• Lake Geneva
• 
Lac du Bourget
• Annecy and its Lake
• The views!
• The mountains

Somewhere between road cycling and mountain biking, gravel cycling is the ultimate in flexible riding.

This tour takes place in the Upper part of the French Alps, more precisely, in the Savoy region, an area known for its stunning natural beauty.

Over 4 days, our itinerary will take you on a mix of forest roads, country roads, bikeways, and gravel trails. These roads will take you through some of the region's most beautiful and diverse landscapes, including the Salève mountain and the Massif des Bauges, a UNESCO GeoPark.

All in all, the itinerary encapsulates the diversity and the stunning beauty of this part of the Alps., including lakes, rivers, mountains, farmlands, and vineyards.

• 4 nights/5 days
• 310 km
• 20% gravel;  15% poorly paved roads and cycleways
• Difficulty: 5
• Guided
• Accommodations in a mix of 2- and 3-star hotels. 

Day 1
Gaillard to Annecy

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.

• Distance: 57 km
• Gravel: 25%
• Climbing: 950 m

Day 2
Annecy to Sainte-Hélène

The first part of the ride is done on the  bikeway  which skirts the west bank of the spectacular  Lake Annecy! 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.  There, enjoy magnificent views over the mountains of Aravis and Belledone.. The reward for effort is a magnificent descent into the village  of Jarsy! The  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.

• Distance: 78 km
• Gravel: 20%
• Climbing: 1610 m

Day 3
Sainte-Hélène to Aix-les-Bains

The most difficult climb begins in Saint-Baldoph before descending into Chambéry, a town renowned for its art and history. 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.

• Distance:  70 km
• Gravel: 10%
• Bikeway:  70%

Day 4
Aix-les-Bains to Gaillard

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.

• Distance: 99 km
• Gravel: 25%
• Climbing: 1630 m

Accommodations in a mix of 2- and 3-star properties:

• Hôtel Porte de Genève***
• Hôtel des Alpes** 
• Hôtel Sainte-Hélène** 
• Aquakub*** 

• 4 nights’ accommodations in 2- and 3-star hotels
• Daily breakfast
• 3 dinners (drinks are not included)
• Service of a riding guide
• Support van
• Feed-stations (water, energy drinks, fruit, energy bars, snacks, etc…) on all rides
• Luggage transfers
• All tax and service charges

• Trek Checkpoint ALR 4 (or similar)