Upper French Alps

As with many of our tours, this one was originally designed for a private group. It is now on its way to become of our best-selling trips! You'll ride in what we affectionately call "our playground," since we cycle these roads regularly. Believe us, you'll be mesmerized by the scenery! With Lake Geneva and Mont-Blanc as a backdrop, your daily rides snake through the Chablais mountainous area and skirt the southern shore of Lake Geneva, one of the few spots in the world that can cause blisters from excessive photo taking. Finally, on your last day, you'll cross the lake in Yvoire, an impossibly photogenic Medieval village that extends into the lake on a striking peninsula, and ride through the Swiss Jura. In between, you'll conquer some of this area's most famous climbs: Col de la Forclaz, Col de la Croix-Fry, Col de la Colombière, Col de la Joux Plane, Col de l'Encrenaz, Col de la Ramaz, Col de la Faucille, Col de la Givrine, Col du Marchairuz.This is not an easy bike trip! It is an ideal tour for those who can comfortably handle 100 km per day with 2,000 meters of climbing.

Starts any day from April through October 2015.

Day 1: Arrive in Geneva. Transfer to your hotel. Loop ride (approx. 49 km/30 miles)

You will be greeted at the airport by a Cyclomundo representative and transferred to your hotel. Based on your preferences, we can accommodate you in Geneva (should you wish to stay in a “city environment”) or in Cruseilles (a countryside setting). In either case, we will provide you with a loop that will take you up our local mountain (Mont Salève) the “easy way” (from Cruseilles or Annemasse depending of your place of stay). Needless to say, the views from the top are breathtaking.

Day 2: Cruseilles (or Geneva) – Le Grand Bornand (Long option: 105 km/65 miles; short option: 49 km/30 miles via the Gorges du Borne).

Our route will take you around the visually stunning Annecy Lake and over two “classic” climbs: Col de la Forclaz and Col de la Croix-Fry. You will lodge in the pretty village of Le Grand Bornand. Please note that if you choose to stay in Geneva, we recommend you take a morning train (trains are equipped with special areas for bikes) and start your ride from La Roche-sur-Foron.

Day 3: Le Grand Bornand – Onnion (Long option: 109 km/68 miles; short option: 48 km/30 miles without Col de l’Encrenaz and Col de la Ramaz)

Another day of rewarding climbs. Stay aerobic and save some breath for the views! From Le Grand Bornand, you will climb the classic Col de la Colombière (the easy side!). From Cluses on the Arve valley floor, your ride will take you up to Les Gets via Col de la Joux Plane before reaching Morzine. Although our short option allows you to freewheel to your destination, we highly recommend our long option which will take by Mont-Chéry before riding down to Mieussy, your day’s destination. Did we forget to mention the long option’s fun climbs? Col de l’Encrenaz (1,433 m) and Col de la Ramaz (1,559 m).

Day 4: Onnion – Anthy (75 km or 48 miles)

The area known as “Le Chablais” will be your day’s riding grounds, with Lake Geneva as a backdrop! Easier climbs will take you from one valley to the next before heading towards Lake Geneva. The last few miles will take place along the Lake all the way to your hotel, a few steps from the waterfront.

Day 5: Anthy — Anthy. Departure (various loops)

Your day’s loop will take place across the Lake. Your day trip will start with a short ride to the listed medieval village of Yvoire where you will board a ferry to Nyon. From there, we will provide you with a selection of loops of various distances. All will take you on very scenic roads though Switzerland. The longest ones will take you to the Upper Jura region via Col de la Faucille, Col de la Givrine, or Col du Marchairuz. Arrangements will be made so that you can return to your hotel and change before the short hop to the airport.

Please note that rates are given as a guideline; based on Euro vs. US$ exchange rate as of 12/10/14.