of this torrent are discovered at the bottom of a deep gorge by an impressive path and footbridge!
- We extract ourselves from the bed of the Fier by a steep but short ascent, then advance towards the west, sometimes on tracks and sometimes on small roads.
- The Val de Fier road is superb and guides us towards Seyssel, on the banks of the Rhône.
For level 1, a short train ride from Annecy will take us quickly to Rumilly and the Fier gorges.
Distance and altitude gain:
- Level 1: approx. 20 km and 100 m (train 15min)
- Level 2: approx. 45 km and 600m
Day 3: Seyssel - Aix-les-Bains
- This morning we head south along the banks of the Rhône. Gradually, we enter the Chautagne region, where the vines produce light, fruity wines.
- Then we pass through Chanaz, a pretty little village whose success owes much to the Savières canal which links the Rhône to the Lac du Bourget.
- In the afternoon, we return to the shores of Lac du Bourget and enjoy the beauty of the lake from the top of our little balcony road, on our way to Hautecombe Abbey.
- Finally, we embark on a half-hour boat ride to Aix les Bains where we will spend the night.
Distance and altitude gain:
- Level 1: approx. 35 km and 200 m
- Level 2: approx. 50 km and 550 m
Day 4: Aix-les-Bains - Les Marches
- We leave the Aix-les-Bains marina to ride along the eastern shore of the lake on a very relaxing cycle path.
- Opposite us, the mountain "la Dent du Chat" impresses by its abrupt aspect and reminds us that we are indeed in the Alpine Riviera.
- We continue our journey, still on the cycle track, towards Chambéry, also known as the "City of Dukes" in reference to the Duchy of Savoy, whose castle still proudly bears witness.
- Then we head for the vineyards of Apremont, Myans and Abymes.
- End of the day near the small but charming lake of Saint André.
Distance and altitude gain:
- Level 1: approx. 35 km and 150 m.
- Level 2: approx. 45 km and 500 m
Day 5: Les Marches - Albertville
- The sun is already shining on the vertiginous rock face of the Mont Granier this morning when we open our eyes. This majestic and emblematic summit always impresses.
- Once back on our bikes, we set off to discover the Combe de Savoie.
- The banks of the Isère will be our guideline for this day during which the cycle paths, tracks and small roads will follow one another to make us appreciate the bucolic charm of this valley on the southern foothills of the Bauges massif.
- We finish the day in Albertville, at the gateway to the Beaufortain and Tarentaise valleys.
Distance and altitude gain:
Day 6: Albertville - Annecy
- What a pleasure it is to ride in the heart of this mountainous landscape... without any climbs!
- The Bauges on our left, the Beaufortain on the right and, in our sights, the Aravis.
- Shortly after the dividing line between Savoie and Haute Savoie, the valley opens up wide, a sign that we are approaching this blue jewel in the heart of the Alps, Lake Annecy.
- We are finaly back in Annecy!
Distance and altitude gain:
- Distance covered: approx. 45 km and 250m
Itinerary end: France Bike Trips services end on the last day at the train station in Annecy, at around 4pm.
Distances and altitude gain are an indication only and may vary.
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