This route features the beautiful lakes and mountains of the Bauges and Western French Alps. Departing from the shores of Lake Geneva, the route takes a meandering route to the village of Talloires on the shores of stunning Lake Annecy, crossing a few of the lower cols in Haute Savoie. The second day crosses the Bauges Mountains on route to the bustling town of Chambery. After an initial climb, the final day is predominantly flat / gently rolling to reach our end destination in Lyon, the gastronomic centre of France.


Stage 1: Geneva to Talloires
Distance: 85km - 
Ascent: 1500m

Our arrival hotel in Geneva is situated just a short transfer from the International Airport which has frequent connections with most UK airports. What the first day lacks in distance, it makes up for in terrain. After a fairly gentle first 10km, the road tilts upwards as we ascend the flanks of Mont Sion, reaching a height of 900m. A swift descent immediately before lunch precedes more rolling terrain after lunch as we pass through the area famous for Reblochon cheese production before dropping down onto the shore of Lake Annecy and into the beautiful village of Talloires. We will arrive in plenty of time to soak aching muscles in the crystal clear water of the lake.

Day 2 starts with a gentle ride along Lake Annecy for the first 15km before tackling the ascent of the Col de Tamié (9km at a fairly gentle average gradient of 4%) situated in the Bauges National Park. The middle third of the route follows a balcony road offering impressive views down to the Isere Valley below. A final sting in the tail comes in the form of the Col de Marocaz (8km at 8% average gradient) with 30km to ride. From the summit, luckily, it’s pretty much downhill to our overnight stay in the alpine town of Chambery.


Stage 3: Chambery to Lyon
Distance: 114km
 - Ascent: 1365m

The final day starts with a bang as we ascend the Col de l’Epine immediately on depart from Chambery (9km at average gradient of 8%). The summit will offer us a final glimpse of the Alps as we head to the flatter roads of the Rhone Valley. A long descent is immediately followed by a quick ascent of the Col de la Crusille (3km, 5%). A further descent takes us down to the banks of the River Rhone and 30km of flat, quiet, rural roads to lunch. A short climb of 3km gets the legs going after lunch before more flat roads take us right into the heart of the UNESCO World Heritage city of Lyon. Our hotel is situated a short taxi journey to Lyon St Exubery Airport.

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