lake annecy bike tour

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Tour of Lake Annecy by bike

This walk, which circles Lake Annecy, is for the most part a cycle path shared with pedestrians and rollerbladers. It is 40 km long and has a 300 m difference in altitude. It is an easy ride that we recommend following our advice.

All about the cycle path

On a large part of the tour of Lake Annecy, the cycle path is independent of car traffic. Nevertheless, you should be careful, as some cyclists ride quite fast and wearing a helmet is recommended as on the road. Half of the route is on an old railway line, which was converted into a greenway a long time ago. This section is the most used.

The Syndicat intercommunal du Lac d’Annecy (SILA), which manages this facility, estimates that 1,100,000 cyclists use it every year. During your holidays, you can hire a bike to complete this essential cycling route.

One of the most beautiful cycle routes in France

This fairly straightforward bike ride takes between 1 hour and 2.5 hours to complete, covering the 36km of the tour of Lake Annecy. The scenery is magnificent, with the crystal clear waters of the lake and the Alpine peaks that surround it. Of the 36 km of the route, 30 km are equipped with cycle paths that make the loop safe, especially for children. The villages of Veyrier-du-Lac and Menthon-Saint-Bernard do not have cycle paths, but the traffic is calmed due to their configuration.

The course of the tour of the lake

First of all, we advise you to ride this route in a clockwise direction, in order to ride next to the shores of Lake Annecy after the village of Talloires. This direction will also allow you to take the Talloires hill in the right direction and to avoid too much effort.

For cyclists who wish to do the Talloires climb, you will have to leave Annecy in the direction of Sévrier. The climb represents 100 metres of difference in height over 1.5 km, with a progressive slope of 6.5% on average.

During the hot season, it is better to leave in the morning to take advantage of the cooler weather. Starting from Annecy, you will walk along Annecy-le-Vieux to reach Chavoire. You can take a dip here. A few short climbs then follow through Veyrier-du-Lac and Menthon-Saint-Bernard.

Going down the Talloires coast, you will discover a magnificent landscape on the banks of the Petit lac d’Annecy. There are numerous beaches for swimming and tables and benches for picnics.

At the old station of Bredennaz, a water point and toilets are available. Two new fountains will allow you to quench your thirst after the Duingt tunnel and at Saint Jorioz.

The tour ends with your arrival in Annecy. After the Marquisats harbour, you will cross the Jardins de l’Europe park, the Amours bridge to return to the Pâquier lawn .

For the more sporty: the Col de la Forclaz loop

When you arrive at the end of the lake, follow the direction of Faverges. At the Giez roundabout, take the direction of Montmin and the Col de la Forclaz . A magnificent view of Lake Annecy will reward this 700 metre climb over 9 kilometres at 8%.

The Col de la Forclaz is also a paradise for paragliders who take off from this site to fly over the lake. By bike, the descent is via the beautiful village of Menthon-Saint-Bernard and its castle which inspired the Sleeping Beauty castle in Disneyland. This variant adds 22 km to the initial route, making a 58 km loop.

Advice on using the cycle path

When crossing Talloires, only a cycle lane is available in the Angon-Talloires direction. You can also choose to do this cycle route on an electric bike, for more convenience.

You will find a map of the itinerary and safety instructions in the document Tour of Lake Annecy by bike . On the eastern shore of Lake Annecy, at the level of Veyrier-du-Lac, it is advisable to be particularly careful, as the cycle and pedestrian lanes intersect and you must anticipate the presence of obstacles such as bus shelters.

You can stop at Doussard to visit the Bout du Lac National Nature Reserve . Allow a good hour to visit this exceptional, totally preserved site.

We also suggest our guide : 5 routes to cycle in Annecy

Cycling clubs in Annecy

The town has many clubs for cycling in a friendly and sporting atmosphere:

• Annecy Vélo Club : Salle Sonnerat, 12 rue Louis Boch, 74000 Annecy – Tel : 04 50 67 79 14
• Annecy Cyclisme Compétition : 58 bis Avenue des Marquisats, 74000 Annecy – Tel : 06 80 87 00 78
• VTT Annecy : 22 faubourg Sainte-Claire, 74000 Annecy – Tel : 04 50 45 60 61
• CCAV 74 : 6 rue de la Frasse, 74940 Annecy-le-Vieux – Tel : 04 50 51 07 72
• Étoile Sportive de Seynod : Tel : 06.71.92.37.19
• Les Cyclos du Semnoz : 54 avenue de Neigeos – 74600 Seynod – Tel : 04 50 09 82 09
• Club Alpin Français d’Annecy : 17 Rue du Mont Blanc, 74000 Annecy – Tel : 04 50 09 82 09
• Cyclo Club de Pringy : Hôtel de Ville, Place Boileau, Pringy, 74370 ANNECY – Tel : 06 40 96 90 62
• Cyclo Club du Pays de Filière : 1787 route des Vignes, 74370 Villaz – Tel : 06 87 23 83 58

Variant: the tour of Lake Annecy on foot

If you don’t like cycling or if you want to vary the sporting pleasures, you can go around Lake Annecy on foot. Since 2010, the SILA and the Tourist Office of Lake Annecy have set up a 43 km walking route. It will take you three days of walking, alternating between the plain, the mountains and the forest, without forgetting the magnificent beaches to cool off.

The many quality campsites will allow you to find accommodation at a reasonable price. This tour of the lake can also be done in one day, in one go, but it is preferable to take the time to appreciate the landscape of a large European glacial lake.

From Annecy-le-Vieux

From Annecy-le-Vieux , you walk along the lake shore equipped with large wooden pontoons. From Veyrier-du-Lac to Menthon-Saint-Bernard, the pedestrian circuit passes by the ports and beaches, sometimes deviating from the lake depending on the urbanisation. To reach the charming village of Talloires-Montmin , you have to cross the Roc-de-Chère Nature Reserve . This wooded area is an example of remarkable biodiversity.

You can spend the night in one of the Talloires campsites. On the second day , take the lake shuttle to Doussard and visit the magnificent Bout du Lac National Reserve . You may be lucky enough to see a beaver.

On the way back, you will use the Voie Verte to Duingt (walking on the sides of the cycle track), to admire the castle on the peninsula. You can then spend the night in one of the many campsites between Saint-Jorioz and Sévrier.

On the third day , rather than continuing to follow the Voie Verte, we suggest you take the Roselières trail . It runs alongside the lake and will take you to Sévrier. The beach of this small town is particularly pleasant and well equipped for swimming. Finally, the return to Annecy is done by the banks of the lake. As a reward, you can enjoy an ice cream on the shady terraces or go for another bike ride .

Featured events

Early March: Venetian Carnival

Mid-February to mid-March: Cinémino: The Children's Film Festival

Mid-April: The Lake Annecy Marathon

End of May, beginning of June: The Medieval of Andilly

Mid-June: The International Animation Film Festival

End of June: The Annecy Triathlon

Early July to mid-September: The Annecy Paysages Festival

July 14: Fireworks

1st Saturday of August: The Lake Annecy Festival

End of September: The Annecy Italian Film Festival

2nd Saturday of October: The Descent of the Alpine pastures

Early November: The Feast of Caion

1st Tuesday of December: Saint Andrew's Fair

End of November to beginning of January: Christmas in the Alps

All year round: Theatre & Opera Bonlieu National Stage

All year round: Santa's Hamlet

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Welcome to the Annecy website! Here you will find information about the beautiful city of Annecy in the French Alps. From its stunning nature and outdoor activities to its rich culture and history, Annecy has something for everyone. We hope you find what you are looking for and enjoy learning about this amazing place.

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Cycling Lake Annecy: The Voie Verte Loop

As you drive in and around the colourful French town of Annecy, you’ll notice many cyclists out pedalling along the shores of the magnificent lake situated here. Lake Annecy, or Lac d’Annecy, is the fourth-largest lake in France, and offers crystal-clear waters and stunning mountain views.

There are cycle paths all around Lake Annecy; some leisurely, and some for serious cyclists who aren’t afraid of steep inclines. During our visit, my dad and I opted to cycle the 43-kilometre path that loops around the entirety of Lake Annecy, which took us through beautiful countryside, quaint villages and world-class alpine scenery.

The route is mostly flat, making it perfect for cyclists of all experiences – we saw both keen cyclists out on racers and families on fixed-gear bikes. There is a steep section between Talloires and Menthon-Saint-Bernard, but as long as you take it slowly, you should be fine. I had no problems completing the journey on my basic mountain bike.

The route follows a car-free cycle path called Voie Verte for most of the way, making it a leisurely cycle free of the worry of cars. There are, however, parts between Bout-du-Lac and Menthon-Saint-Bernard that haven’t yet had a cycle path built in and you will have to cycle on the road. Drivers in Annecy are used to seeing lots of cyclists on the roads so are cautious and will give you space and respect.

How long does it take to cycle around Lake Annecy?

The Lake Annecy Loop is a circuit that will enable you to cycle around the entirety of the lake. The route is mostly flat, with just a few inclines, so you should be able to maintain a good pace most of the way. With this in mind, it should take you about 3 – 3.5 hours to complete the loop without stops.

Lake Annecy cycle loop logistics and map

Start/Finish: Annecy

How to get there: Annecy’s train station is on the French mainline, high-speed rail network and is accessed easily from most major French cities. It’s also well-connected to the French autoroute network via the A40 and A41.

Distance: 43 kilometres

Time: 3 – 3.5 hours

Difficulty: Easy; simple to navigate, smooth paths and mostly flat topography

GPX: You can download a Lake Annecy Cycle Path GPX Track from here.

Cycling Lake Annecy: the route

You can start the cycle from anywhere around the lake. I’ve cycled the route twice, starting from Annecy itself the first time, and from a campsite in Talloires the second time. It’s probably best to start from Annecy, as you’ll leave the busyness of the town behind and only rejoin it at the end, which I think is preferable to cycling through Annecy halfway through your ride.

Annecy itself is a colourful, picturesque town, and has been nicknamed  Venice of the Alps  due to the canals that run through it. Here, you’ll find quaint boutiques and cafes, a bustling waterfront and an old castle. It’s quite a touristic place, but it’s pretty and well worth a look.

Leaving Annecy, you’ll come to  Sévrier , which has a beautiful marina full of boats docked at the side of the lake. 

Saint-Jorioz

Following Sévrier, you’ll arrive at Saint-Jorioz,  home to another stunning marina and offering spectacular views of some of the highest peaks around the lake, including La Tournette (2351m).

As you approach the quiet village of  Duingt , you’ll have to cycle through a tunnel. The route around Lake Annecy follows the trail of an old train track that connected Annecy and Albertville – the tunnel was part of the train line. Duingt is also home to the Ruphy castle.

Bout-de-Lac

As you continue your route, you’ll come to Bout-du-Lac,  situated at the southern tip of the lake. Here, you’ll have to cross a busy main road to reach the east shore of the lake. Now, you’ll need to start cycling north up the east shore, passing through the villages of Talloires, Menthon-Saint-Bernard and Veyrier-du-Lac. 

The cycle path in Talloires is laid right next to the lake, with several little beaches along the route. Talloires was used as our base during our time at Lake Annecy. We stayed at a campsite called Camping du Lac , which was situated right on the lakeshore itself, offering fabulous views of the surrounding area.

The Voie Verte has not yet been laid between Talloires and Menthon-Saint-Bernard, so you’ll have to cycle on the road for a while. As you leave Talloires, the road gets a little steep, but as long as you pace yourself, you should be fine. From the road, you should also be able to see the grand Chateau de Menthon-Saint-Bernard.

Veyrier-du-Lac

The next major village you’ll come to is Veyrier-du-Lac, which sits at the foot of Mount Veyrier and Mount Baron. It’s quite a lively and scenic place, with markets, shops, restaurants and boutique hotels.

Back in Annecy

Soon after cycling through Veyrier-du-Lac, you’ll arrive back in Annecy via the marina and Imperial Hotel! Why not reward yourself with a refreshing dip in the lake and a cold drink in town?

Need to hire a bike?

If you haven’t got your own bike with you, you’ll be pleased to know that there are a number of bicycle rental places in and around Annecy. Cyclable Rental is located near the bike path in Annecy itself and costs 22€ to rent a leisure bike for the day. There are also bike rental places right by the Voie Verte in Talloires (Nomad Bike) and Doussard (Au Coup de Pompe) .

About The Author

Lauren Pears is a freelance travel writer and blogger based in London. She writes about active adventure travel, aiming to encourage and inspire travellers to make the most of the great outdoors.

Thank you for reading! If you found this post useful, I’d be grateful if you would consider using the affiliate links below when planning your travels. I’ll make a small commission at no extra cost to you. This will help me to keep this blog running. Thanks for your support – Lauren. Hotels –  Booking.com Hostels –  Hostelworld Cheap flights –  Skyscanner Travel insurance –  World Nomads Outdoor gear –  Decathlon  /  GO Outdoors Cycling gear –  Chain Reaction Cycles Alternatively, you could buy me a coffee to say thanks!

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13 comments.

Me and my 7 year old son road the loop out of Annecy in mid July. It was warm weather but not horrible. I rode a rental e-bike cruiser and my son had a 24” mountain bike. We had a great time with a few stops to rest, have an ice cream, hop in the water to cool the feet and a restroom break at the train monument. Such a fun experience. We did a clockwise loop out of Annecy and it took us just under 3 hours. I would definitely recommend the ride if you enjoy bikes. E-bike is a great help as there was a head wind on the way back to town. I pushed my son a good way on the climb and return. Lots of places to stop and have a nice lunch right off the path.

Thanks for sharing your experience Jason, sounds like you and your son had a great time 😊 it really is a lovely ride!

We did the anti-clockwise tour de lac this morning. The village of Duingt is worth a ( 5 minute) detour through to cycle around the old buildings. The cycle track has signs and tracks to do third before and after the tunnel. We cycled through the tunnel, then off on the path into Duingt and back on to the cycle track again at the start of the tunnel. The weather wasn’t great, cold, overcast and rainy but still a number of cyclists, mostly on road bikes, using it. No changes to the incomplete sections either.

Thanks for the update, Eunice!

Thanks for the advice, we’ll use it next week in Annecy. A small edit – lake Annecy is not the 3rd biggest lake in Europe but in France (or the 4th if you count Lake Geneva as the biggest given it’s in part French).

Have a wonderful time, it’s a truly beautiful place! And thank you for picking up the error, I have amended it 😊

Great write up, we cant wait to get there in June and follow the trail.

Thanks Mike! Have an amazing time, Annecy is beautiful 🙂

We visited Annecy last year and really loved it! Unfortunately it was too cold in February to bike, so we just drove around the lake and also walked parts of the cycle paths to watch the sunset. Your post makes us want to go back to Annecy again for a more summery trip! 🙂

That looks like such an amazing experience, and your photos are phenomenal!

Thank you Sage!

This is a beautiful bike ride! Bikes aren’t super popular in Alabama cities, but in the last couple of years they have grown in or bigger cities l, which makes me excited. We are also hopefully starting s bus route. I’d like to hike to work but it’s just not safe to do so and motor vehicles just do not respect bikers yet. Hoping it will grow on people. It’s such a lovely and healthier way to get around.

I’m sure bike riding will become more popular – it’s incredibly popular all over Europe so I’m sure the rest of the world will eventually follow suit 🙂 It’s definitely healthier and better for the environment too!

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Cycling Lake Annecy: one of France’s best tours

Last Updated:  5 April 2024

When you drive around the mountains surrounding Annecy, you’ll pass many cyclists tempted by the challenging climbs, which are sometimes pretty ambitious. If you’re not one of them and prefer an easier bike tour, try cycling Lake Annecy . This scenic ride follows the outline of the lake. It offers fantastic views stretching from one side to the other of the crystal-clear lake, quaint little villages, formidable castles, and snow-capped peaks.

🎦 Watch our short video on Annecy:

Cycling Lake Annecy:  the itinerary

The car-free two-way cycle path (“Voie Verte”) links Annecy to Ugine and follows a disused railway line. At times, you’ll enter old railway tunnels. At the end of the lake (Doussard), you can cycle back to Annecy on the other side (via Talloires, Menthon) or return the way you came.

However, at the moment, parts of the route between Talloires and Menthon will take you on the main road (completion of the entire cycle path around the lake is planned by the end of 2020). So if you go this way, be careful of traffic, especially when summer is in full swing.

This section is not as flat as the other side. Between Talloires and Menthon, there is a short, steep climb of three bends, but with a durable touring bike, you’ll be fine. If you are not in the mood for any hills, then I recommend you start the opposite end from the East shore (Veyrier, Menthon, Talloires) and do the itinerary backwards, which is not quite as steep.

