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Legendary COLS

On the road to the giants

Haute-Savoie is famous for its legendary cols, a real challenge for keen cyclists. These legendary climbs offer demanding slopes and spectacular views, combining intense effort with the beauty of the Alpine landscape.

Haute-Savoie, a cyclist's paradise From legendary passes to mythical roads

Haute-Savoie is an exceptional region for cycling enthusiasts. With its legendary mountain passes, panoramic roads and breathtaking Alpine scenery, it offers an ideal playground for cyclists of all abilities. Whether you’re an amateur or an experienced cyclist, discover the varied itineraries that combine a sporting challenge with an immersion in nature.

Legendary mountain passes Mythical challenges in the heart of the Alps

Haute-Savoie is famous for its legendary cols, a real challenge for keen cyclists. These legendary climbs offer demanding slopes and spectacular views, combining intense effort with the beauty of the Alpine landscapes. Experienced climbers will find here an ideal playground to push their limits in the heart of the mountains.

The Col des Glières

The Col des Glières is one of Haute-Savoie’s legendary peaks, prized by cyclists for its authenticity, rugged beauty… and its demanding nature. From Thorens-Glières, the 14km ascent (6% average gradient) is distinguished by its diversity: winding forest roads, the last few kilometres on unpaved tracks, and a finish in the heart of the countryside. This atypical route makes it a must for alpine cycle touring. But it’s also a place steeped in history: a Mecca of the Resistance, the plateau is dotted with memorials and an interpretation centre. Between gravel, silence and history, the Col des Glières is a unique cycling experience, to be enjoyed at least once in your life.

The Col de la Colombière

At an altitude of 1,613 metres, the Col de la Colombière is an emblematic pass between Le Grand-Bornand and Cluses. Known to cyclists for its demanding slopes and its regular place in the Tour de France, it also appeals to hikers and nature lovers. With its mountain pastures, tight bends and breathtaking views, it’s a real mountain experience.

The Col de la Ramaz

The Col de la Ramaz (1,619 m) is one of the little-known jewels in the crown of Haute-Savoie, popular with cyclists looking for a challenge and solitude. Its demanding ascent offers spectacular views of Mont Blanc, in the heart of unspoilt, silent countryside. A pass that is both feared and adored, ideal for experiencing the mountains in a different way, to the rhythm of your pedal stroke.

The Aravis Pass

Easy to reach but steeped in history, the Col des Aravis (1,498 m) is a must for cyclists. Frequented by the Tour de France, it offers a steady climb and spectacular views of Mont Blanc. A combination of gentle effort and breathtaking Alpine scenery, this is one of Haute-Savoie’s iconic climbs, to be enjoyed at your own pace.

Ascent to Semnoz

The Semnoz is Annecy’s iconic mountain pass. Its 17km ascent via Annecy, at an average gradient of 7%, attracts cyclists looking for a challenge and a panoramic view. Less technical from Quintal or Leschaux, it remains accessible and offers a great workout, whichever option you choose. The finish at an altitude of 1,699 m offers spectacular views of Lake Annecy, the Bauges and Aravis mountains, and even Mont Blanc on a clear day. It’s one of the most impressive lookouts for cyclists in the French Alps. Well-maintained and with regular kilometre markers, the route to the Semnoz is as friendly as it is sporty.