Annecy French Alps Cycling Holiday
The Haute-Savoie region, nestled in the breathtaking French Alps around Lake Annecy, is a premier destination for cycling enthusiasts.
The area offers a diverse mix of rides, from peaceful lakeside paths perfect for relaxed cycling to challenging mountain climbs that test even experienced riders.
Iconic alpine passes, some featured in the Tour de France, provide epic ascents and stunning panoramic views of snow-capped peaks, lush valleys, and the shimmering waters of Lake Annecy.
With its combination of natural beauty, varied terrain, and well-maintained roads, Haute-Savoie is ideal for a cycling holiday, promising unforgettable experiences for all levels of riders and a chance to fully immerse in the alpine environment.
Riding in the Lake Annecy area is a thrilling experience for any cyclist, offering the chance to follow in the tracks of Tour de France legends.
The region has hosted iconic stages, including the 2013 and 2018 Lake Annecy time trials and mountain stages featuring challenging climbs like the Col de la Forclaz and Col des Aravis.
On this cycling holiday, cyclists can tackle the same ascents and descents where champions such as Chris Froome and Vincenzo Nibali have battled for victory, experiencing the intensity and exhilaration firsthand.
From scenic lakeside routes to punishing alpine climbs, every ride immerses cyclists in TdF history, combining breathtaking views with the excitement of riding paths once conquered by the world’s greatest cyclists.
Arrival Day > Arrive Geneva airport [GVA] – transfer to Annecy hotel. Times of recommended flights given at time of booking. Prepare bikes and settle in before trip briefing and and welcome dinner.
Five days of epic cycling in the Haute Savoie
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Departure Day > Pack down bikes before transfer for flight home. 
Return Home
✅ 4**** Half Board Accommodation (six nights)
✅ Ride Leaders – depending on number of groups and/or requested
✅ Experienced Bike Mechanic
✅ Vehicle Support
✅ First Aiders
✅ Airport Transfers
✅ Incredible Scenery and Fantastic Roads
Lunches, Drinks with evening meals, Flights.
Recommended flight information will be given on your booking.
There will be coach transfers arranged for your flight time(s).
Please contact us with any questions regarding flight transport and packing of your bike, we will be more than happy to you.
We can expect warm, sunny weather, however we should expect slight temperature drop and cool conditions on the mountains (800m+) – Remember to bring layers – not heavy coverings.
This is a road bike holiday. Your bike should be well maintained and in good running order with suitable ‘road gears’ and brakes.
A full kit list will be issued in your ‘Joining Instructions’ document issued approx 8 weeks to your departure.
We will be glad to discuss any aspect of kit and your bike with you, please call us anytime with any questions.
Bike rental is available on this trip through a third-party company based close to Annecy.
When completing your application form to join the trip, make it clear you wish to rent a bike and are not planning to bring your own. We will then forward the details for the bike rental company for you to make your direct application to rent a bike from them.
You should be capable of riding comfortably between 100 to 140km in a day and/or used to riding distances upto 80km over hilly terrain – minimum. If you have any doubt as to your fitness regarding participation in this event please give us a call and we will be more than happy to chat with you.
Click here for a Training Plan
Ready yourself for a week of spectacular cycling!
Cycling in the Lake Annecy area offers an unforgettable five-day adventure, with carefully crafted routes ranging from the relaxed scenic lumpy loops to challenging mountain days designed for stronger “Group A” club riders.
Each ride showcases the region’s extraordinary variety: gentle lakeside cruising along the crystal-blue shores of Annecy, rolling through charming villages like Talloires, Menthon-Saint-Bernard and Duingt, and tackling legendary climbs that have shaped Tour de France history.
Riders can scale the iconic Col de la Forclaz for sweeping views over the lake, ascend the Col de Leschaux or Semnoz for panoramic alpine vistas, or take on tougher ascents such as the Col du Marais and Col de l’Épine on longer routes that push seasoned cyclists to their limits. The terrain shifts daily—from forested switchbacks and quiet pastoral roads to open mountain balconies overlooking the Haute-Savoie peaks—ensuring every rider finds the right blend of challenge and enjoyment.
Whether cruising at a leisure pace or testing fitness on storied cols, cyclists experience the perfect mix of beauty, variety and Tour-level excitement that makes Lake Annecy one of Europe’s most inspiring cycling destinations.
Ride On…
Table of rides for you to enjoy while cycling in the Haute Savoie…
| Route Name | Dist [km] | El Gain [m] | Cat Climbs | Est Moving Time at 23kmh [avg] | Hyperlink | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Lake Annecy [loop] | 38.2 | 325 | 1x C4 | 1 hrs : 39 mins | Route Map & Profile |
| #2 | Semnoz [loop] | 52.1 | 1,309 | 1x HC | 2 hrs : 15 mins | Route Map & Profile |
| #3 | Col de la Forclaz [Loop] | 50.8 | 913 | 1x HC | 2 hrs : 12 mins | Route Map & Profile |
| #4 | Col du Marais [Loop] | 61.7 | 829 | 1x C3, 2x C4 | 2hrs : 40 mins | Route Map & Profile |
| #5 | Col du Collet [out/back] | 63.4 | 1,586 | 1x HC, 1x C3 | 2 hrs : 43 mins | Route Profile & Map |
| #6 | Col de la Colombière [out/back] | 81 | 1,588 | 1x HC, 1x C4 | 3 hrs : 31 mins | Route Map & Profile |
| #7 | Col du Clergeon [Loop] | 95.9 | 1,654 | 1x HC, 1x C3, 1x C4 | 4 hrs : 10 mins | Route Map & Profile |
| #8 | Col des Aravis [loop] | 97.5 | 1,911 | 1x HC, 2x C3, 2x C4 | 4 hrs : 14 mins | Route Map & Profile |
| #9 | Massif des Bauges [Loop] | 119 | 2,198 | 1x HC, 1x C1, 2x C3, 2x C4 | 5 hrs : 10 mins | Route Map & Profile |
| #10 | Albertville/ / Col du Fréne [Loop] | 122 | 1,559 | 1x HC, 1x C3, 1x C4 | 5 hrs : 18 mins | Route Map & Profile |
| #11 | Col du Grand Colombier [loop] | 135.7 | 2,815 | 1x HC, 3x C3 | 5 hrs : 54 mins | Route Map & Profile |
| #12 | Cormet de Roselend [out/back] | 171 | 2,635 | 1x HC | 7 hrs : 26 mins | Route Map & Profile |
| #13 | Rumilly / Leschaux [loop] | 71 | 1,038 | 1x C2, 1x C3 | 3 hrs : 5 mins | Route Map & Profile |
| #14 | La Roche sur Foron [loop] | 78.5 | 1,574 | 1x C2, 2x C3, 3x C4 | 3 hrs : 24 mins | Route Map & Profile |
| #15 | Aix les Bains [loop] | 85.1 | 992 | 1x C3, 1x C4 | 3 hrs : 42 mins | Route Map & Profile |
Please Note…
All metrics are approximate
The routes given have been designed to give the best ride for the destinations/locations.