Cycling Lake Annecy: Key facts

• This circuit is great for cyclists who prefer flatter roads.
• It is approximately 43km long with an elevation of 464m.
• The route goes through Annecy and 7 picturesque villages. 

Good to know : in the Summer and on sunny Sundays, the path can be crowded with families and tourists, particularly near the centre of Annecy, where the cycle path is shared with roller skaters and pedestrians.

Around the lake are many amazing places to stop, admire the view, or even have a coffee halfway around! We like the Boot Camp café in Talloires, which is a bit of a bike hub. They also organise charity rides. The owners are English expats and will give you a warm welcome! If it is summer, take your swimming things for a dip in the lake at the end of your ride and relax in the sun with warm croissants and coffee.

Rent your bike in Annecy!

Discover Annecy from a whole new angle on a city or electric bike! You’ll be able to pass through some of the most unusual parts of the Annecy region, taking in the narrow streets and cycle paths.

🚴 Rent Your Bike NOW!

Cycling Lake Annecy: the stages

The bike itinerary starts and ends in Annecy. Along the way, you’ll discover 7 beautiful villages and castles that make Lake Annecy one of the most popular tourist sites in the French Alps.

Situated 40km from Geneva, Annecy is nicknamed Venice of the Alps for its canals that run through the old town. The mighty fortress of the castle dominates the site, offering fine views over the lake and the surrounding mountains. The lakefront is also a popular spot, with a marina, beach, the historic Imperial hotel, and the romantic “ Pont des Amours “.

After a pleasant ride along the waterfront is the village of Sévrier. You’ll ride past the beach and the marina. 

Saint-Jorioz

Saint-Jorioz also has a marina that offers a spectacular view of the highest peaks around Lake Annecy, including La Tournette (2,351m).

In the quaint village of Duingt , admire the Ruphy castle, which gives one of the most romantic views of Lake Annecy. From the cycle path, you’ll get a good view of the crystal clear waters of the Little Lake, which is almost completely surrounded by mountains.

Bout-du-Lac

Situated in the commune of Doussard, the hamlet of Bout-du-Lac marks the end of the lake. There is the national natural reserve of the Bout-du-Lac d’Annecy. 

From Bout-du-Lac to Talloires, the cycle path follows the lake’s edge with splendid views. Talloires is a charming little village set on the Bay of Talloires. Since the beginning of the 20th century, it has become a well-known resort with famous hotels and restaurants and is a popular place for a stroll or a swim. 

Menthon-Saint-Bernard

The village is dominated by its fantastic medieval castle, which is still inhabited today.

Veyrier-du-Lac

The last stage of cycling Lake Annecy is the village of Veyrier, which stretches out across the foot of Mount Veyrier and Mount Baron. Veyrier is an exclusive residential suburb of Annecy with its villas and magnificent houses. 

You’ll return to Annecy via the marina, the Imperial Hotel and the beachfront. 

Cycling in Annecy Mountains

If you find this circuit isn’t challenging enough, here are a few more ideas to give you more of a workout!

The Col de la Forclaz

The mountain pass is a must for all cyclists. Many prefer climbing the D42 road from Vesonne and Montmin (11.5 km from the valley). From the pass (altitude: 1,150m) is one of the finest views over Lake Annecy . The Col de la Forclaz is known for being a paragliding take-off spot.

The Semnoz mountain

To reach the summit of the Semnoz you’ll have a steep climb up 18.5km of road. On the top (Crêt de Chatillon, 1,699m) is a small ski station. The view of the Alps of Savoie and Mont Blanc is breathtaking.

The Col des Aravis

From La Clusaz, the D909 road leads to the mountain pass of Col des Aravis (1,498m) with a few hairpin bends. The mountain pass has been used in the Tour de France at least 39 times! The Aravis Pass is a great place to spot Mont Blanc in the distance.

For more info about cycling and staying in Annecy, visit the site of the Tourist Board of Lake Annecy .

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About the author

Pierre is a French/Australian who is passionate about France and its culture. He grew up in France and Germany and has also lived in Australia and England. He has a background teaching French, Economics and Current Affairs, and holds a Master of Translating and Interpreting English-French with the degree of Master of International Relations, and a degree of Economics and Management. Pierre is the author of Discovery Courses and books about France.

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24 PLACES TO SEE IN FRANCE

Plan a family trip by bike around France's Lake Annecy

Jan 24, 2024 • 7 min read

Be inspired to plan your own cycle trip around Lake Annecy with this how-to guide © oliverdelahaye / Shutterstock

In Lonely Plan-It, we take you step by step through how we planned some of the most complicated travel adventures. Here, Nicola Williams explains how she tackled one of the most mythical cycling routes in the French Alps with her tween daughter.

When it comes to inspiring outdoor action and ridiculously good-looking alpine scenery in spades, looping Lake Annecy on two wheels is up there with the other highly desired greats in the  French Alps . The glittering kaleidoscope of craggy peaks, flower-spun villages and beach-crusted shore that unfurls as you spin around Annecy’s exquisite pool of wild water is cinematic: think the sort of giddy, spontaneous exuberance that makes you want to toss your hat in the air, ting your bike bell and thank your lucky stars for French joie de vivre.

The seductive allure of Lake Annecy (Lac d’Annecy in French) is no secret. Europe’s purportedly cleanest lake was made great by the medieval Counts of Geneva and was an indispensable entry in the little black book of 19th-century queens, kings, artists and flaneurs. Annecy’s canal-sculpted  old town is picture-postcard cuteness on Venetian-esque steroids, and Parisian A-listers craving a chic rural escape can’t get enough of its namesake lake luxuriantly cloaked in the velvety green mountain ranges of Bauges, Bornes and Aravis.

It wasn’t without some trepidation that we arrived in  Annecy town on a dry day in March to attempt the 42km-route (26 miles, elevation gain 300m/984ft, 3–4 hours excluding stops) around the emerald lake en famille . We honestly weren’t sure our youngest, aged 12, would be able to complete Annecy’s iconic Tour du Lac, but opted for the tried-and-tested parenting method of “keep quiet and lead by doing.” The odds were certainly in our favor. Unlike dodging snow bridges down  Chamonix ’s Vallée Blanche off-piste ski descent or dedicating days to  encircling Mont Blanc on foot , this French Alps bucket-list entry requires no superhuman strength, technical skill or mindset. Pretty much anyone, young children included, can pedal around Lake Annecy’s pristine shores. This is how we did it.

Step 1: Pick the right moment

April to June and September are best

Battling relentless headwinds or driving rain in the saddle is definitely not conducive to a successful family day out. Check the weather forecast and choose a dry, still day. Spring, early summer and September are usually pleasantly warm, without July and August’s huge crowds. Weekdays are less busy than weekends when local cycling enthusiasts join the throng of freewheelers spinning around the lake.

Step 2: Rent the right wheels 

Classic road and e-bikes both work

Our entire lake-to-lake train journey from Geneva to Annecy was spent debating the pros and cons of old-school versus new-school wheels, if we should power up our tween with electric assistance, etc. The recent explosion in e-bike rental in France has certainly revolutionized the distances amateur cyclists can cover in a day. Number one rule: don’t mix wheels within your party unless you want to spend the entire ride with someone playing catch-up.

Dozens of bike-rental outlets, including  Cyclable Location on the lakefront place aux Bois, pepper Annecy town – the starting point for our lake tour. Most shops rent children’s bikes and trailers to tow tots. They don’t all take reservations (essential in July and August when every bike is nabbed by 10am). Arrive early morning to ensure your pick of wheels and get a head start on the tourist peloton. Expect to pay €9/24 per hour/day for a lightweight touring bike and €16/52 for an electric bike. Rates include a rudimentary paper map, helmet, bike lock and un panier (front basket, super-handy for dumping kit and supplies in – ask for one if your bike doesn’t already have one).

Step 3: Pack your sack

Keep it light and bring something tasty

Bring your passport or ID card to leave as a deposit when renting wheels. Other essentials include a refillable water bottle, a cap to wear underneath your bike helmet, snacks, swimming gear, a towel and sun protection. On blustery days, a light waterproof doubling as a wind-breaker is indispensable. A detailed map is not essential: Lake Annecy’s cycling path is well signposted and essentially skirts the lakeshore, making it impossible to get lost. This said, tracking our ride on route-planner app  Komoot added another level of interest for our tween.

Scenic picnic spots abound on this tour. Before heading out of town, stock up with fruit, a crunchy baguette, Savoyard cheese and saucisson sec (air-dried sausage) studded with Beaufort cheese or blueberries at Annecy’s open-air food market, Marché de la Vieille Ville, filling rue Ste-Claire and surrounding streets on Tuesday, Friday and Sunday mornings (7am to 1pm).

Step 4: Hit the road – clockwise

Ditch breathless climbs for exhilarating descents

Most cyclists head east out of Annecy town towards Veyrier-du-Lac in order to fly down the one notably steep hill immediately before Talloires, 12.7km (8 miles) south. Cycling clockwise also means you save the less grueling, western-shore cycling path – easy cruising along a pancake-flat, 1930s train line transformed into a silky smooth voie verte (greenway) – for the latter part of the ride when everyone is tired.

The bulk of the 42km (26-mile) loop is along a dedicated, two-way cycling path, which makes it an instant winner with families. The initial stretch out of Annecy is directly beside the traffic-busy D909 and can be noisy – don’t be put off. Once past the lakeside village of Veyrier-du-Lac, 3km (1.8 miles) south, the traffic thins out and the bike path sticks less closely to the road. The southern end of Lake Annecy, around the Réserve Naturelle du Bout-du-Monde protecting the last remaining reed beds, is the least built-up and most au naturel .

Step 5: Plan in stops to refuel and play

Swim, stroll and spot beavers

Plan to make a day of it, broken up with plenty of playful pit stops. Metal ladders plunge into the crystalline water – a swim-friendly 23°C (73°F) in summer and no more than 12°C (54°F) in the friskier shoulder seasons – from grassy verges at several points along the eastern shore. Or take your pick of Lake Annecy’s gem-like beaches. Our favorite stops (including cycling time/distance from Annecy):

• Veyrier-du-Lac (30 minutes, 6km/4 miles): Dip down to the manicured lakefront for coffee at Le Pêcheur and a paddle from the village’s bijou grassy beach, Plage de la Brune.
• Menthon–St-Bernard (40 minutes, 9km/5.7 miles): Ditch the 2km/1.24 mile detour uphill to the village’s  fairy-tale chateau in favor of cake shopping at the village boulangerie-pâtisserie . A tarte écureuil (squirrel tartlet), piled high with caramelized walnuts, is the perfect energy snack.
• Talloires (1 hour, 13km/8 miles): Mooch the manicured lakefront of Lake Annecy’s poshest village. Admire 17th-century Abbaye de Talloires, where Paul Cézanne stayed to paint in 1896, the limestone hulk of Roc de Chère (601m/1972ft) and Château de Duingt across the water. This is the lake's narrowest point, where the more developed Grand Lac (north) spills into the wilder Petit Lac (south).
• Plage de Doussard (1½ hours, 21.5km/13 miles): Rent kayaks and stand-up paddleboards, water-ski, wakeboard or surf the waves of a latest-generation speedboat on this sizeable sand and grass-fringed beach . Watch paragliders float over the lake, and follow the boardwalk trail into the serene Réserve Naturelle du Bout-du-Monde, where beavers frolic and Eurasian coots build floating nests in the reeds.
• Les Jardins du Taillefer (1¾ hours, 22.7km/14 miles): Stop for lunch in the flower garden of this organic farm , with slide and climbing frame for tots, vegetarian cuisine, Savoyard cheeses and farm-made Glaces & Cows ice-cream. If you can’t tear the kids away, sleep over in a rustic pod, tent or wooden cabin.
• Duignt (2 hours, 27km/17 miles): The 10-minute walk uphill to Grotte de Notre Dame du Lac for breathtaking lake views is a highlight of a pit stop in this quaint lakefront village, with its 19th-century chateau hosting seasonal exhibitions. The artisan  Boulangerie du Lac is one of the best in the Alps.
• L’Abri Cyclette (2¼ hours, 31km/19 miles) Grab air, bike repairs and refreshments at this uber-cool  signal house-turned-snack bar on the silky-smooth Voie Verte, roughly half a mile inland from the lake.
• Plage de St-Jorioz (2 hours 20 minutes, 32km/20 miles) Join the summertime throngs for a swim from this sandy, 1920s  municipal beach with retro plongeoir (diving tower) for older kids and lifeguards in July and August (seasonal entry fee adult/child €2.60/1).

If I could do it all again…

… it would still be with regular wheels, especially given our 12-year-old conquered the loop without tears, trauma or e-power (friends of ours with a 9-year-old recently returned, equally victorious). In high season, renting bikes and starting the tour in Duingt cuts out queue-time in bike-rental shops and avoids the inevitable crowds on the “starting blocks.”

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Lake Annecy Cycling Tour French Alps

Known to some as the "Venice of the Alps", Annecy lies nestled within beautiful scenery and surrounded by mountain peaks, and has welcomed countless riders in the Tour de France — take our cycling tour to see why it's so beloved worldwide.

£2,395.00 per person*

($3,041.65 USD or $4,742.10 AUD)

£250.00 deposit

£425.00 single room supplement

There are currently no scheduled dates for this tour, but please contact us if you want to schedule a private tour for six or more people.

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Legendary cols of the french alps.

Lake Annecy Cycling Tour French Alps cycling tour highlights

• Ride the Tour De France Routes
• Climb the famous Col de Madeleine
• Enjoy the amazing roads and view of Lake Annecy

Join this cycling tour

Arrivals are collected from midday at Geneva Airport or Annecy train station.

Morning departure to Geneva Airport or Annecy train station ( connections to Paris and Lyon via TGV are available from Annecy)

Cycling level

For riders who have strong confidence in their cycling fitness. Daily distances can be over 100 km on hilly to mountainous terrain. Tours will include climbs of over 10 km in length and cyclists should be able to climb for an hour without stopping. This type of tour is for cyclists who are having their first go at a mountain tour or for those who want climbing and enjoy stunning scenery

• Description
• What's Included
• Accommodation
• Testimonials

Tour de France first appeared in Annecy in 1948, again in 1959 and then fifty years later the round-the-lake individual time trial won by Alberto Contador in 2009. But since then the Tour de France rode around and through Annecy a handful more times.   Annecy , is famous for its old town with canals and bridges and the amazing views of the mountains surrounding the lake. It is the crystal clear water of Lac d'Annecy as it is known in France and the breathtaking mountain climbs that make this one of the most popular tourist destinations in France and a place where we look forward to joining you on our cycling tour.

Our cycling tour showcases the amazing Lake Annecy and surrounding mountain scenery and cols. Though Lake Annecy and the area may be a somewhat lesser known area by cycling enthusiasts outside of France, ask any local and they will tell you that this area and the quiet roads and tree-covered climbs of the Parc de Bauges make this a cycling mecca.

With the proximity to the St Jean de Maurienne Valley the world’s capital of uphill cycling (or so the French claim!) the Parc des Bauges and the Alpes, this road bike adventure allows us to cycle along the same roads as the pro's - all of course within our own time! Also the offering of road e-bikes in the area makes this tour accessible by all!

To view a map of the Annecy cycling tour route click here

Arrival day.

After collecting everyone from Geneva or Annecy, we head to our hotel on the west side of Lake Annecy where we can put our bikes together and head out for a ride around the Lake. We stop in Talloires on the east side for a drink and then continue our ride back to our Hotel where a dip in the lake is waiting.

Our ride today begins by exploring the natural beauty of the Parc de Bauges. This UNESCO World Geoparc’s rolling countryside, as we head towards the St Jean de Maurienne Valley, is nothing less than stunning! Once we reach the St. Jean de Maurienne valley, we ride up the amazing “Lacets de Montvernier” — so named as the 13 hairpins look like laces up the mountain. Our stay tonight is at the Hotel St. Georges, a hotel that lives and breathes cyclists!

Approximate distance 112km; elevation gain 2150m

The highlight of day 2 of the cycling tour is the Col de Madeleine. Featured in the Tour de France 25 times since 1969,  this 19km climb with an average of 8% gradient is always a good day with many other cyclists along the route riding to the top for the reward – the legendary Myrtille tarte! Not one to miss!

We stay in the spa town of Brides Les Bains for two nights. Relax in the hotel pool and spa or pre book a massage.

Approximate distance 85km; elevation gain 2983m

No packing today, as we stay at our hotel for another night. It can be an easier day if your legs feel like a rest as we have two route options. We all head back down the valley and climb up the quiet winding road to the ski station in St Martin de Belleville; a coffee stop in the square, and then a beautiful descent to Moutier before heading back to Brides les Bains. Here your day of cycling can end — or for those up for the challenge, 2020 may be famous for Covid but in the world of cycling it was famous for the debut of the Col de la Loze in the Tour de France.

