Giffre Cycling Loop

Direction of the route: clockwise Landmarks and connections: Châtillon-sur-Cluses; Taninges (where it branches off from the Ramaz Circuit No. 38 and the Joux-Plane Circuit No. 36); Samoëns (where it splits from the Fer-à-Cheval Round Trip No. 40) Description: The Giffre is the main tributary of the Are and one of the most abundant rivers in France relative to its size. This is due to the heavy rainfall and snowfall that occur in the Pre-Alpine massif it drains. It is in May, June, and July, during peak snowmelt, that you’ll see the most water in its bed—excluding sudden flash floods caused by thunderstorms. The proposed route allows you to explore both sides of the middle Giffre Valley. To get there, you’ll first need to cross the Col de Châtillon. After the descent, you’ll cross the river and arrive in Taninges, whose bell tower houses the largest carillon in Haute-Savoie. You’ll hear it if you pass through on Thursday, market day. Also worth seeing are the contemporary art exhibitions held in Taninges at the Chartreuse de Mélan. The route continues along the right bank to Samoëns, where you’ll switch to the other side of the river. After returning to the “other side,” you’ll cross the Col de Châtillon again, with a gentler climb.