Self-Guided Cycling Trips to the Northern Alps

Introduction


This guide includes all the information you need for an incredible cycling vacation in the Haute (high) Savoie region of the Northern Alps. From breathtaking scenery to wonderful food and culture, this area is perfect for your first – or tenth – cycling trip to France!

Start by reading all of my free guides for general information on things like travel, accommodations, etc. Intended to supplement the free guides, this guide contains very specific information about the Norhern Alps, including 11 routes with six unique mountains.

I also recommend that you buy the Michelin Map for this region, “333 Local, Isere, Savoie” for a detailed view of the area roads. The Local Michelin Map goes so far as to include 1-3 chevrons indicating steep sections of the road. You can find Michelin maps online at www.languagequest.com or www.amazon.com, among other places.
Bon voyage!
 

Table of Contents

  
The Area .................................................................................................................................... 2
When to Go ............................................................................................................................... 3
Getting There ............................................................................................................................ 3
Accommodations ...................................................................................................................... 4
Food and Drink ......................................................................................................................... 5
Outdoor Markets ....................................................................................................................... 5
Restaurants ............................................................................................................................... 7
Bike Shops ................................................................................................................................ 7
Viewing the Tour de France ...................................................................................................... 8
Routes ....................................................................................................................................... 9
Lac d’Annecy Loop (via the bike path) ...................................................................................... 9
Lac d’Annecy Loop with the Col de la Forclaz .......................................................................... 10
Lac d’Annecy Loop plus Ugine ................................................................................................. 13
Lac d’Annecy Loop, Ugine, Col d’Arpettaz ............................................................................... 13
Lac Annecy , Ugine, Col d’Aravis Loop ..................................................................................... 14
Lac d’Annecy , Ugine, Col d’Aravis, Col de la Croix Fry Loop .................................................. 17
Lac d’Annecy , Ugine, Col d’Aravis, Col de le Croix Fry, Col du Marais Loop .......................... 17
Le Semnoz ................................................................................................................................ 18
From Annecy (Northern ascent) ................................................................................................ 18
From Balmont (Western ascent; 2013 Tour route) .................................................................... 19
From Sevrier (Eastern ascent, SE of Annecy) .......................................................................... 19
From St. Jorioz (SE ascent) connecting to the Col de Leschaux ............................................. 20

The guide is $20.

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