With Christian Prudhomme the director of the Tour de France stating “ You have to come, it's great, it's unheard of, nothing like it exists in France, with its twists to the left and twists to the right, grades of 20% through the forest , it will be a decisive day” we could not deny you this great climb. While the Col de la Loze via Meribel climb starts close to the hotel on shared roads, the heart of the climb that is talked about in both awe and fear by Prudhomme and others is the top 7km.

A ski piste in the winter, the Col de la Loze opened in 2019 uniquely for cyclists. Vehicles and motorcycles are prohibited. It does indeed twist and turn with gradients of 20% and more. You will need to be both mentally and physically fit to master this climb. Take a break at the top, catch your breath and keep your head as you tackle the equally technical descent.

The van is unable to follow you through this section so will meet you at the bottom of the descent into Courchevel. With a welcome lunch break at one of the two lakes you pass on your descents, you are then refuelled for the rolling roads of the afternoon and a descent back into Brides les Bains. Distance 63km Climbing 2110m

Short Option: Approximate distance 40km; elevation gain 1200m

Long Option: Approximate distance 63 km; elevation gain 2110m

On day of the Lake Annecy cycling tour we head north back towards our starting hotel on Lake Annecy. We ride through Albertville — another start town of the Tour De France — and follow the roads of the pro riders over the Col de Saisie and Aravis. A jump in the lake to cool off ends our day before a dinner out tonight!

Approximate distance 133km; elevation gain 2918m

Your final day of riding, and another day of no packing! We ride away from the lake this morning over the Col de Semnoz, a Tour de France stage finish in 2012 and then descend back down to the lake (perhaps a quick dip will be in order) and follow the shoreline back into Talloires for the first of many celebratory drinks before we head back to the hotel for our final dinner together.

Approximate distance 85km; elevation gain 2200m

Departure Day

After breakfast and an exchange of emails with your new friends, we say our “au’revoirs!” and hope you go home with a lifetime of memories!

Not all cycle vacations are the same. Compare what is included in a French Cycling Holidays sports tour:

• Flexible collection from local airport or train station
• Quality helmets (if required)
• Water bottles (to take home as souvenirs)
• Detailed riding instructions and colour route maps
• Charming 3* and 4* auberges, inns and hotels
• Buffet style breakfasts with croissants, pastries, meats, cheeses and cereals
• Gourmet dinners for all 6 nights of your holiday
• Fine wine (or soft drink alternative) with all evening meals and coffee to follow
• 2 experienced bilingual guides with each tour
• Delivery of your luggage to your hotel room each day
• Entry fees to attractions and historical sites
• Morning onward transfers
• An unforgettable experience!

We try to include as much as we can within the price, while keeping things as flexible as possible. With the explosion of low cost airlines and the easy access to the TGV rail system from the UK, we believe that it is more economical and convenient for customers to arrange their own travel to the region. Links to the airlines and railway companies can be found in frequently asked questions.

We provide the transfers to and from the local airports and the nearest TGV stations, and other locations by arrangement. If you have driven down, we arrange secure parking for your car and return you to it after the tour.

We stay in very comfortable hotels, mostly 3*, occasionally 4*, and very occasionally superior 2* hotels which we choose if they have charm and comfort above their rating. All rooms have en-suite shower or bath facilities.

We select our hotels for their character as well as their facilities, and avoid chains in favour of independent privately run hotels.

Prices are based on two sharing in twin or double rooms. Singles are available on request. Where possible, we choose hotels with swimming pools as there is nothing quite like a dip after a day in the saddle!

It is sometimes necessary to change accommodation for reasons of room availability, minor adjustments to the route or upgrading the hotels. We will always endeavour to use hotels of an equal or higher level of comfort/facilities to those shown – please contact us to check for the most up-to-date information regarding your particular tour.

All evening meals are included, and we carefully select the restaurants for cuisine and ambience, and favour those with a strong regional flavour.

All meals include a starter, main course and dessert, some will have an additional cheese course. We are happy to arrange for our restaurants to cater for specific dietary requirements and allergies etc. On sports tours we try to make sure that the meals are suitable for a challenging week of cycling!

We do not include lunch, as the costing of these is beyond our control, but where route and weather allow we organise picnics; these feature copious salads, cold meats, cheeses, crusty bread, fruits, etc, and a choice of drinks; we ask for a contribution for the costs of the consumables, which usually works out at 8 or 9 euros per person per picnic. Where route or weather does not allow a picnic, we recommend suitable cafés and bistros.

Bikes & Equipment

Many people prefer to bring their own bikes for sports tours; however, if you would prefer to rent a bike locally, we can provide quality carbon fibre framed road bikes at a reasonable cost. If you are bringing your own bike, we will carry your bike case with us during the week, or arrange for it to be taken to the final hotel and stored.

Guides and Backup

There will be two guides on every tour; one cycling with the group and one in the minibus which will follow the group. The bus carries all luggage not required for the day's ride and will always be available for anyone at any point during the day. If for instance you want to take a day off the bike, or if a particular day seems a little hard, the bus will take you for as long or as little as you wish it to.

Everybody is provided with detailed route maps for each day, and both guides are easily contactable by mobile phone. The guides are enthusiastic experts on the local area and will be able to sort out any problems or special requests that you might have.

Sunday, Thursday and Friday -  Hotel Beauregard , Annecy

The 3* Beauregard’s most obvious attraction jumps out at you – the stunning location! With lawns running down to Lake Annecy and the majestic mountains of the Aravis massif opposite, you would never tire of the views. With a respected restaurant ‘La Boussole’ serving delicious local produce in this fabulous location, you’ll be well set up for the challenges of the week ahead!

Monday - Hotel Saint-Georges , Saint-Jean-de-Maurienne

A hotel since 1866, the 3* Saint-Georges has been a firm favourite with sporting cyclists – we have been staying here for 12 years! Martine, the owner, has been extending her warm welcome to cyclists for decades, and as a result the facilities for storing and maintaining bikes is second-to-none.

Tuesday and Wednesday -  Grand Hotel des Thermes , Saint Jean de Maurienne

The luxurious 4* Grand Hotel features a well-appointed spa as well as an outdoor and an indoor swimming pool – so if your limbs are aching after a few days of cycling, book yourself in for a sauna and a massage! The gourmet restaurant is a real treat after a post ride beer in the piano bar!

Below we answer all the most common questions that you might ask before choosing a French Cycling Holidays cycling tour. If you have any further questions then please get in touch. We look forward to hearing from you.

How fit do I need to be?

Anybody who is reasonably active should be able to take part and enjoy our cycling tours in France.

The tours have different levels of physical exertion — whilst the Loire Valley tours and Bordeaux tour are easy going; the Normandy, Provence Roman Heritage, and Burgundy tours are a little more strenuous, whilst the Provence Lubéron, Dordogne and Languedoc tours require a reasonable level of fitness.

For nearly all of our cycling tours an e-bike - electrically assisted bicycle - is an extra-cost option. These bikes apply a 'multiplier' to the level of input provided by the rider, the level of assistance can be adjusted for the terrain. This can be useful if there are members of your party who have very different levels of bike-fitness and experience, as hills that look daunting suddenly become easy with an e-bike. Contact us via the contact page if you would like more details.   

The Sports tours are aimed at enthusiast cyclists who might want to bring their own road bikes. However, the rides are not races and there is no time limit - and there is always the minibus if things get too tough!

We would nevertheless recommend that anyone who has not taken any regular exercise for some time consult their doctor before considering any activity-based holiday. Bear in mind that a little regular riding before coming on a cycling vacation will always be a benefit to the experience.

How do I get to the cycling tours in France?

We pick up and drop off from the nearest TGV/railway stations to the start of each tour. (We may be able to drop at a nearer airport or station by arrangement if more convenient for you and logistically possible). This gives everyone the option of making their way by the most economical or convenient means. The major options are:

Flying from the UK

Ryanair flies into the following airports:

Nimes (for the Provence tours and Languedoc tours; Ryanair also fly out of Beziers and Montpellier for the Languedoc tour); Bergerac (for the Bordeaux tour), Dinard for the Normandy tour, Grenoble for Alpine trips and Pau (for the Classic Cols tour)

Ryanair operates out of Liverpool, London Stansted and London Luton Airports amongst others.

Easyjet flies into Montpellier (for the Provence tours) and out of Bordeaux (for the Bordeaux tour); it flys into Geneva and Lyon for Alpine tours and also out of Nice for the Alpine Raid.

British Airways prices can be reasonable if booked in advance — BA fly into Bordeaux for train transfers to Bergerac (Bordeaux tour), and Marseilles (Provence tours).

If we do not pick up from the airport itself, we will advise on rail connections from the airport to our pick-up points.

Rail for visitors from outside Europe / those already in France

The TGV can be an exceptionally quick way of reaching many French destinations from the UK and from Paris for those flying from overseas or UK regions.

The Eurostar SNCF (French National Railways) TGV websites may be useful. As a guide, London St Pancras to Avignon via TGV takes approximately 6½ hours; Tours takes 4 hours. From Paris Charles de Gaulle airport, the point of arrival for most intercontinental flights, Tours is 1½ hours by TGV, Avignon (for Provence) just over 3 hours.

Brive-la-Gaillarde is 4 hours from Paris by rail for the Dordogne tour. We are more than happy to advise on rail options — please contact us. Internet sales from the French SNCF site ( www.voyages-sncf.com sites are possible but are in French; the approved agency for the US and Canada is RailEurope ; however we are happy to advise and help with the French website.

This may be a good choice if your French Cycling Holiday is part of a longer stay. We may be able to arrange parking for your car at or near our first hotel, and return you to your car at the end of the trip. (Note - this service may not be available on certain long-distance tours - please check with us). The major ferry and crossing companies from the UK are Eurotunnel, P&O, Brittany Ferries, LD Lines, Speedferries and SeaFrance.

If it is more convenient for you to hire a car Europcar in our experience has the best rates for rentals where the drop-off is at a different location to the pickup.

However you choose to travel, we are very happy to help you sort out your itinerary.

What kind of pedals do you use?

Pedals are obviously fairly important on a cycling tour! We stock the following kinds:

Flat – i.e. no special cleats or grips, these pedals can be used with any kind of footwear. If you do not regularly use special pedals or cycling shoes, we recommend standard trainers/sneakers to wear while riding.

SPD/flat – we also have pedals with one side flat and one side an SPD cleat. This is the standard Shimano SPD compatible system; two bolts and the small cleat pictured on the shoe with the yellow sole. These cleats are ideal for cycling tours as the cleat is usually recessed into the bottom of the shoe. 

Flats with cages – we have a small number of flat pedals with cages & straps – again if you are not used to this, we wouldn’t recommend starting a tour with them!

Other – we do NOT stock any other pedal systems. If you use any other kind of pedal, you are very welcome to bring your own and our guides can fit them to your bike for the week. However, we would advise against racing-style pedals such as the Look Keo, Shimano SPD-SL or similar, as these tend to have a large, protruding cleat on the sole of the shoe which makes walking around visits or lunch stops (or even nipping into a public toilet!) quite uncomfortable and dangerous. Sports tours are a little different as there are much longer days and less off-the-bike walking – a choice is ultimately up to you though!

Can I use my own bike?

We are happy for anyone to bring their own bikes. However, the budget airlines charge around £50 each way and packing and carriage can be a hassle. Our Trek bikes are of a high standard, and our customers usually express pleasant surprise at the quality of the machines, so it might be a better option to bring your saddle and/or pedals which we will be very happy to fit. In any case there will always be a backup bike should you have a mechanical problem. Please feel free to call us for advice on bike transportation.

What should I wear?

The main thing that people who are not regular distance cyclists worry about is a sore behind. This is not as is popularly thought due to too-hard saddles, but friction between skin and garments. This is why professional cyclists wear skin-tight lycra shorts with padded inserts. Many people feel a bit self-conscious in this sort of gear and your local cycle shop will have a range of padded undershorts which can be worn under normal clothing, or regularly styled shorts with sewn-in padded liners. Otherwise, lightweight comfortable clothing (tee-shirts, shorts, trainers) is ideal, with something warmer like a fleece just in case. As we will be dining well, you might like to take something presentable (but not formal — no-one on a French Cycling Holiday stands on ceremony!) for the evening meal.

How many people on each cycling tour?

As well as being an active holiday, sampling the best that France has to offer, we believe that our trips should be an opportunity to meet people and make new friends. Our groups are limited to a maximum of 16, which is the largest number that we can give a personal service to, and a minimum of 6 people, which we feel is the number needed to achieve a group spirit. If we cannot achieve this number, we may cancel the tour giving a minimum of five weeks notice.

What weather are we likely to encounter?

We time our tours so that the weather should be ideal for cycling for each tour. For that reason we have our Provence and Languedoc tours in the late spring and early autumn, rather than in high summer when it can be too hot to cycle comfortably after 10 a.m. The Loire Valley, Dordogne, Bordeaux and Burgundy tours are more temperate, which is why we concentrate these tours in July and August. We cannot guarantee the weather, but it would be very unlucky to have more than one wet day on any of the tours.

Are there any age limits?

There is no specific upper age limit — the only constraint is a reasonable level of fitness. Children between 10 and 16 are welcome as part of family groups. We do not recommend these tours for children under 10.

Do I need travel insurance?

We require all participants to have travel insurance with full medical cover. It is part of the conditions of our tours that participant should provide evidence of suitable cover. If you have any questions about the cover required please contact us for advice.

What financial protection is in place for my booking?

In accordance with “The Package Travel, Package Tours Regulations 1992” customers of French Cycling Holidays Limited will be indemnified in respect of their net ascertained financial loss sustained arising from the cancellation or curtailment of the declared trip travel arrangements arising solely from the event of the financial failure of French Cycling Holidays Limited.

This insurance has been arranged by Towergate Chapman Stevens through Hiscox Insurance Company Limited.

Lake Annecy Bike Trip

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  Tour Operator   Practice Bicycle Bike Tours

  6   days   (Bike: 5 days)

  235   km   (~ 47 km  per day)

  Hilly , On-road

Your France Bike Tour in Cycling Paradise - Spectacular fully guided Lake Annecy bike trip

Discover hidden gems and make memories of a lifetime. Lake Annecy Bike Trips combine the best cycling in the world in a relaxed environment, discover the perfect balance of riding and relaxation on this unique bike tour with a difference. Bike riding around lakes and mountains is the pinnacle of any cycling holiday, include a stay in the ‘baby Paris’ town of Annecy on the edge of the spectacular Lake Annecy and surrounded by the French Alps, you are in ‘Cycling Paradise’.

Unpack Once – Ride Everyday, with this incredible selection of spectacular bike rides all from one location and you’ll get to experience the very best of them with this first-class guided cycling tour. Every day of the Lake Annecy bike trip is packed with new cycling routes and new places to see and visit. We pride ourselves on showing you the very best cycling in the world, feel like a local cyclist both on and off the bike and see beyond what any guide book will show you!

Green fields of France waiting to be explored. Discover Medieval villages, spectacular rolling countryside and chateaus on this choice selection of cycling routes all tailored to meet your riding ability, comfortable bike rides suitable for the leisure cyclist. Each day also includes our hidden gem French restaurant lunch stops a highlight to a spectacular day of cycling. These diamond bike rides are only possible with the local knowledge of the professionals who “Live It” in this beautiful area of France – Lake Annecy, cycling paradise.

Highlights:

• Magnificent Lake Annecy the most enchanting town in France, this ‘baby Paris’ location the ‘Venice of the Alps’
• Breathtaking ambiance of the Lake and Mountains with views of Mont Blanc (4810m) the highest point in Europe
• Classic french lunch in a picture postcard setting on the terrace in the village of Vaux
• ‘Cycling Paradise’ riding and exploring in all directions ‘Massif des Bauges’ national park and ‘Alby-sur-Cheran’ medieval village.
• Patchwork quilt rolling green fields of France with the Semnoz mountain forest and the spectacular jagged silhouette of the French Alps as the backdrop
• ‘Pont de la Caille’ – medieval suspension bridge (1839) joining the Haute Savoie with Geneva, hidden amongst tiny villages and farming communities
• Ride & Relax with those that live it and feel like you belong

Tour Information

Lake Annecy

Guided     AU$   2891

Departure(s)

May 22, June 19, July 3, August 21, September 9, 2023

Single Supplement

Elevation Gain

Request a private, customised version of this tour for yourself or cycling group.

