Cycling in the Alps

[Tom C]

Hi,

I am planning a cycling trip to the alps in June. I have brought the Cicerone ''Cycling in the French Alps'' guide and cant decide whether to do route two (Tour of the Chablais-Aravis) or route three (Tour of Mont Blanc).

Route two comprises stops at Geneva, Thonon-LesBains, Chatel, Samoens, La Clusaz and Annecy and incorporates the Col du Feu, Col de Bassachaux, Col de Joux Plane, Col de Colombiere, Col de la Croix-Fry and Le Grand Piton.

Route three comprises stops at Martigny, Chamonix, Beaufort, Bourg St Maurice and Aosta and incorporates the Col de la Forclaz, Col des Montets, Col des Saisies, Cormet de Roseland, Col du Petit St Bernard and the Col du Grand St Bernard.

Does anyone have any experience of cycling these routes / cols? If so, which would you recommend and why?

Cheers, Tom C.

 

[Tom C]

Hi,

I am planning a cycling trip to the alps in June. I have brought the Cicerone ''Cycling in the French Alps'' guide and cant decide whether to do route two (Tour of the Chablais-Aravis) or route three (Tour of Mont Blanc).

Route two comprises stops at Geneva, Thonon-LesBains, Chatel, Samoens, La Clusaz and Annecy and incorporates the Col du Feu, Col de Bassachaux, Col de Joux Plane, Col de Colombiere, Col de la Croix-Fry and Le Grand Piton.

Route three comprises stops at Martigny, Chamonix, Beaufort, Bourg St Maurice and Aosta and incorporates the Col de la Forclaz, Col des Montets, Col des Saisies, Cormet de Roseland, Col du Petit St Bernard and the Col du Grand St Bernard.

Does anyone have any experience of cycling these routes / cols? If so, which would you recommend and why?

Cheers, Tom C.

 

[ASC1951]

I haven't done those precise routes, but I have done day rides incorporating most of the cols.

Both will be fine outings. I think the Chablais-Aravis will be on slightly quieter roads.

 

[ASC1951]

I haven't done those precise routes, but I have done day rides incorporating most of the cols.

Both will be fine outings. I think the Chablais-Aravis will be on slightly quieter roads.

 

[TheDoctor]

I did the Col de Colombiere a few years back, but probably t'other way round from what you're doing - I went Grand Bornand - Col - Cluses.
As I recall the road surface was fine, and it's since been redone. I've not done any of the other cols so I can't help further. It'll be a great ride whichever you do. Annecy is a really nice town - very scenic by the lake.
*envies*

 

[TheDoctor]

I did the Col de Colombiere a few years back, but probably t'other way round from what you're doing - I went Grand Bornand - Col - Cluses.
As I recall the road surface was fine, and it's since been redone. I've not done any of the other cols so I can't help further. It'll be a great ride whichever you do. Annecy is a really nice town - very scenic by the lake.
*envies*

 

[ASC1951]

Annecy is a really nice town

If I was ever exiled and had to pick one place in Europe to live, it would be Annecy. Great cycling, skiing, climbing, sailing, hang gliding, swimming. A town full of beautiful buildings, small enough to walk across but big enough for culture, with a station and even its own airport. A top, top spot.

 

[ASC1951]

Annecy is a really nice town

If I was ever exiled and had to pick one place in Europe to live, it would be Annecy. Great cycling, skiing, climbing, sailing, hang gliding, swimming. A town full of beautiful buildings, small enough to walk across but big enough for culture, with a station and even its own airport. A top, top spot.

 

[Tim Bennet.]

Route two would allow more flexibility (both to shorten or lengthen it if required) and would be on quieter roads.

Getting a lift through the Mont Blanc Tunnel is about the only way of shortening route three. However if you do go on that one, don't be tempted to use the Grand Col de Ferret as a more direct route between Courmayeur and Martigny. Whilst it is direct, it's not quick and the climbers and walkers give you funny looks as you haul your fully laden touring bike over the rocks and through the snow.

 

[Tim Bennet.]

Route two would allow more flexibility (both to shorten or lengthen it if required) and would be on quieter roads.

Getting a lift through the Mont Blanc Tunnel is about the only way of shortening route three. However if you do go on that one, don't be tempted to use the Grand Col de Ferret as a more direct route between Courmayeur and Martigny. Whilst it is direct, it's not quick and the climbers and walkers give you funny looks as you haul your fully laden touring bike over the rocks and through the snow.

 

[Tim Bennet.]

Route two would allow more flexibility (both to shorten or lengthen it if required) and would be on quieter roads.

Getting a lift through the Mont Blanc Tunnel is about the only way of shortening route three. However if you do go on that one, don't be tempted to use the Grand Col de Ferret as a more direct route between Courmayeur and Martigny. Whilst it is direct, it's not quick and the climbers and walkers give you funny looks as you haul your fully laden touring bike over the rocks and through the snow.