The estimated moving time displayed is based on simple distance / speed equation. It does not equate for your time spent on climbs during the ride or for stop/rest times. High elevation days will add significant time to your day!
Ideally you will ride in ‘no-drop’ groups, keeping riders ‘in touch’ enjoying the experience together through the day.
Riding groups should be based on average riding speed. Examples…
Group A … >28 kmh
Group B … 23-28 kmh
Group C … <23 kmh
Vehicle support will be planned for each riding group
ECT ‘Ride leaders’ provided for at least 2x ride groups
Proposed lunch locations (stops) will be given for each route.
It may be possible to ‘tweak’ some routes to be a little longer or a little shorter (on request).
Now ready yourself for a week of spectacular accommodation!
Staying six nights at a luxurious Hôtel & Spa in Annecy is the perfect base for an unforgettable cycling holiday in the Haute-Savoie.
Overlooking the crystal-blue Lake Annecy and surrounded by iconic Alpine climbs, the hotel blends premium comfort with unbeatable access to world-class riding.
After conquering legendary routes like the Col de la Forclaz, Semnoz or the Aravis range, you return to spacious modern rooms, a superb spa with rejuvenating pools and saunas, and exceptional dining showcasing fresh regional flavours. The ideal blend of adventure, recovery and French Alpine luxury—making your cycling escape truly exceptional.
Just being a 20 min walk from the medieval town of Annecy the hotel also offers you further opportunity to explore your surroundings by foot and enjoy the peaceful lakeside spaces and historic cobbled streets and squares of Annecy town.
Hôtel & Spa
Annecy
4**** Luxury On The Shores Of Lake Annecy
Your cycling holiday provider
Trusted since 2015
5***** Reviews
Google 5*****
Facebook 5*****
Better organisation than Team Sky, Jason and Giles where awesome. Every thing ran so smoothly all we had to do was ride!
Richard 2018
For more testimonials click HERE
French Alps cycling holiday in the Haute Savoie
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Key Points
- The Haute-Savoie Region Offering Diverse Cycling Routes: Nestled around Lake Annecy in the French Alps, this area provides everything from gentle lakeside paths to challenging mountain climbs, including iconic Tour de France passes.
- Spectacular Cycling Experiences in Lake Annecy: Cyclists can follow in the tracks of Tour de France legends, tackling legendary ascents and enjoying breathtaking mountain scenery, lakeside routes, and historic climbs.
- Itinerary Highlights for a Week of Cycling Adventure: The trip includes arrival in Geneva, five days of epic riding in Haute-Savoie with routes varying from relaxed scenic loops to demanding mountain ascents, and a departure transfer.
- Included and Not Included in the Package: The package covers accommodation, support, and transfers, while lunches, drinks, and flights are not included, with guidance on logistics and flight recommendations.
- Spectacular Accommodation in Annecy and Local Attractions: Staying at a luxurious hotel overlooking Lake Annecy, cyclists enjoy excellent amenities, regional cuisine, and easy access to scenic routes and the charming town of Annecy.
What makes Annecy in the French Alps a perfect destination for cycling holidays?
Annecy in the French Alps offers a stunning landscape with diverse terrains, including peaceful lakeside paths and challenging mountain climbs, many of which are featured in the Tour de France, providing unforgettable experiences for cyclists of all levels.
What types of routes can I expect during the cycling holiday in Haute-Savoie?
The routes range from gentle lakeside cruising and scenic loops to demanding mountain ascents, including legendary climbs like Col de la Forclaz, Semnoz, and Aravis range, offering a variety of challenges and beautiful views every day.
What are some iconic climbs I can experience while cycling in Lake Annecy?
Cyclists can tackle famous ascents such as Col de la Forclaz, Col de Leschaux, Semnoz, Col du Marais, and Col de la Colombière, many of which are renowned for their scenic vistas and their history in the Tour de France.
What accommodation is included in the cycling holiday package?
The package includes six nights at a luxurious Hôtel & Spa in Annecy, offering modern rooms, a spa with pools and saunas, and access to excellent regional cuisine, all just a short walk from the historic town of Annecy.
What should I know about the climate and necessary cycling kit for this holiday?
Expect warm, sunny weather with slight cooling in the mountains, so layering your clothing is advisable; your bike should be well maintained, and a full kit list will be provided, along with advice on gear and clothing suitable for the alpine conditions.