• 5 nights 2* hotel accommodation in Annecy Centre Ville
• Continental buffet breakfast each morning French style
• 5 guided rides around Lake Annecy exploring villages of France designed & tailored to the individual
• 4 Hidden Gem French ‘Menu du jour’ Restaurant lunches
• Highly experienced French Alps professional cycling guide
• Haute Savoie support team & vehicle & ‘on the go’ mechanical assistance
• Sports drinks & bike food for each ride
• Airport pick-up & drop-off at Geneva International Airport, Switzerland and short transfer to Annecy, France (Tour midday arrival & departure days)
• 3* Hotel Accommodation AUD $3148 pp
• 4* Hotel Accommodation AUD $3415 pp
• Rides Only: Without Accommodation $2316 per person
• Bike hire – $500
• Non-cycling partner – $2733

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While great care has been taken to show full and correct tour details, unfortunately transcription errors do occur and, although we continually seek to eliminate these, we apologise for any mistakes. Plans or bookings should not be made exclusively based on information shown on this website but must be confirmed with the tour operator.

Do you want to get on your bike during your active camping holiday in Annecy in the Northern French Alps? Pedaling with your hair in the wind on a secure cycle path alone, as a couple, with your children or your friends? Direction cycle path that borders Lake Annecy. and Camping La Ravoire and Les Fontaines!

One of the oldest 35 km cycle paths in France

On one side, Lake Annecy with its clear, clean water, one of the most beautiful lakes in the Alps. On the other, the mountains of the French Alps. And in the middle, you and your bike on a off road cycle path reserved for cyclists, walkers, runners and rollerbladers. Created in 1974, the greenway on the shore of Lake Annecy is one of the oldest cycle paths in France and without question one of the most beautiful. This 35 km tarmac route follows the old route of the railway that connected Annecy with Albertville. Cyclists can admire the remains of this railway line at the sight of the old Doussard station and the Duingt tunnel in which the trains were passing through.

Lake Annecy by bike

Have you just adjusted your helmet and checked the condition of your brakes? The ride can begin. From Doussard, you'll follow the western shore of the lake to Lathuile, Duingt, Saint-Jorioz, Sévrier and Annecy. The track stays close to the lake shore at all times. It is wide enough (3 metres, two directions) to allow all users to enjoy cycling while admiring the waters of the lake and the peaks of the Bauges massif. In the centre of Annecy, the path runs alongside the lake, past the Impérial Palace and Annecy-le-Vieux, to the other side of the lake. The village of Veyrier doesn't have its own cycle path, so it's the only place that's a little less safe, but it's very short. The route continues as far as Menthon Saint Bernard and then climbs gradually to the top of Talloires village. A beautiful descent will reward your efforts with a breathtaking view of the lake. Return to the Annecy campsites on the brand-new cycle path that runs under the national road to La Ravoire and Les Fontaines in complete safety.

Cycling accessible to all

With or without wind, the Greenway on the shores of Lake Annecy is accessible to all cyclists, including those with reduced mobility. On the west bank, there is little or no difference in height, so you'll almost always be cycling on level ground, on a tarmac track in excellent condition. Children can ride in complete safety, as motorised vehicles are prohibited and the track is well separated from the road. There are picnic areas by the side of the track in several places, where you can take a break for lunch with family or friends and admire the reflection of the mountains in the waters of the lake. On the east bank, the gradient is reasonable in the direction Annecy > Doussard and the track is almost always independent of the road. Are you a cyclist or a touring cyclist without equipment? You'll find a range of bikes and mountain bikes for hire along the length of the cycle route! In summer, at the end of your ride, you can swap your two-wheeler for a kayak or stand-up paddle and venture out into the middle of the lake. With a refreshing swim to relax your muscles, of course!

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Annecy lake weekend

France, the alps.

€  295 /person (including taxes)

Self-guided tour

1 Leisure level

Reservation for 2 peoples

Option Cyclist 1 *

Price on request

Option Cyclist 2 *

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• Pay in Full
• Pay 30% deposit Pay 30% at reservation and 70% balance at the latest 45 days prior start of your tour.

Annecy and its famous lake are a real haven of tranquility. Crystal clear water, small quiet mountain roads that snake up from the lake front, Annecy old town with its quaint restaurants and easy access from Geneva airport, all make for a fantastic weekend get away.

Day 1 Arrive in Annecy and discover the town

Bcyclet welcomes you in the early afternoon, leaving you time for a ride along the lake front or for a walk in the old town. You may have dinner (not included) in a small wine cellar that only the locals know or in a more traditional local restaurant.

Night in Annecy

Day 2 Tour of the Lake

Leisure: you can ride 80% of the way around the lake entirely along a dedicated tarmacked cycle path, allowing you to ride with zero traffic, free to enjoy the beautiful lake and mountain scenery.  We have our own variation on this classic route, allowing you to really take full advantage of the idyllic environment.

40km and 200m+

Pro:  This is a climber’s stage. The Semnoz looms large just to the West of Annecy and will be your first challenge of the day. The climb starts just outside the city centre at 450m above sea level and culminates at 1699m after some 18km. It is tough climb but most of it is through beautiful protected forest, so even in the middle of summer it never gets too hot. Once at the top you will be rewarded by a magnificent descent back down to the lake, followed by a short section along the cycle path before tackling the famous Col de la Forclaz. You will climb from the quieter but tougher Southern side, which was ridden in the 2016 Tour de France. The climb is only 8.5 km long but with sections at 11% this is a will be a proper test for your climbing legs. At the summit the views of the Lake and the surrounding mountains are breathtaking, as is the spectacle of the paragliders jumping off the cliff edge. A beautiful winding road will take you back down the opposite side to the lake front and Annecy. This is a must-do loop for any cycling enthusiast.

80 km and 2100 m+

Day 3 The Bauges Massif

Leisure:  Today you head into the Bauges mountains, still famous for their pastoral traditions and great local cheeses. Your first stop will be the pont de l’Abîme (literally the Abyss bridge) which is tarmacked but suspended some 100m above the Chéran river gorge. Once across you will climb the bucolic road to the small Col de Leschaux 897m), before taking a loop back to the lake and Annecy.

45km and 500m+

Pro: After crossing the  pont de l’Abîme (as above) you will tackle another famous local climb, the Mont Revard. (1538m) At the top you will be overlooking the town of Aix les Bains and its lake De Bourget, which is France’s largest natural glacial lake. On your way back you will again meet up with the route taken by the Leisure tour, via the Col de Leschaux (897m) before descending back to Annecy lake and the centre of town. Another great climbing stage with spectacular scenery and very quiet roads that seemed designed with cyclists in mind.

90km and 2200m+

End of your trip by mid-afternoon. An extra night in Annecy is available on request.

Included in the price

• 2 nights in a charming hotel in double rooms
• All breakfast (x2)
• Bcyclet welcome kit
• A GPS for 2 people with route tracks
• Map and road book with our favorite local addresses and altimetric profiles for each stage
• Local assistance hotline 7/7, 8am to 8pm

Not included

• Lunches and dinners
• Travel insurrance
• Personal spending
• Transfer to the hotel in Annecy the first day
• Transfer from the hotel in Annecy the last day

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France Bike Tour

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Tour start | end: Annecy, France / Chamonix, France Annecy, France / Chamonix, France Length: 6 Days / 5 Nights Rating: Avid

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Bike Tour in French Alps, Annecy, Chamonix, and Aosta Valley, Italy

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Bienvenue to this French and Italian Alps cycling trip at pristine Lake Annecy and its picturesque namesake town otherwise known as “the little Venice of the Alps.” Ride along the west shore of France’s third-largest lake, renowned for being Europe’s cleanest. Tonight, join us for a welcome drink and dinner at the restaurant in the Imperial Hotel.

Set off on your exploration of the Alps’ glorious Haute-Savoie region. At 7,713 feet, La Tournette, the highest mountain around the lake, dominates the dramatic vistas during your ride.

Get ready for your bucket list ride today. Pedal part of the 2018 Stage 10 of the Tour de France from Col de Bluffy offering gorgeous views of the Chateau de Menthon - Saint Bernard. Our route takes us deeper into the mountains through small villages into Thônes, the capital of Reblochon cheese. Relax at a luxurious Alpine Chalet on the foothills of the Aravis mountains.

This morning, ride through the chic farming villages of Flumet and Megève. Break for a picnic lunch in the storybook town of Megève. Your home for the next two nights is at the Relais & Chateaux 5-star Hameau Albert 1er in the glamorous town of Chamonix on the ski slopes of Mont Blanc.

This morning we cross over to the Italian side of Mont Blanc to the mountain town of Courmayeur in Aosta Valley. Explore this "best all-round ski resort town of Italy" over lunch. In the afternoon visit the Mer De Glace and explore the famous ice cave at your own pace. Tonight, we gather for a farewell dinner at the hotel’s mountain-style farmhouse restaurant.

After breakfast get ready for your final alpine ride — an out-and-back around Chamonix with ever-changing views of Les Grands Montets. Return to a delicious lunch before your departure to Geneva.

Lodging Information

Distinctive lodging, carefully selected to complement your tour..

Imperial Palace, Annecy

The exceptional environment of the peninsula and its majestic "Belle Époque” façade make this hotel a stunning destination set amid Lake Annecy and the mountains. Ideally situated in the heart of the Alps in Upper Savoy, only 30 minutes from Geneva airport this is symbolic building for the people of Annecy and is located a few minutes away on foot from the city center (2 nights).

Hotel Beauregard, La Clusaz

This hotel is built in traditional Savoyard chalet style, located at the foot of the ski slopes, close to the village La Clusaz. Each room features a private balcony with incredible views over the resort of La Clusaz or over the Aravis mountain range. (1 Night)

Hameau Albert 1er (Relais & Châteaux 5 *), Chamonix

In the valley of Chamonix Mont-Blanc, the charming 5-star Hameau Albert 1er welcomes you in a prestigious setting in the heart of lush greenery. Luxurious, boutique-style rooms with fireplaces, family suites, cozy cottages, a spa, an indoor and outdoor pool with views of Mont-Blanc, a 2-star Michelin restaurant, a country restaurant, and conference facilities make for a fabulous stay. heart of the mountaineering capital. (2 Nights)

• Support of experienced Sojourn leaders both of whom are French national and locals to the area.
• Full van support for a variety of route options
• Custom Sojourn jersey and water bottles – both yours to keep
• 5 nights at boutique and luxury accommodations
• All meals except for 1 lunch and 2 dinners.
• All gratuities at hotels and restaurants
• Baggage transfers and porterage
• Complimentary use of Sojourn’s equipment and bikes. We will be using Giant or Specialized carbon fiber road / hybrid bikes on this trip
• Option of Electric Assist Bikes (E-Bikes) ( Learn More )
• Daily route directions, maps, and a downloadable GPS Option
• 5% Past Traveler Discount to use on your next Sojourn Tour

Fcts de la vie en france (Facts of Life in France)

• United States and Canadian citizens do not require a visa to enter France, Switzerland or Italy for tourism or business stays under ninety (90) days.
• As with any Sojourn trip, every single element of this trip was developed by the Sojourn crew and is not outsourced. The Sojourn commitment of impeccable service, world-renowned luxury hotels, carefully designed routes, custom fitted bikes, professional leader support and unwavering attention to details, stays firm.
• The trip starts in Annecy, France. Annecy is about an hour drive from Geneva International Airport (GVA). There are taxis, and shuttle buses that commute from GVA to Annecy.
• The trips ends in Chamonix, France. Unless you have other plans for your forward journey, we will shuttle you to Geneva International Airport (GVA) from Chamonix at the end of the trip.
• A lot of the gourmet restaurants where we dine offer specially prepared limited or fixed menus featuring regional cuisine. So selecting off the main menu might not be an option.
• It helps to know French in this region. Most locals either do not or prefer not to speak English. However, you will always be supported by your Sojourn leaders, who speak both French and English fluently. You can also choose to download Google Translate Offline App on your phone that will work even when you aren’t connected to the Internet.
• There will always be a van support during the trip. If at any point of your ride you need a break, we strongly recommend you take it. The vistas are simply too stunning to be missed especially during certain legs of the stage 10 route.

Private Trips

Reserve one of our regularly scheduled trip dates for your private group and qualify for reduced pricing. The larger your group, the lower the per person price. Gather your friends and we’ll do the rest to provide your group with a truly personalized and memorable vacation. Smaller groups can join published trips and receive reduced pricing on trips that aren’t reserved as private trip dates.

For groups of 12-15 people traveling together on a published tour date, a discount of 8% on the double occupancy trip price will apply.

For groups of 8-11 people traveling together on a published date, a discount of 6% on the double occupancy trip price will apply.

Group discounts may not be combined with other offers.

Kim Markham

Evelyn Kirk

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Top 10 Bike Rides and Cycling Routes around Annecy

Cycling around annecy.

Cycling around Annecy is one of the most enjoyable ways to explore more of this part of Auvergne Rhône Alpes. So you can find your perfect Annecy bike ride, we’ve reviewed our full collection of cycling routes in the region to deliver the best. Just click on each route to see a full breakdown of detailed information including elevation profiles and surface analyses, and browse real tips and photos uploaded by other members of the komoot community.

Plan. Save. Navigate. Your best adventures await.

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Tour du Lac d'Annecy

Tour des aravis depuis saint-jean-de-sixt.

Let us show you the way with the komoot mobile app

Le col de la croix fry en boucle, lac d'annecy - rive est – lac d'annecy loop from annecy, tour de la tournette – parc naturel régional du massif des bauges, thorens-glières, glières-val-de-borne et entremont – boucle, lac d'annecy – col de la forclaz loop from les villards-sur-thônes, col du sapenay et col de la chambotte – boucle, étang de crosagny depuis rumilly – gravel en boucle, la route de la soif par flumet depuis le col des aravis – gravel en boucle.

Our Tour recommendations are based on thousands of activities completed by other people on komoot.

Popular around Annecy

Bike Touring Collection by komoot

Find the perfect Tour

Explore the most popular tours around annecy, discover the most popular attractions around annecy.

Didn’t find what you were looking for? Check out more Cycling Routes throughout Annecy below and find the perfect Tour in your destination.

• Chainaz-Les-Frasses
• Lac d'Annecy
• Entrevernes
• La Mandallaz
• Talloires-Montmin
• Dingy-Saint-Clair
• Saint-Martin-Bellevue
• Les Ollières
• Saint-Jean-De-Sixt
• Marcellaz-Albanais
• Saint-Ferréol
• Veyrier-Du-Lac
• La Balme-De-Sillingy
• Hauteville-Sur-Fier
• Nâves-Parmelan
• Saint-Sylvestre
• Menthon-Saint-Bernard
• La Balme-De-Thuy
• Saint-Eusèbe
• Villy-Le-Pelloux
• Annecy-Le-Vieux
• Faverges-Seythenex
• Viuz-La-Chiésaz
• Montagny-Les-Lanches
• Saint-Félix
• Crempigny-Bonneguête
• Val-De-Chaise
• Réserve Biologique Dirigée De La Montagne Des Frêtes
• Thorens-Glières
• Le Grand-Bornand
• Le Bouchet-Mont-Charvin
• Saint-Jorioz
• Val-De-Fier
• Les Villards-Sur-Thônes
• Saint-Eustache
• Cran-Gevrier
• La Chapelle-Saint-Maurice
• Héry-Sur-Alby
• Épagny-Metz-Tessy
• Marigny-Saint-Marcel
• Alby-Sur-Chéran

Explore more of Auvergne Rhône Alpes : Browse the best Cycling Routes in other regions.

• Haute-Savoie
• Massif Central
• Saint-Jean-De-Maurienne
• Puy-de-Dôme
• Villefranche-Sur-Saône
• Haute-Loire
• Albertville
• Tournon-Sur-Rhône
• Saint-Flour
• Métropole de Lyon
• Pays Du Velay
• Clermont-Ferrand
• La Tour-Du-Pin
• Thonon-Les-Bains
• Bourg-En-Bresse
• Largentière
• Saint-Julien-En-Genevois
• Saint-Étienne

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Home > Three Lake Cycling: Geneva, Bourget & Annecy

Three Lake Cycling: Geneva, Bourget & Annecy

• Level Levels: We have tours for all levels. For the leisure rider reasonably fit who may ride only once a year and for the very competitive rider and everyone in between. We use a 1-to-5 scale to rate the tours: 1 is Very Easy: Two to three hours of actual biking on flat terrain. Between 20 and 30 miles daily for a road tour. 2 is Easy: Three to four hours of actual biking on various terrain. About 40 miles daily for a road tour. 3 is Moderate: Five hours of biking on various terrain. About 50 miles daily for a road tour. 4 is Difficult: Six hours of biking. About 70 miles daily. 5 is very strenuous: Seven hours of intense biking. For competitive riders. In some cases a clear bill of health signed by a practioner is required.
• Price From 775 euros
• See the route

• Self-guided trip: Starts any Friday or Sunday from April through mid-October 2024.*
• 5 nights/6 days
• Daily mileage: From 46 km (29 miles) to 66 km (41 miles) (a challenging route is also available).
• Trip starts from Geneva and ends in Annecy. Geneva is serviced by low-cost airlines such as  Easyjet .
• Accommodation in 2-star, 3-star & 4-star properties
• Level: 2/3 (Easy/Moderate) (a challenging route is also available).

