Set off to discover the surroundings of the beautiful city of Annecy by bike. For a sporty vacation, take your two wheels and enjoy the exceptional setting of the Alps. These routes are located in Haute-Savoie, they pass through the city, alongside the shores of Lake Annecy, and cross the forests of the mountains. Depending on your level in cycling or mountain biking, you choose a bike ride and off you go!
1. The ascent of Semnoz
| Duration: 2 hours
Distance: 17.5 km Difficulty: high Elevation: 1,300 m Departure: Parking of the Annecy Town Hall |
A beautiful climb ranked in the top 10 of the Cyclist Climbers Challenges! Good training is necessary on easier passes before you embark. More than 17 km at an average of 7% and a few km at 9%. From the Annecy town hall, you follow the Boulevard de la Corniche and then take the departmental road 41 without interruption. You can catch your breath on the flat after the fifth kilometer. Almost the entire ascent is through the forest, so the coolness is guaranteed.
The great reward of this route is the magnificent panoramic view at the finish: this summit of Semnoz at 1,699 meters allows you to see the Mont-Blanc massif, the Aravis, the Bauges, and the Chartreuse.
2. The tour of Mont Veyrier
| Duration: 2 h 30
Distance: 25 km Difficulty: medium Elevation: 240 m Departure: Parking of Petit Port in Annecy-le-Vieux |
You will discover one of the most beautiful fairy tale castles in France, the castle of Menthon-Saint-Bernard. This bike or mountain bike ride is accessible for many riders, with good physical condition. Starting from Petit Port, you follow the direction of the bike path to Alex with a long straight line. You can stop to enjoy the Fier river on your left. Then, you need to climb the Bluffy pass to appreciate the famous castle. The return is via the bike path of Lake Annecy crossing Veyrier-du-Lac along the shore.
3. The tour of Tournette
| Distance: 60 km
Difficulty: medium Elevation: 450 m Departure: Parking of Petit Port in Annecy-le-Vieux |
This is a beautiful loop proposed: 62 km to cover to go around this mountain near Annecy. It is suitable for cyclists of medium to advanced level. As with the previous route, you follow the direction of Alex behind Mont Veyrier, then the Marais pass and the village of Saint-Ferréol. Upon reaching the plain of Lake Annecy, you can stop at Faverges for lunch. The return is along the shores of Lake Annecy via Duingt, Saint-Jorioz, and Sévrier.
4. The loop of Fier
| Distance: 60 km
Difficulty: easy Elevation: 330 m Departure: Parking Bonlieu |
To discover the countryside of Annecy and the Fier river, this easy mountain biking route is made for the whole family. Leaving Annecy, you follow Cran-Gevrier to reach the village of Chavanod via the Creuses road. Upon arriving at Rumilly, you can swim in the water plan. Then you continue on the departmental road 31 until the pretty Saint André bridge, it’s the return to Annecy following the Fier passing through beautiful villages like Vallière-Fier.
5. The route of the mountain of Age
| Distance: 32 km
Difficulty: easy Elevation: 80 m Departure: Parking Bonlieu |
This small mountain to the west of Annecy is a nice playground to finish this guide of the 5 routes to do by bike near Annecy. Leaving Annecy, you need to follow Cran-Gevrier again then the Brasilly viaduct continuing on the RD 1508, you will reach Epagny then Sillingy. Passing near water points, you return to Annecy via the RD 14. You can visit the beautiful Château de Montrottier on your left.
Choose the route that you like the most to bike or mountain bike in Annecy and off you go! If you are on vacation, you can rent a bike or a mountain bike to undertake these excursions.