* Starting on another weekday possible for groups (must be 4 or more at time of booking and departure)

• DAY 5 nights / 6 days

More info: Receive detailed hotel list, bike specs, and route description

Description

Sizzling scenery, mesmerizing mountains, and luscious lakes!

Do you love cycling and exploring new areas by bike, but think the Alps are beyond your reach, because of - you know - climbing all those mountains? Are you more of a leisure cyclist than an avid “col”-climbing animal?

Then look no further, this trip is for you!

This unique bicycle tour in the French Alps makes it possible for leisure riders to experience the captivating cycling of the Alps without the hill hassle. Linking the three major lakes of the area ( Lake Geneva, Lake Bourget, and Lake Annecy ), the cycling routes essentially follow river paths, such as along the Rhône and Isère rivers, taking in historic villages, stunning natural scenery, lush meadows and valleys, and picturesque peaks along the way.

Pack your swimsuit in case you can’t resist the call of the lake (or all three lakes)! A refreshing swim is the best way to cool off after a day of biking. Come and cycle the entrancing Alps and capture some Alpine magic along the way!

Arrive in Geneva at your leisure and check in at your hotel. Take time to discover this stylish city on your own. It’s a gem of international organizations, finance, and culture, meshing Old World with New, and is a delight to explore. The crescent-shaped  Lake Geneva (Lac Léman)  provides a marvelous treat for your eyes and plentiful photo fodder. Dinner is at leisure.

Since Geneva is the culinary capital of Switzerland, you’ll find a variety of restaurants and eateries sure to please every palate.

Meet our local rep in the morning for the bike outfitting and itinerary briefing. The highlights of your route include cycling along the famous  Rhône River, admiring the views over the charming wine-making villages of  Dardagny  and  Satigny, and frolicking around forts. Conquer the westernmost point of Switzerland by bike at the village of  Chancy  and then cross the border into France.

Be sure not to miss the  Fort de l’Ecluse , an elevated fort founded by a Duke of Savoy . He built it out of a striking rock formation, one which forms a natural entrance of the  Rhone Valley  into France between the  Vuache hills and the  Jura . Your home for the night is in  Seyssel , a small “double-town” on the Rhone that lies in both the  Haute-Savoie (Upper Savoy)  and the  Ain  departments.

The views on today’s ride – the 14 summits of the  Bauges mountain range  on one side, as well as  Mont de la Charvaz  and  Col-du-Chat  on the other – are some of the major highlights of this tour. Sheer cliffs seem to spring up magically from the water and the mountains surround you in protective peacefulness.  Lake Bourget (Lac du Bourget)  is the largest natural glacial lake and the deepest entirely within France. It was the only home to the now extinct Bezoule, a freshwater whitefish that fed at muddy depths of 70 - 80 meters (230 - 260 ft) and reportedly disappeared in the 1960s. Cycle past the impressive site of the medieval  Château de Montverran  in Culoz , which was built on a rock in 1316 and, in more recent times, inspired the likes of Russian composer Sergei Prokofiev.

Pedal on to the spa town of  Aix-les-Bains , which was known for its baths as far back as the Roman Empire. Today, you can discover the numerous Roman ruins that remain.

Today, you’ll pedal through the heart of  Savoy  to  Chambery , a town of art and history. Located in a wide valley between the  Bauges  and  Chartreuse mountain ranges , at the crossroads of ancient trade routes, the old-town section of Chambery is one of the most remarkable in France. Along the way, take in the ruins of the 10th century fortress,  Chateau de Miolans , which overlook the rich wine-growing region of the  Combe de Savoie valley  (including the village of  Chignin , with remains of the 8th century Sarasin stronghold and its 6 towers). The Isère River guides the route to  Grésy-sur-Isère , a largely agricultural community that has been inhabited by man since the Neolithic Age.

Roll your way to Grésy-sur-Isère by way of  Albertville , situated on the Arly River close to the confluence with the  Isere River . Albertville hosted the 1992 Winter Olympics and has become quite an industrial center, but it also encompasses the medieval town of  Conflans , whose buildings date back to the 14th century. The  Beaufortain  and  Bauges mountain ranges  will dazzle you as you cycle to the stunning  Lake Annecy (Lac d’Annecy) . The Aravis mountain range reigns over Europe’s cleanest lake; its heights are famous for the hairpin turns and steep bends in the Tour de France. The magnificent town of Annecy, nestled on the northern tip of Lake Annecy, might remind you of Venice, with canals cut through sections of the historic Alpine-style village.

Strolling around, you’ll encounter the  Palais de l’Isle  (a 12th Century prison on an island, it is now the town’s symbol), the  Chateau d’Annecy , the 16th-century  Cathedral of Saint-Pierre , and the 20th century  Pont des Amours  (Lover’s Bridge) made of iron.

Have a relaxing breakfast, enjoy more of the sights and sounds of Annecy , and depart at your leisure. Or, feel free to prolong the pleasure and choose to stay longer in Annecy in order to make the most of this extraordinary town and setting.

Booking & Prices

5 nights in 2- and 3-star hotels (first hotel is in Gaillard, just 7 km/4 miles from the center of Geneva)

• 775 euros per person in April and October. Single supplement is 270 euros
• 795 euros per person in May, June and September. Single supplement is 280 euros
• 825 euros per person in July and August. Single supplement is 290 euros

5 nights in 2-, 3-, and 4-star hotels. 

• 920 euros per person in April and October. Single supplement is 295 euros
• 955 euros per person in May, June and September. Single supplement is 315 euros
• 990 euros per person in July and August. Single supplement is 335 euros

These prices include:

• 5 nights’ accommodation as described above
• Daily breakfast
• 2 dinners (drinks are not included)
• Meeting with our local representative
• Luggage transfers
• Marked maps and/or roadbook (paper and/or app)
• Pre-loaded GPS unit (subject to availability) or navigation app
• Assistance if necessary (you will be provided with our local rep’s mobile number)
• All tax and service charges

These prices do not include:

• Expenses of a personal nature
• Travel insurance
• Bicycle rentals. Hybrid bikes are available at the rate of 140 euros per bike. Gravel bikes are available at the rate of 155 euros per bike. Full-carbon racing bikes are available at the rate of 185 euros per bike. Electric bikes are available at the rate of 225 euros per bike. These prices include the drop-off fee for the bike’s return to Geneva.

Suggested Cycling Trips

• Lake Geneva /Switzerland
• Linking Lakes and Cultures: Geneva to Interlaken
• From 1,395 euros | 6n / 7d

• French Alps
• Rivers, Lakes and Mountains: Geneva to Geneva via Annecy
• From 390 euros | 2n / 3d

• Geneva to Annecy: Famous Climbs and Lesser-known Passes
• From 775 euros | 5n / 6d

• Why book on lac-annecy.com

Accueil / Activities / Cycling and e-biking / Cycling and e-biking routes

Cycling and e-biking routes

• Annecy (15)
• Level black – very hard (3)
• Level bue – Medium (4)
• Level red – hard (10)

16-Rhône loop

15-Fier loop

Cycling loop: Pont de la Caille circuit

47-Aravis/Arly traverse

Cycling circuit: Tour du Vuache

10-Traverse of le Semnoz

13-Traverse of Le Sapenay

46-Croix Fry circuit

21 – Bornes Plateau South

11-Albanais circuit

Route for cycle-touring “secret route”: Montée d’Entrevernes

Electric Bike : Duingt – Entrevernes – la Frasse

12 – Traverse of La Chambotte

14 – Traverse of Le Clergeon

45-Tour of Les Glières

Electrically assisted bicycle :Tour of the lake via : Vesonne – Montmin – Col de la Forclaz

3-Tour of the Tournette

Merci de patienter...

• Customized biking tour

6-day bike tour from Geneva to Annecy

• Breathtaking views of Lake Leman, Lake Bourget and Lake Annecy
• Vineyards on the mountainside
• The charm of Annecy

• Accommodation

Your bike tour between Lake Geneva, Lake Bourget and Lake Annecy

In the heart of the Alps, this hike takes you to three emblematic Alpine lakes: Lac Léman, Lac du Bourget and Lac d’Annecy. The Rhône and Isère rivers take you to the heart of the valleys for a serene ride. Widely accessible to all, this tour offers moderate difficulty.

Departure possible on Friday or Sunday

Day 1 : arrival in genève or gaillard.

Take your time to discover this charming town on the shores of Lake Geneva (Lac Léman ). Gourmets will be delighted to find a wide variety of restaurants. The opening onto Lake Geneva is highlighted by its unmissable Jet d’Eau (water fountain). The Alpine massif in the background reminds us that we are in the heart of the mountains.

Day 2 : Genève or Gaillard - Seyssel | 69 km

From the centre of Geneva , a wide plain takes you to the Rhône river banks . Once you’ve crossed the river, a small winding road takes you through the vineyards, with the Jura Mountains in the background. Small, bucolic country roads plunge you into the heart of nature, right up to the border between Switzerland and France. On the banks of the Rhône, you arrive at your stopover village of Seyssel , between the Grand Colombier massif and the Montagne du Prince.

Day 3 : Seyssel - Aix-les-Bains | 46 km

The Rhône river is the common thread running through this itinerary. It takes you all the way to Lac du Bourget . A small road overlooking the lake gives you a breathtaking view of the mountains tumbling into the turquoise waters of the lake. These landscapes will take you all the way to Aix-les-Bain s. Here, you can enjoy a swim by the lake, or visit the town’s historic centre.

Day 4 : Aix-les-Bains - Sainte‐Hélène‐sur‐Isère | 66 km

Starting out from Aix-les-Bains , the cycle path along the lake offers magnificent views. Beaches and villas line the route. A small river takes you as far as Chambéry , before continuing through vineyards and up mountainsides. The Bauges massif accompanies you to your next stop.

Day 5 : Sainte‐Hélène‐sur‐Isère - Annecy | 57 km

Following the valley, the cycle paths pass through the town of Albertville and follow the mountain rivers before arriving at the southern end of Lake Annecy . The views over the lake, with the Aravis mountain range in the background, are breathtaking. The banks of the lake take you to the heart of Annecy, the Venice of the Alps .

Day 6 : Departure during the day

Discover Annecy and its historic centre criss-crossed by canals, its colourful houses and the shores of the lake before your journey comes to an end.

Select your category

• from April 1st to October 15th
• Departure: Friday, Sunday

Category's details

• 5 nights with breakfasts (accommodation in a two-person bedroom) (4 nights in 2-star hotels and 1 night in 3-star hotel) • 2 dinners (drinks not included) • Luggage transport during the bike stages • Equipped cycle rental for 4 days • 1 travel folder (per room) including colour maps • GPS with preloaded itineraries (subject to availability) or navigation application • City taxes • Hotline 7 days a week

• 3 dinners / Lunches / Drinks • Tickets to attractions, tours of attractions, tasting • Optional insurances (Cancellation Insurance OR Tranquility Insurance) • Single room supplement (5 nights included) • Transfer from Annecy to Genève and personal bike repatriation

• 5 nights with breakfasts (accommodation in a two-person bedroom) (1 night in 4-star hotel, 3 nights in 3-star hotels, 1 night in 2-star hotel) • 2 dinners (drinks not included) • Luggage transport during the bike stages • Equipped cycle rental for 4 days • 1 travel folder (per room) including colour maps • GPS with preloaded itineraries (subject to availability) or navigation application • City taxes • Hotline 7 days a week

According to the category (price per person)

'bike extra' & various, your accommodation.

Your cycle hire

(Bike included in the offer)

Provided with the bike

• 1 rear pannier
• 1 front pannier
• 1 repair kit
• 1 bottle holder

Helmet and phone holder not provided.

Included with the bike

Your journey

Bike stages trip profiles:

• Standard category : Gaillard – Seyssel : 69km/42mi / Elevation gain : 703m / Elevation loss : 844m Seyssel – Aix-les-Bains : 46km/28mi / Elevation gain : 319m / Elevation loss : 310m Aix-les-Bains – Saint-Hélène-sur-Isère : 66km/41mi / Elevation gain : 819m / Elevation loss : 653m Saint-Hélène-sur-Isère – Annecy : 57km/35mi / Elevation gain : 323m / Elevation loss : 171m
• Superior category : Genève – Seyssel : 62km/38mi / Elevation gain : 693m / Elevation loss : 826m Seyssel – Aix-les-Bains : 46km/28mi / Elevation gain : 319m / Elevation loss : 310m Aix-les-Bains – Saint-Hélène-sur-Isère : 66km/41mi / Elevation gain : 819m / Elevation loss : 653m Saint-Hélène-sur-Isère – Annecy : 57km/35mi / Elevation gain : 323m / Elevation loss : 171m

How to arrive in Genève/Gaillard

• Standard category accommodation: Free parking 240m from the hotel
• Superior category accommodation: Parking relais Vailly : 5 Swiss francs per day (approx. €5.20), then take streetcar line no. 14 to the center of Geneva.

By train – Arrival at Geneva Cornavin station:

• Standard category accommodation: 25 min cab ride from station to hotel From the train station, take streetcar no. 18 to Place Neuve / change to tram no. 17 to Croix-d’Ambilly / bus no. 6 to Châtelaine.
• Superior category accommodation: The hotel is a 650m walk from the Geneva train station.

– Arrivée à la gare d’Annemasse:

• Standard category accommodation: Annemasse station – Saint Joseph stop (550m on foot) Take bus no. 6 (Gaillard-Fossard) to the Châtelaine stop (light green line on map available here )
• Superior category accommodation: Take line 4 (L4) between Annemasse station and Geneva station (Cornavin) (22min)

By plane Streetcar line n°10 to the center of Geneva.

To see the Geneva streetcar map, click here .

At the end of your journey from Annecy

• Standard category accommodation: Annecy – Annemasse station (1h30 by train) Annemasse station – Saint Joseph stop (550m on foot) Take bus no. 6 (Gaillard-Fossard) to the Châtelaine stop (light green line on map available here )
• Superior category accommodation: Regular line between Annecy station and Geneva station. Tickets available on the SNCF website.

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• Français ( French )

Tour de France

Tour de France Bike Tours Lake Annecy

Action packed tour de france live stages.

Join all the excitement of France with your opportunity of a lifetime at the 2024 Tour de France, this spectacular cycling vacation all from the shores of Lake Annecy in the French Alps with this ultimate bike tour from Practice Bicycle Tours. The Tour de France is the pinnacle of the season for cycling fans and the Practice Bicycle team, who have a special passion for cycling and international racing ready to share with you.

About the Tour De France: The Tour de France is an annual men’s multiple-stage bike race primarily held in France. It is the oldest of the three Grand Tours (Le Tour, the Giro d’Italia and the Vuelta a Espana), and is generally considered the most prestigious. Traditionally, the bulk of the race is held in July. While the route changes each year, the format of the race stays the same, and includes time trials, passage through the mountain chains of the Pyrenees and the Alps, and a finish on the Champs Elysees in Paris. However, due to the Games of the XXXIII Olympiad being held in Paris, for the first time in history, the race will conclude in Nice, on the French Riviera. The modern editions of the Tour de France consist of 21 day-long stages over a 23-day period and cover approximately 3,500 kilometres (2,200 mi) total. Each year the Tour de France route includes classic alpine roads we’ve been exploring for over 20 years. For 2024, Practice Bicycle has selected three amazing and contrasting Tour De France stages for incorporation into our exciting range of Tour De France cycling packages. These include – Stages 4, 5 and 6 of the Tour. You want to feel like you belong and you’re not just another tourist in the group… in fact you want to totally escape, both on your bike and whilst relaxing…. a real cycling holiday! Tour de France bike tours are more enjoyable when you Unpack Once, Ride Everyday with this small group cycling vacation. With an exciting variety of 3 contrasting TDF stages on offer this year, join the action live and enjoy a selection of superb, tailored rides to suit all abilities, escape the norm and immerse yourself in authentic France.

Tour de France Bike Tours

Crazy, Chaos, Thrilling, Amazing it must be the 2024 Tour de France the greatest sporting event in the world!

The parcours for the 111th edition of the Tour De France has been officially unveiled for 2024. It’s unusual because of the Italian start and the finish in Nice, it’s different because of everything else in between. In 2024, the Tour de France is better than ever. Covering 3405km across 21 incredible stages, there’s enough to suit the climbers over the rouleurs, plenty for sprinters, and terrain for the puncheurs. The 2024 Tour starts with three stages in Italy and crosses into France via the Alps before venturing north for the first time trial and a tricky helping of gravel. The second week takes the race down towards the Pyrenees via the Massif Central, for a double-header of summit finishes before the final week unfolds in the Alps. Who will light up the roads at the 2024 Tour de France, the unpredictable new stars of cycling or will the experienced racer win the coveted yellow jersey this July?

The selection of spectacular stages from Lake Annecy, show case the ultimate Grand Tour live race viewing, with a variety of stages, the majestic alpine stage, the lakes and mountains of the Rhone region and excitement of a Burgundy stage start. Experience the best of France with your Tour de France cycling vacation, the ideal balance between quality cycling, amazing race viewing, mouthwatering restaurant lunches and relaxing in a small group environment, enjoyed by all our discerning bike riders and non-cycling guests.

You’re here on our website because you’re a cyclist. You’ve always toyed with the idea of riding one of these incredible stages of the Tour de France. To cycle the route of champions. To climb one of the legendary cols and achieve that adrenaline rush as you head downhill on the flipside. With Practice Bicycle, your dream of cycling the Tour de France and experiencing all the action is real. Practice Bicycle has an array of expertly crafted cycling packages inclusive of accommodation. Come join us in 2024 where you can realise your dream of being King or Queen of the Mountain.

Love to Climb?

Tour Type Bike Race Tours, spectacular rides, amazing race viewing, fantastic restaurant lunches with one hotel cycling together with the professionals that live it,

Bike Race Tour

Fully Guided Highly experienced PB cycling guides with international race experience and knowledge of the race routes, plus support vehicle for all transfers.

PB Cycling Guides & Support Vehicle

Cycling Level COMFORTABLE-Leisure Rider CHALLENGING-Regular Rider EPIC-Avid Cyclist.

Comfortable / Challenging 40-100km / 25-62mi Various ride distances each day

Packages Prices are Australian AUD $ per person based on twin share accommodation. Solo traveler, a single room surcharge will apply. You have accommodation select our Rides Only

Premium Tour: 4*Plus Hotel Accommodation AUD $5119 pp 4* Hotel Accommodation AUD $4876 pp 3* Hotel Accommodation AUD $4580 pp 2* Hotel Accommodation AUD $4480 pp Rides Only: Without Accommodation AUD $3592 pp

One Hotel Cycling

Annecy, French Alps

29 June – 5 July 2024 (3 Stages)

6 Nights / 7 Days

Small Group

Optional extras available for selection when booking..

Single Room – AUD $873 Bike Hire – AUD $600 Non-Cycling Partner – AUD $4310

Unpack Once, Ride Everyday

The perfect tour de france bike tours cycling destination annecy french alps..

Annecy is one of the most beautiful towns in France. Nestled on the shores of spectacular Lake Annecy and surrounded by the majestic French Alps and stunning countryside. This makes Annecy an unforgettable place to visit and the perfect one location for your Tour de France cycling vacation. The PB Team have been thrilled to show our cycling guests all the action, excitement and atmosphere of the Tour de France live from the roadside since 2009. Lake Annecy at the base of the Grand Alps and surrounded by many of the Tour de France Cols offers our guests the best of cycling and relaxation, the Ultimate Tour de France bike tour. This is your bike race tour experience with a difference.

Unique premium small group Tour de France cycling on the shores of Lake Annecy, don’t miss out in 2024 book your Ultimate cycling vacation today.

• 29 June — 05 July Book Now Enquire

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Tour de France Itinerary

Arrival / Departure

Tour Arrival & Departure Meet Point: Geneva International Airport (Switzerland).

Your Tour de France Bike Tour package includes a 3:00pm pick-up & 12:00 midday drop-off at Geneva International Airport (Switzerland) .

We suggest International guests arrive 1 night prior to the tour to recover from your travels and adapt to the local time zone, our recommendation the Holiday Inn Express Geneva Airport  which includes an Airport Shuttle.

Should you already be travelling in Europe you can join us in the town of Annecy, France by the following methods:

Air Travel: The two most convenient airports to Annecy are, Geneva Airport (Switzerland) a 45min transfer and Lyon Airport (France) 1.15hrs transfer. Both these airports are serviced by many International carriers and low cost European airlines.

Bus Travel: Public Bus Transport operates between the airports and Annecy alternatively convenient Taxi and Private Transfer Services are available.

Train Travel: the Rail Europe TGV network brings you direct to Annecy from many of the capital cities of Europe including Paris.

Car Travel: Many worldwide Car Rental companies are also available and the A41 French Autoroute network will bring you directly to Annecy.

The “ULTIMATE Bike Trip” Experience – Tour de France 2024! Ultimate Small Group, Ultimate One Location Stay TDF 2024, Ultimate French Alps roadside viewing, Your Ultimate Bike Rides with the Alps Specialists… Of course you deserve the Ultimate French Flavours!!! Classic, French, Understated… Practice Bicycle Bike Tours

Time for French gastronomy… relax, get to know each another, chat about the fantastic week that awaits you at ‘Le Tour’, PB will Welcome you in style with an aperitif followed by a classic French Restaurant Dinner and drinks.

During your TDF ride days, a cafe/boulangerie stop is facilitated en-route. Once at our sensational TDF live viewing spot roadside, Practice Bicycle have organised a variety of fine French flavours Entree + Plat + Desert each day for you to savour! Please note drinks are not included with the Lunches.

Your evenings are free to dine at your leisure, it’s almost time for ‘Beer o clock’ a kir royal (again… ) or a grimbergen double ambree. Should you require any dinner suggestions, Practice Bicycle are happy to recommend!

Accommodation

Your ‘Ultimate’ Tour de France experience deserves an ultimate selection of handpicked premium, luxury hotel options for you! Practice Bicycle offer a choice of 4*Plus, 4*, 3* or 2* superior, quality air-conditioned hotel accommodation located in undoubtedly the most beautiful town in France, Annecy. Ideal for the ‘solo traveller’ our choice 2* Hotel, is the perfect solution for an economical cycling vacation to Le Tour. With a choice of fantastic, modern stays on offer, choose your style of hotel for you to unwind, relax, feel comfortable whilst you enjoy the best of the Tour de France in Annecy.

4*Plus Best Western Carlton Hotel Annecy Centre

4* Novotel Annecy Centre Hotel 

4* Mercure Annecy Centre Hotel 

3* Hotel Campanile Annecy Centre Ville

3* Hotel de Bonlieu Annecy Centre Ville

2* Hotel de Nord Annecy Centre Ville

Cycling Level

Whether you have years of cycling experience or are just new to the bike, if you are excited by the best bike racing in the world, our Tour de France bike tours are for you!

Each cycling route during your 2024 Tour de France bike tour will be tailored specifically to your bike riding ability and experience, including the opportunity of riding parts of the stage route.  So, you can have a challenging ride or a comfortable ride – the choice is yours.

We enjoy a challenge as much as we love cycling. The team at Practice Bicycle has a history in professional bike racing, your host Bridget Evans competed in the 1999 Grand Boucle Femmine (Women’s Tour de France).

So, if it’s a challenge you are looking for, we can find just the right rides for you with our Tour de France bike tours on offer.  Each day a choice of ride routes are available with one perfect for you.

If you are looking for a challenge with your next cycling vacation, take a look at our Challenging Bike Tours category, with fantastic cycling opportunities in superb destinations including, Australia, Switzerland, Portugal, Italy and the French Alps.

Non Cycling Package

We have the ideal package for any fan of world class cycling who does not wish to ride and prefers to spectate during our Tour de France cycling tours. The perfect solution for a non cycling wife/husband/partner to accompany the bike tour rider on their spectacular Tour de France bike tour.

As a Tour de France Non-Cycling guest and bike race fan you experience all the spectacle, excitement, and action up close and personal of the bike race live. Our local support team will share with you culture and villages on route whilst catching up with the cycling group at our ‘Unique live viewing spots’ and handpicked restaurant lunch together.

For complete flexibility with your cycling vacation without using our accommodation our ‘Rides Only’ package is the perfect solution to join this Tour de France bike tour. Arrange your own stay in the fantastic town of Annecy with one of the many hotels or apartments available to you. Each day join the PB Team at a convenient central meeting point in the town of Annecy. Fully escorted and supported on a superb variety of rides to the best viewing locations to catch the Tour de France live from the roadside in the French Alps. What’s Included: * 5 superb, tailored rides, highly experienced cycling guides with the highest level of safety including TDF race routes. * Daily ride options ‘the tailored challenge’. * 3 spectacular live viewing opportunities of contrasting stages of the Tour de France stages 4, 5 & 6. * Welcome to Annecy with aperitif and French gourmet restaurant dinner. * 5 Restaurant gastronomique French lunch experiences including at the stages of the Tour de France. * Support person and vehicle with ‘on the go’ mechanical assistance. * Sports drinks & nutritional bars available for all bike rides. * The ultimate support of the professional team in Annecy the French Alps. * Private Transfers from Geneva International Airport (Switzerland) to Annecy, France arrival & departure days.

Guest Reviews

What our discerning cycling guests had to say about their Tour de France cycling vacation with PB

The Ride was rich…the conversation with Paul was the “real gold”! Bridget’s level of care & attention to detail was impressive! Spectacular scenery, delicious food and some never ending climbs… Very hard to beat grey hair & experience… Thankyou for making our tour so memorable! Darren – Australia

Dear PB (Bridget & Paul) Thanks for an awesome experience at TDF. I really appreciated the local knowledge and care taken in selecting lunch and catering the rides distance/elevation to the groups ability. The tour was a good balance between spectating and riding. If you could control the weather I’d suggest delaying the heat wave to help the aussies coming from winter (haha) 🙂 Had an awesome time at the Tour de France with Practice Bicycle Tour’s Bridget and Paul. I was especially impressed by the small group tour format, consisting of riding in the alps, eating delicious food and spectating then transiting back to Annecy. PB generously share their local knowledge and I would highly recommend to those looking for a bespoke, personal holiday experience! Kate – Australia

Loved all the rides, scenery etc was incredible. Food & places we ate at were great. Accommodation for 2 Star was very good. I personally had difficulty opening with small food items on rides with sweaty hands. Overall I loved the whole experience. Phil – Australia

Staying in same location makes it a real holiday Appreciate the ability to move times around the as the tour times change Coffee stops were very much appreciated to break up the rides Restaurants lunches were fantastic Like the variety of stages, prefer mid-mountain as more relaxed atmosphere It was an great week of riding / spectating / eating without the long car trips between stages and hotels. Bridget and Paul were excellent tour operators with insightful knowledge of everything cycling and about the alps region. I would highly recommend. Dean – Australia

Hi there, Could you please pass on my thanks to Paul and Bridget for the great TDF ride day yesterday,  I really enjoyed it and it was great to meet everyone, I’d definitely been keen to join again in the future. Many thanks again, I had a fabulous time Steph – UK

Thanks for the fantastic photos Bridget & Paul. You have been  absolute troopers the last few days. It couldn’t have been easy being ill and still trying to entertain. We appreciate it so much and have loved every second with you both. The food was spectacular and the riding was fun. You guys really do have a great thing going on. Anne & Len – Australia

If you ever want to tour France, Portugal, Italy or Australia via bicycle I would highly recommend the 1st Class Practice Bicycle Tours Company first hand. Grace – USA

I truly enjoyed my week with you guys. As I said at the last dinner I was not sure if I would like cycling every day for a week as normally I’m a bit of a weekend only guy. The Tour de France week was great in every respect, the rides, the Tour, the meals and especially the company! Simon – Australia

A great week. We are so lucky to have found Practice Bicycle Tours. Paul and Bridget were incredible hosts, Loved every minute of the tour! Lenny – Australia

Thanks Practice Bicycle Bike Tours – Amazing! Great shots to remember the Tour de France trip. Thanks again for a very well organised and professional tour. Great routes, climbs, food, wine, company and weather. Kevin – Australia

Paul and Bridget Thank you for sending the wonderful video. It is a great momento of our experience and we’ve certainly shared it with others who’d appreciate it. I’ve watched it several times and each viewing brings a tingle of joy. Carrie and I had a great time and truly appreciate all that you did to make our week together so special. Something we’ll always treasure. I appreciate your flexibility toward different rider strengths and possible ride options. That was something that was apparent in your tour description and attracted me. To me, that’s your biggest challenge with any group – dealing with its range of skills and capabilities. You do a great job. Your concern for the safety of your group is greatly appreciated. The Hotel choice was great. Breakfasts were good. I know that you were concerned that our early morning breakfasts were scaled back and placed on the reception counter. But, I think they did a good job to accommodate our needs and it didn’t bother us. We were just happy to have something available to us at such an early hour. We enjoyed all of our meals together as well as rest stops. We appreciate the importance you give them and the planning involved. They’re a big part of the experience! I recognize the challenges of viewing the Tour. Our three TDF days worked out beautifully. Lunch spots were great. Changing/shower facilities were appreciated. Thomas and Lorene were great in their roles as drivers and providing support. Always there with cheerful personalities offering drinks, snacks or whatever assistance they could provide. Hired bikes were great. Best wishes until we have the opportunity to pedal together again. We’ll never watch a stage of the TDF again without being reminded of our friends in Annecy. David & Carrie – USA

We have done 2 TDF tours with Practice Bicycle and the Volta ao Algarve in Portugal they cycle at what ever pace you are capable of and take you to amazing viewing points and scrumptious eating spots. We hope to return to France and do more cycling with them next year. They really know their stuff. Annie – Australia

Hi Paul & Bridget Just wanted to say thanks for dropping in the extra TDF water bottle for my daughter, her school project on the TDF was a huge success, with all the goodies I got along the way for her. Also thanks for a great week, we are still talking about the great times we had on the morning rides at home, the old Weetabix just aren’t the same as a chocolate croissant in the morning though. Hope to ride with you again. Craig – Australia

Back in chilly Sydney and just wanted to THANK YOU AGAIN, for all the effort you guys put in to make our trip so great. I especially appreciated your help with the gluten free food – it is such a pain in the butt, and I was prepared to eat nothing but salad all week in order to avoid any fuss, but thanks to you I enjoyed all sorts of delicious meals. Please also give our thanks to Olivier – we didn’t really say goodbye to him and I really enjoyed his company in the minibus – he was able to answer all my questions about cows, funny roofs etc…Happy cycling. Wendy & Len – Australia

So many great memories… Thank you so much for the DVD of our Tour de France experience. A great compilation that we have watched endlessly. So many great memories and still hard to believe that we were there. Paul has a new bike. I am still happy to be his soigneur. We really, really enjoyed our time with the group. It was so superior travelling with a small group and we had such a nice mix of people. And special thanks to the Non-Cycling Team – what an amazing job they did!… Thanks again for everything! Gail & Paul – Australia

Dear Bridget and Paul, We just wanted to say how much we loved the whole Tour de France week with you both – brilliant in all ways. The attention to detail, the huge variation in each of the day’s riding through such beautiful country and amazing little villages was just fantastic – culminating in that most amazing descent on the last day. (not so good on the time trialling Paul) but just loved the climbs. Again thank you both so much for an amazing experience and all the little extras that didn’t go unnoticed right down to the musette bag of goodies, a lovely surprise! Jen cannot thank you both enough for the amazing support you gave her which we both incredibly appreciated. The week was an unforgettable experience both in riding and the thought that went into each day’s lunch experiences. Take care and very best wishes from us both Jeremy & Jenny – Australia

On this Tour de France trip my wife and I we were accompanied by our 3 teenage children. All who have some level of cycling experience. We certainly had reservations if one of the TDF trips would be appropriate and how they would cope. The support, encouragement and assistance provided by the Practice Bicycle Team for the teenage children was outstanding! The support and advice offered by Paul and Bridget during rides and conversations between rides in preparation was very good. All the children achieved more than they otherwise would have and made the experience a very enjoyable one. Our eldest daughter Nikki has now commenced learning French and is making plans to return next year during the term 3 holidays for another cycling adventure Dean, Pam, Nikki, Tegan & Ryan – Australia

Bonjour mes Amies We arrived home well rested after 2 days in Hong Kong! Bikes arrived safely too! How did the Tour de Suisse go? We were very envious!! Thank you both for looking after us so well, again we had a fabulous time, and the surprise Fine dining experience…. Michelin star*! Can’t wait to see how you are going to top that next time? See you both in Adelaide in January for the Tour down Under, take care and we’ll be in touch soon. A Bientot p.s Everyone here who watched the Tour is raving about Annecy! They all say the views shown of Annecy and the lake was spectacular. Catarina & John – Australia

Tour de France, amazing Thanks so much Bridget & Paul, had a ball will be odds on for next year. Best holiday in a long time! Just to keep you updated i am filling the spots for our Private Tour. Thanks again for such a wonderful time over in Annecy. Keiran & Sarah – Singapore

What a day to remember at the Tour de France! “Time trial day was a treat!! Practice Bicycle Tours had secured a large house on the course with as much wine and food as you wished. The chef served us many popular French foods and wine. Between the champagne and cheering for Lance, Cadel and Stuey the day went much too quickly. So here I am back in Australia looking at the photos of us all on the summit of mountains with snow caps as the back drop. It would not have happened without the professional and personal attention of Bridget and Paul, first class service and lots of fun! Many, many thanks and see you next year.” Ange – Australia

We offer a choice of daily tailored rides with our Tour de France bike tours to meet the experience of our cycling guests, including actual sections of the Tour de France stage route, look at the variety of rides available on the detailed daily itinerary above.

Practice Bicycle arrived in the majestic French Alps in 1996, since this time they have developed an incredible variety of a staggering 100+ routes for riders of all levels, expect the best bike rides of your life with your Tour de France cycling vacation.

One Hotel Stay

‘Unpack Once, Ride Everyday’ The one location Tour de France cycling holidays are the brainchild of Bridget (Owner/Operator).  On retiring from professional cycling, it was the pure pleasure of cycling that evolved the proven PB Tours philosophy of one location stay.  Including everything enjoyable and removing the less pleasurable is our goal of your perfect cycling holiday experience.

Packing and Unpacking each day is tiring, stressful and time consuming. With insufficient time to relax, enjoy and experience the destination before it is time to move on again. With a life spent discovering the very best locations to Practice Bicycle, including the discovery of endless ride routes exploring in every direction all from the one perfect location. Experience the very best cycling of your life with your Tour de France holiday when you Unpack Once, Ride Everyday!

For your added convenience we have quality carbon road bikes as an optional extra available to you with your Tour de France cycling holiday. Many of our guests prefer their own bikes for maximum cycling pleasure. Should logistics and travel arrangements make this too difficult then our bike hire is the perfect solution. Depending on availability and size we have several brands of carbon bikes available including Cannondale, Fuji, Lapierre carbon bikes with disc brake or rim brake options Shimano Ultegra or 105 componentry.

Tour de France Premium 7 day tour includes:

• 6 nights of quality 4*Plus, 4*, 3* or 2* Hotel Accommodation in Annecy the heart of the majestic French Alps
• French continental buffet breakfasts a perfect start to the day.
• 5 superb, tailored rides, highly experienced cycling guides with the highest level of safety including TDF race routes
• Daily ride options, ‘the tailored challenge’
• 3 spectacular live viewing opportunities of contrasting stages of the Tour de France stages 4, 5 & 6
• Welcome to Annecy with aperitif and French gourmet restaurant dinner
• 5 Restaurant gastronomique French lunch experiences including on the stages of the Tour de France
• Support person and vehicle with ‘on the go’ mechanical assistance
• Sports drinks & nutritional bars available for all bike rides
• The ultimate support of the professional team in Annecy the French Alps
• Private Transfers from Geneva International Airport (Switzerland) to Annecy, France arrival & departure days

Tour de France French Alps Bike Tour Highlights:

• Magnificent Lake Annecy the most enchanting town in France, perfect Tour de France cycling holiday destination
• Experience for yourself the thrill of riding Tour de France roads and the slopes of the iconic Cols of the French Alps – ‘see it’ ‘feel it’ ‘admire it’ & ‘remember it’
• Very best flavours of France in hidden gem Restaurant lunch settings including Tour de France lunch in the majestic French Alps .
• Challenge and enjoy the French Alps, Col du Telegraphe (1566m), Cote du Puget (796m), Col du Galibier (2642m), Côte de l’Huis (390m), Cret du Chatillion (1660m), Col de Leschaux (900m), Cote de Bluffy (734m), take on one, take on all the challenge is yours!
• Experience sights & delights of France, Bauges National Park, historic medieval city of Macon, spa town of Aix-les-Bains, famous Bourgogne wine region and Valloire alpine ski village.
• Memorable Tour de France unique live viewing, Bourgogne stage depart spectacle, Ain Department Rhone River action  & Majestic Col du Galibier climbing finale!
• 1st class service, small group camaraderie a unique experience & lots of fun

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Small group race action at its very best.

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“Best tour ever. Great scenery and great tour company.” —J.J.H.

Three Lakes Tour: From Geneva to Annecy

5 nights 36 miles/day Self guided from EUR € 795 Bike tour in France and Switzerland

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Three Lakes Tour

Stunning scenery, mesmerizing mountains, and luscious lakes!

Do you love cycling and exploring new areas by bike, but think French Alps are beyond your reach because of climbing all those mountains? Are you more of a leisure cyclist than an avid “col”-climbing animal?

Then look no further, this trip is for you!

This unique bicycle tour in the French Alps makes it possible for leisure riders to experience the captivating cycling of the Alps without the hill hassle. Linking the three major lakes of the area - Lake Geneva, Lake Bourget, and Lake Annecy - this cycling tour essentially follows river paths, like those along the Rhone and Isere rivers, taking in historic villages, stunning natural scenery, lush meadows and valleys, and picturesque peaks along the way.

On this tour you will have route variations based on the hotel category booked. The Option A and A+ variatons are noted in the Daily Program and Hotels details.

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• Lake Geneva
• Rhône River cycling
• Fort l'Écluse, an elevated fort founded by the Duke of Savoy
• Stunning views of the Bauges and Chartreuse mountain ranges
• Lake Bourget, the largest natural lake of glacial origin
• Aix-les-Bains, a spa town with natural springs
• Chambéry, with a fascinating old-town full of history and art
• Château de Miolans, a 10th century fortress
• Village of Chignin - 8th century Fort with 6 towers
• Lake Annecy, Europe's cleanest lake
• The town of Annecy, nestled in a beautiful Alpine lake setting
• Palais de l'Isle, a 12th century prison
• The Cathedral of Saint-Pierre, a 16th century masterpiece

Learn more about self-guided tours.

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 Tour Description   Daily Program 

Daily program

Day 1: Arrive in Geneva (Option A+) or Gaillard (Option A) Arrive in Geneva/Gaillard at your leisure and check-in to your hotel. Take time to discover the stylish city of Geneva. It’s a gem of international organizations, finance, and culture, meshing Old World with New, and is a delight to explore. The crescent-shaped Lake Geneva (Lac Léman) provides a marvelous treat for your eyes and plentiful photo fodder. Dinner is at leisure. Due to the fact that Geneva is the culinary capital of Switzerland, there is a variety of restaurants and eateries, sure to please every palate. Overnight in Geneva (A+) or Gaillard (A)

Day 2: Option A+: Geneva – Seyssel (39 miles/63 km, 2,230 ft/680 m of climbing) Option A: Gaillard – Seyssel (43 miles/70 km, 2,430 ft/740 m of climbing) Meet your tour company contact in the morning to go over the itinerary and outfitting of bikes. The highlights of your route include cycling along the famous Rhône River, admiring the heart-warming views over the charming wine-making villages of Dardagny and Satigny, and exploring impressive forts, cathedrals, and chateaus.

Conquer the westernmost point of Switzerland by bike at the village of Chancy and then cross the border into France. Unmissable here is the Fort de l’Ecluse, founded by a Duke of Savoy, which is an elevated fort, built out of a striking rock formation and a natural entrance of the Rhône Valley into France between the Vuache hills and the Jura. Your home for the night is in Seyssel, a small “double-town” in both the Haute-Savoie (Upper Savoy) and the Ain departments on the Rhône River located between two dams. Overnight in Seyssel

Day 3: Seyssel – Aix-les-Bains (29 miles/46 km, 1,375 ft/420 m of climbing) The views on today’s ride, including the 14 summits of the Bauges mountain range on one side, as well as Mont de la Charvaz and Col-du-Chat on the other, are some of the major highlights of this tour. Sheer cliffs seem to spring up magically from the water and the mountains surround you in protective peacefulness.

Lake Bourget (Lac du Bourget) is the largest natural lake of glacial origin and the deepest entirely within France. It was the only home to the now extinct Bezoule, a freshwater whitefish that fed at muddy depths of 70 to 80 meters (230-260 ft) and reportedly disappeared in the 1960s.

Cycle past the impressive site of the medieval Château de Montverran in Culoz, which was built on a rock in 1316 and, in more recent times, inspired the likes of the Russian composer Sergei Prokofiev. Pedal on to the spa town of Aix-les-Bains, which was known for its baths as far back as the Roman Empire, with numerous Roman ruins still remaining. Overnight in Aix-les-Bains

Day 4: Aix-les-Bains – Sainte‐Hélène‐sur‐Isère ( 41 miles/66 km, 2,230 ft/680 m climbing) Pedaling through Chambéry, a town of art and history and the heart of Savoy, is a central feature to the route for today. Located in a wide valley between the Bauges and Chartreuse Mountain ranges and regional park areas at the crossroads of ancient trade routes, the old-town section of Chambéry is one of the most remarkable in France.

Along the way take in the ruins of the 10th century fortress, Château de Miolans, overlooking the rich wine-growing region of the Combe de Savoy valley, including the wine-making village of Chignin, with remains of the 8th century Sarasin stronghold and its 6 towers. The Isère River guides the route to Grésy-sur-Isère, a largely agricultural community which has been inhabited by man since the Neolithic age. Overnight in Sainte‐Hélène‐sur‐Isère

Day 5: Sainte‐Hélène‐sur‐Isère – Annecy (35 miles/57 km, 1050 ft/320 m of climbing) On your bikes you wind your way to Grésy-sur-Isère by way of Albertville, situated on the Arly River, close to the confluence with the Isere River. Albertville hosted the 1992 Winter Olympics and has become quite an industrial center, but it also encompasses the medieval town of Conflans, with buildings dating back to the 14th century.

The Beaufortain and Bauges Mountain ranges will dazzle you as you cycle to the stunning Lake Annecy (Lac d’Annecy). Known as Europe’s cleanest lake, its amazing setting is presided over by the Aravis mountain range in the background, famous for the hairpin turns and steep bends popularized on the Tour de France.

The magnificent town of Annecy, nestled on the northern tip of Lake Annecy, is home to the International Animated Film Festival and boasts an alluring alpine atmosphere, as well as some notable sites, such as the Palais de l’Isle (12th century prison on an island in a canal and the symbol of the town), the Château d’Annecy, the 16th century Cathedral of Saint-Pierre, and the 20th century Pont des Amour (Lover’s Bridge) made of iron. Overnight in Annecy

Day 6: Departure Have a relaxing breakfast, enjoy more of the sights and sounds and ambiance of Annecy, and depart at your leisure. Or, feel free to prolong the vacation and stay longer in Annecy in order to make the most of this extraordinary town and setting.

Surface and terrain

This cycling tour offers daily climbs between 1,285 ft/400 m and 2,735 ft/835 m and daily distances averaging 36 miles/59 km. You will cycle on roads via daily routes intended to make the French Alps more accessible to the average cyclist.

• Cycleway: 45 % approx. of the itinerary
• Quiet road (sometimes with a bike lane): 40% approx.
• Main road 6% (with approx. 5% - 12km with a bike lane along the Bourget Lake on Ride 2 – a lot of cyclists ride along the lake).
• Streets/ in town: 9% in Geneva, Aix-les-Bains, Chambery, and Annecy. It may have traffic but there are a lot of bike lanes.

These are sample hotels and may vary by availability.

You will receive comfortable accommodation throughout this tour based on your selected hotel category.

mostly 3-star hotels

Geneva: Hotel Jade

Seyssel: Hotel du Rhone

Aix-les-Bains: Hotel Aquakub

Sainte-Hélène: Hotellerie du Roy

Annecy: Splendid Hotel

mostly 2-star hotels

Gaillard: Hotel Porte de Genève

Seyssel: Hotel Au Fil de l’Eau ​​​​​

Aix-les-Bains: Hotel le Colibri

Annecy: Hotel des Alpes

I nterested in visiting other areas before or after your tour? Visit our hotels page to learn more about lodging options.

How to get there

Tour start Nearest airport and train station: Geneva (GVA), Switzerland

Getting from the airport to the city is easy, and free. From baggage area, look for the Rail Tickets machine and print one. This ticket will give you 80 minutes of free access on Geneva's public transportation system, called TPG.

Once you have your luggage and your Unireso ticket, and you've cleared Customs, head to your left through the Arrivals Hall. Just outside the exit, you'll find an entrance to the Gare CFF Aéroport. Head inside and down to the lower level. Check when the next train to Geneva city center (Gare Cornavin) departs and on which platform. The ride to Cornavin is only 6-7 minutes.

Alternatively, you may use your Unireso ticket for the bus. You will take bus #5, #10, and F to reach Gare Cornavin. For late night arrivals we recommend taking a taxi (about 30-40 CHF).

Once you reach Gare Cornavin, you can walk or take a tram, bus, or taxi to your first hotel.

Tour end Nearest airport: Geneva (GVA), Switzerland Nearest train station: Annecy, France

Tips on getting to and from your tour.

 Tour Photos   Dates & Prices 

Fridays and Sundays: Apr 1 - Oct 15, 2024 (additional departures upon request for group of 4 or more)

Tour package

Bike rentals.

*Bike prices include mandatory drop off fee to return the bike to Geneva at the end of the tour (€25 per bike, €35 per e-bike).

Extra Nights, Geneva (area), prices starting at:

Extra nights, annecy, prices starting at:, included services.

• 5 nights accommodation
• Daily breakfast
• Luggage transfers
• Marked maps and/or roadbook (paper and/or app)
• Hotline number for assistance if necessary
• Meeting with tour company representative
• Pre-loaded GPS unit (subject to availability) or navigation app
• 2 dinners (drinks are not included)
• All tax and service charges

Bike rentals

Bikes available to rent on this tour (must be reserved in advance at time of booking) include:

• Standard touring bikes
• Full-carbon road bikes, on request* only available for more challenging tour
• Gravel bikes
• Electrically assisted bikes, on request*

*More about  electrically-assisted bikes >

Bikes come equipped with the following at no extra charge:

• Water bottle cages
• Water bottle
• Repair kit with multi-tool
• Spare tube and CO2 cartridge (CO2 cartridge for road bike only)
• Saddlebag (optional)

Pedals: The bikes will have flat pedals. If you want to bring your own pedals, please bring your own shoes and also the necessary equipment to change the pedals.

Helmets: Helmet rental is available on this tour. However, we recommend that you bring your own helmet for safety and hygiene purposes.

Tour Company

 Daily program   Route Map 

Maps are for information purposes only and reflect typical routes between overnight locations. They may not reflect your actual route.

 Dates & Prices   Tour Reviews 

  Write a review

Bikes, boats, ziplines, and paragliding —all in 4 days

My 19 year old granddaughter and I (60) spent four glorious days on this trail. We are not cyclists, although we are in shape and it is was perfect. We were just tired enough at the end of each day to enjoy a good meal and a good bottle of wine. We chose many side excursions along the way and found ourselves zip-lining over waterfalls, electric boating on a lake surrounded by the alps, and then paragliding tandem with an instructor over mountains and even a glacier! This was my second cycling trip and my granddaughters first. I will be adding a cycling portion to all my trips in the future. Nothing compares to exploring a country through villages and countryside. If you do this trip, or any cycling trip, always always always refer to Google maps and find the hidden gems along the way!

• 3/5 Included meals
• 5/5 Bikes + equipment
• 4/5 Hotels or boat
• 5/5 Scenery
• 5/5 Ease of navigation
• 5/5 Tour documents
• 5/5 Local tour company services
• 4/5 Route selection

Simply Magical!!

It's difficult to find words to adequately describe this bike tour… 'Magical' is the one that comes the closest! We found breathtaking beauty and so much history at every turn on our trip. We couldn’t believe that each day could bring more wonderment than the last. We had to pinch ourselves on a regular basis to make sure we weren’t dreaming. The route was stunningly beautiful with distances of 30-50 miles per day. We upgraded our accommodations on day 3 to A+ and spent the night at Château de la Tour du Puits and would definitely recommend spending the extra money to do this! We would also recommend staying a few extra days in Annecy at the end of the tour. It is a beautiful city and there is much to experience and explore. The tour staff was very helpful and responsive whenever we had questions and communicated with our group via WhatsApp. Our group of 4 rented 2 gravel bikes and 2 ebikes. This was a great combination for us that allowed our group to keep the same pace. We are already brainstorming our next European bike tour!

• 4/5 Included meals
• 5/5 Route selection

It was a beautiful trip! Well organized and easy to follow!

It was an amazing vacation. The route was charming, beautiful and somehow more spectacular every day. We had great weather which made for great photos! It was a special way to explore France and love it even more.

• 5/5 Included meals
• 5/5 Hotels or boat

Best trip ever!

This was a perfect trip! The scenery was amazing, the weather perfect, and the length of the daily rides was very doable. The entire trip was made easier because of how well it was organized. I love the self guided, without the hassle of moving our bags from place to place. Annecy is a wonderful city, so I recommend spending extra time there. We returned to Geneva by bus which went very smoothly. I recommend doing the A+ hotels, you won't want to miss the Chateau; it was a treat. It's beautiful, the staff was incredibly friendly and the food was delicious.

Wonderful way to bike through this Lake country of France from Geneva.

Loved the choices of sport versus moderate rides on several days, which satisfied all participants. As a single participant, the last hotel was disappointing, but satisfactory . Most accommodations were quite nice.

• 4/5 Ease of navigation
• 4/5 Tour documents

Nice ride. Two complaints.

1) The phone app didn't work at all (for three of us who tried). And the GPS they gave us as a backup is a decade outdated. Thank goodness for Google Maps, though that didn't always yield the most scenic routes. 2) Too much time spent on bike routes that were really highway shoulders, with a bicycle silhouette stenciled on the asphalt.

Great hotels, fantastic food, (and priceless company we provided ourselves).

BikeTours.com staff reply from Kirsten August 4, 2022

Thank you for leaving this feedback. We are working with our local partner to improve the phone app and GPS for this tour. We are glad you still had a memorable time and hope to help you plan your next trip!

• 4/5 Scenery
• 1/5 Ease of navigation

Perfect bike tour through stunning countryside

My husband and I completed this self-guided tour in June 2022. Everything about the trip was perfect. We went for the higher level accomadations and were very pleases, especially with the Chateau. Much of the trip is on bike paths which makes it more enjoyable. Luggage transferw were flawless and the e-bikes were terrific.

• 3/5 Tour documents

Amazing Cycling Adventure

This 4 day/5 night cycling trip was the highlight of our summer trip to Europe. The variety of beautiful scenery during each day's bike ride was amazing. We loved stopping mid-day on days 2 and 4 to swim in the gorgeous lakes we were cycling next to (also don't miss the small lake next to the hotel at the end of your ride on day 3.) We chose the A level accommodations and each was comfortable and quirky, with very friendly staff/hosts. And the local bike tour company (cyclomundo) did a very thorough job of reviewing maps, demonstrating the GPS, checking our bike fit, and answering questions on the first morning. Two recommendations, consider carrying a picnic lunch with you on your daily ride (baguette, cheese, fruit, chocolate) so you can stop and eat at any of the picturesque places along the route. Also, your final stop, the city of Annecy, is a gem! If time and budget allow, plan to stay an extra day or two.

• 4/5 Local tour company services

Organized Adventure

Well organized trip down to the street. While normally I stay in design hotels, due to the nature of the trip and the remote locations, the team did a superb job in accommodating us. The Chateau was certainly the highlight.

• 4/5 Bikes + equipment
• 3/5 Hotels or boat

Great Trip!

It was everything I thought it would be.. beautiful French countryside, vineyards, fields of sunflowers, quaint villages, beautiful scenery. The weather was hot and that made the 1st day more challenging than I think it would have been otherwise

• 3/5 Ease of navigation

Savoie self-bike

Taste the cuisine and drink the wine of Savoie, swim in pristine lakes, visit medival villages, castles, and vineyards.

• 2/5 Ease of navigation

too much is too much

This tour is quite lovely, but not at the level we expected. This is our 8th tour so we feel we get them by now. We like the unguided aspect, but they completely outsourced the work of actual directions to a machine. It is not an adequate substitution. The machine added at least 15 miles on the first day and was most frustrating. Please, give us actual directions AND MAPS. A silly little device is certainly helpful but should not be a substitute. And the distance and hills were definitely not Medium. This was proven out the first night by the guy who biked to the hotel (he likes extreme and he thought it was tough).

BikeTours.com staff reply from Lindsay Nash November 14, 2016

Hi! Thanks for your review. We're glad to hear that the tour was lovely despite the tour level not meeting your expectations. We're taking your review to our products team and to the local tour operator to re-assess the tour level. Thank you for sharing your experience and helping us to better advise other travelers in the future.

I wanted to follow up once more on your review after following up with the local tour operator. They've never received complaints about the GPS before, and they did provide maps, a profile, and a large marked map in the roadbook on your tour. Also, to clarify, the client you mentioned who said it was a tough route was doing the more challenging version of the tour, not the version you went on. I'm sorry if that was confusing.

Again, we apologize the tour level did not match your expectations, but we do state clearly in the Surface and Terrain details about the daily climbing.

Thank you again for sharing your experience.

• 1/5 Tour documents
• 3/5 Local tour company services
• 3/5 Route selection

Best tour ever. Great scenery and great tour company.

 Route Map   Book This Tour 

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Three Lake Cycling: Geneva, Bourget, & Annecy

Tour length: 5 nights/6 days

Fitness Level:

This unique bike trip from Geneva to Annecy makes it possible for leisurely riders to experience a cycling adventure in the Alps without a single col.

Linking the three major lakes of the area (Lake Geneva, Lake Bourget, and Lake Annecy), the cycling routes essentially follow the valleys of the Rhône and Isère rivers, taking in historic villages, stunning natural scenery, lush meadows and valleys, and picturesque peaks along the way.

There’s more to this trip than cycling… Pack your swimsuit in case you can’t resist the call of the lake… and have your palate ready for the little-known vins de Savoie and the local gastronomic specialties.

If you find this trip to be on the light side, you may want to consider our “Famous climbs” instead… or feel free to mix the two!

If you find the mileage too intimidating, rest assured that e-bikes can be arranged… making this trip an ideal setup for families and groups of friends.

Trip begins in Geneva and ends in Annecy . Geneva is well-served by train and by air

Self-guided tour available May through October 2022 . Starts any Friday or Sunday . For groups of 4 or more: Departure can be arranged any day of the week.

Daily cycling distance ranges from 46 to 65 km . More challenging routes are also available.

Accommodation in 2- and 3-star hotels and one charming guest house .

Starting at 685 euros per person sharing a double room.

Arrive in Geneva at your leisure and check in to your hotel. If you’ve opted for the hotel “Option A+”, your hotel is located in the center of Geneva so you can easily take the time to walk around the old town and along the lake. If you’ve chosen “Option A”, your hotel is located just outside Geneva, a few pedal strokes away from the center of Geneva (a 15 – 20 minute ride). Wherever you will be staying, you’ll find a wide variety of restaurants within a short walk from your hotel, or a few pedal strokes away. 

Before you set off on your bike trip from Geneva to Annecy, you’ll meet one of us right after breakfast. We’ll go over the itinerary with you and—if you choose not bring your own bikes— we’ll outfit you with your rental bikes . Your itinerary will take you through vineyards and wine-making villages before crossing the Swiss/French border. Your destination is the town of Seyssel which straddles the Rhône river .  

Following the ViaRhôna , you’ll ride through the vineyards of Chautagne before reaching the quaint village of Chanaz . A few pedal strokes further and you’ll reach the lac the Bourget where you can board a boat across the lake . If you’d rather reach Aix-les-Bains by bike, the ride is no less spectacular.

Following a traffic-free bikeway, you’ll soon reach Chambery, the capital of Savoy. To avoid a traffic heavy section, our itinerary will take you through the vineyards of the “ Combe de Savoie ” using a gravel road. The ride through the vineyards offers great views over the nearby mountain ranges: Chartreuse, Belledone, and Bauges…Depending on the hotel option you’ve chosen, you’ll be staying in Saint-Pierre d’Albigny or Tournon . Either way, you’ll see the towering fortress “ Chateau de Miolans ” on your way.

The Isère river will show you the way to Albertville . Most of the ride from there is done on a traffic-free greenway (an old railroad track turned bikeway) wedged between the Aravis and Bauges mountain ranges. From there you will reach Lake Annecy, Europe’s cleanest lake. Make sure to organize your day to have some free time in Annecy to stroll along the lake and through the old part of town

Have a relaxing breakfast, enjoy more of the sights and sounds of Annecy , and depart at your leisure. If you wish to return to Geneva, you can take advantage of the fact that Annecy is part of the Léman Express train network . 

For groups of 4 or more: This is a highly customizable tour (extra days and rides can be added; support van and other activities can be arranged). Let us know more about your dream cycling trip in the Alps and we’ll tell you what can be done.

3 nights in 2-star hotels, 1 night in a comfortable guesthouse, and 1 night in a 3-star hotel (in Gaillard, just 7 km/4 miles from the center of Geneva)

• 685 euros per person in April and October. Single supplement is 240 euros
• 705 euros per person in May, June, and September. Single supplement is 250 euros
• 725 euros per person in July and August. Single supplement is 260 euros

3 nights in 3-star hotels, 1 night in a guesthouse of charm & 1 night in a 2-star hotel (in Seyssel)

• 975 euros per person in April and October. Single supplement is 465 euros
• 985 euros per person in May, June, and September. Single supplement is 475 euros
• 995 euros per person in July and August. Single supplement is 485 euros
• 5 nights’ accommodation as described above
• Daily breakfast
• 2 dinners (drinks are not included)
• Orientation meeting with one of our staff members
• Luggage transfers
• Marked maps and/or cue sheets and route notes
• Pre-loaded GPS unit (subject to availability) or GPX files
• Assistance if necessary (you will be provided with our mobile number)
• All tax and service charges
• Expenses of a personal nature
• Travel insurance
• Bike boat tickets from Conjux to Aix-les-Bains (21 euros per adult and 14 euros per kids, bike included) – this option is subject to availability, on Sundays only from May to mid-July and in September, Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays from mid-July to end of August. Pre-bookings are recommended.
• Bicycle rentals. Hybrid bikes are available at the rate of 110 euros per bike. Full-carbon racing bikes are available at the rate of 190 euros per bike. Electric bikes are available at the rate of 205 euros per bike. This price includes the drop-off fee for the bike’s return to Geneva.

Get More Info

Want to learn more about this bike trip from Geneva to Annecy? Complete the form below for a detailed description with route, mileage, and profile information, plus a list of hotels

Bike tour of Lake Annecy

Activities around la ferme de la serraz campsite.

On holiday in the Haute-Savoie region, would you like to live an unforgettable experience in our 5 ***** campsite?

Then take advantage of the many cycling routes around Lake Annecy .

Lake Annecy and the ever-changing light

You have chosen to spend a family holiday by Lake Annecy in our friendly campsite in la Ferme de la Serraz, and you chose well! Attentive to each of you, our team has ideas for excursions and activities suitable for both adults and children.

So close to Lake Annecy , 5 minutes by bike from the beach, we advise you to make the most of the lake at all hours of the day; your children will be delighted with an early breakfast by the water. The colours of the lake at sunrise are dazzling. In the afternoon, you can enjoy the grassy banks of the Pâquier to play with the family. Did you know? La Ferme de la Serraz campsite has bicycles for rent for the whole family.

Bike rides for everybody

Only 3 minutes from your pitch, you can enjoy one of the most peaceful and pleasant bike rides of the region! Take a tour of Lake Annecy by bike.

With 36 km of cycle paths, you can enjoy the beautiful landscapes with your family. The tour of Lake Annecy is an ideal day trip:

• have a picnic at the w ater’s edge at the Pâquier esplanade,
• take a stroll in the town of Annecy ,
• have an invigorating swim at the Plage de la Brune .

This bicycle ride is generally flat so is accessible to all.

The certifications of the campsite

La ferme de la Serraz, Lac d’Annecy Rue de la poste, 74210 Doussard

Annecy Bike Rental : Tour or leisure bike, enjoy Annecy and its lake by bike

For a cruise around Lake Annecy, discovering the city’s charms or for the very bravest, powering up the cols of the region… We propose cycle hire for electric, classic and even cargo bicycles. For an afternoon, a full day or for the whole week we can advise you on the best bike models and routes to discover Annecy and the surroundings.

The Leisure bike

The Electric bike

The Race bike

The Tour bike

See all our rental bikes

Northern Alps

Tour of Lake Annecy by mountain bike

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• Location Annecy Alpes Nord - Northern Alps
• Level Intermediate
• Included Accommodation, Catering, Guide, Assistance vehicle, Mavic wheels
• Price from 550,00  €

In Annecy, everyone knows everyone. You meet while swimming in the lake, climbing a mountain or riding a bike.

So we couldn't create a Mountain Bike holiday without the Annécienne MAVIC team.

We've put together a weekend made in "Haute Savoie" for you! It's as simple as this: 2 days of all-mountain touring in the local single-track paradise, 100% muscular , between forests and Lake Annecy , guided in the secret spots by your captain Thibault .

To do things in style, MAVIC welcomes you to their design workshop in Annecy , France, and lets you test their latest wheels on the slopes!

The captain(s) on the stay

Thibault collard.

Coach - Handlebar team

The Mavic experience of the stay

Test the cros max xl r 29 mtb wheels, exclusive tour of the workshops.

Find all the crisp details of the stay!

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• MAVIC workshops

Behind the scenes and improving your bike

See you at the MAVIC workshop at 2pm to meet Thibault, your captain for the weekend! This afternoon, he'll take you on a tour of the MAVIC showroom and workshops, where you'll find out how the wheel you'll be testing this weekend is made.

You'll have the chance to see the wheel you'll be testing being made over the weekend, and get advice from real pros.

We finish with the best mechanics who will take your bike and fit rims for the most beautiful trails in Annecy.

Then we leave you to enjoy your evening in Annecy. Make sure you don't overdo the Savoyard dishes, because tomorrow you'll be pedaling! Spend the night in the charming Bonlieu hotel or La Mama. Don't worry, there's plenty of room to store your bike.

Accommodation: Hotel de Bonlieu or La Mama (or similar), both 3-star hotels will give you a warm welcome.

• MOUNTAIN BIKING
• Lake Annecy

Off we go to survey the mountains of Lake Annecy

Thibault picks you up at the hotel, then we head for the Semnoz, one of the most popular all-mountain areas, with views of the Alps and Mont-Blanc. This playground is ideal for a variety of trails at all levels. Thibault will check your level, advise you and help you progress.

Mountain biking takes its toll, so we find a nice spot to stop for a picnic and admire the magnificent view.

Then it's off for an all-afternoon mountain biking session, where you'll go in search of the best single tracks in the area on single-track forest trails.

On this day you'll make the first crossing of the lake to reach Doussard at the other end of Annecy, where you'll spend the night in the recently renovated Arcalod hotel.

Accommodation: 3-star Arcalod Hotel (local standards, or similar)

Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner 

Mountain biking: Approx. 35km - 1,000 m D+/ 1,500 m D-

• Last day on the bike

Finishing on a high note,

After a good breakfast at the Arcalod Hotel, it's time to get down to business.

We're off again to discover Annecy's trails. As you explore the local singles around Lac d'Annecy, passing through Planfait, Veyrier and many other beautiful spots, Thibault will be able to give you his latest tips and show you his secret spots.

Picnic break at lunchtime, time to rest your gibolles and admire this magnificent landscape.

At the end of the afternoon, you're back in Annecy and it's sadly time to say goodbye to all your riding companions and leave with your head full of memories.

Meals included: breakfast, picnic

Mountain bike: Approx. 35km - 2,500 m D+/ 3,000 m D-

MAVIC x CAPTAIN WILD

Where to start ... how can you offer cycling holidays without working with the pioneers of cycling?

But MAVIC isn't just a brand with flashy colors and products of unrivalled quality. It's first and foremost neutral assistance at the world's finest events and amateur gatherings.

THE WORD MAVIC

Mavic has been around for over a century now, and has built up unrivalled experience working alongside athletes of every generation.

Everything we do, we do for cyclists.

Follow MAVIC

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Make a request

Participant(s), message or note to the guide, appointment.

Parc, 44 Rue Saturne, Av. Altaïs, 74650 Chavanod

Av. du Pont de Tasset 4bis B, 74960 Annecy

Equipment for the stay

Your All Mountain, Enduro or XC mountain bike

Mountain bikes can be rented from the Handlebar Shop on the MARIN BIKES ALPINE TRAIL 7 - 2023 model (approx. €130 for 2 days).

You can come on an electric mountain bike, but be aware that this is a muscular mountain bike trip, so you'll have to wait for your trip mates 🙂

Pair of gloves

Enduro shorts

Long-sleeved T-shirt

Technical underlay

1 pair of shoes for the activity

1 small rucksack (approx. 5/10L with two hooks to prevent excessive movement during practice)

1 water bag/water bottle

Sunglasses/masks

Rain jacket, K-way

Your good mood