The best cycling routes around Lac de la Girotte
4.6
(143)
7,447
riders
43
rides
Touring cycling routes around Lac de la Girotte are situated within the challenging alpine environment of the Beaufortain massif in Savoie, France. The region is characterized by high elevations, with Lac de la Girotte itself at approximately 5751 feet (1753 meters), and features the impressive Girotte Dam. While direct access to the lake often involves unpaved and steep terrain more suited for mountain biking, the broader massif offers extensive paved road networks with significant climbs and descents. These routes provide panoramic views of surrounding peaks, including distant glimpses of the Mont-Blanc massif.
Best touring cycling routes around Lac de la Girotte
- The most popular touring cycling route is Col du Joly – Col du Joly loop from Barrage de la Girotte, a 15.5 miles (24.9 km) trail that takes 2 hours 8 minutes to complete. This difficult route offers significant elevation changes and alpine vistas.
- Another top favourite among local touring cyclists is Hauteluce – Church of Saint James of Assyria loop from Hauteluce, a moderate 7.7 miles (12.4 km) path. This route explores the charming village of Hauteluce and its local landmarks.
- Local touring cyclists also love the View of Lake Roselend – Roselend Dam loop from Étoille des Neiges, a 5.6 miles (9.0 km) trail leading through scenic alpine landscapes, often completed in about 38 minutes.
- Touring cycling around Lac de la Girotte is defined by alpine passes, glacial lakes, and challenging mountain roads. The network offers options for different ability levels, from moderate loops to difficult, long-distance climbs.
- The routes in Lac de la Girotte are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.6 stars from over 80 reviews. More than 6000 touring cyclists have used komoot to explore Lac de la Girotte's varied terrain.
Last updated: May 23, 2026
5.0
(1)
55
riders
24.0km
02:03
820m
820m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
3
riders
8.99km
00:38
160m
160m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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4.5
(8)
1,157
riders
44.6km
03:34
1,340m
1,340m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.8
(16)
304
riders
62.0km
05:10
2,040m
2,040m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(2)
48
riders
17.0km
01:24
550m
550m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Tips from the Community
My video about the tour of Lake Roselend https://youtu.be/G0Ss9v6wxQQ
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The Roselend Dam is located in the commune of Beaufort-sur-Doron, in the Beaufortain region of Savoie, between the Col du Pré and the Cormet de Roselend, near the Arêches-Beaufort ski resort. The surrounding mountains reach an altitude of around 2,800 meters. It is part of the Roselend La Bâthie hydroelectric complex, which includes the Roselend Dam and two satellite dams: La Gittaz and Saint-Guérin. This complex is managed by EDF's Alpes Production Unit. The Roselend La Bâthie hydroelectric complex produces the equivalent of the domestic energy consumption of 450,000 residents, thus avoiding the emission of 890,000 tons of CO2 per year. The Roselend Dam is a double-curved arch dam with buttresses. Height = 150 meters Crest length = 804 meters Water reservoir [of the hydroelectric complex] = 187 million m3 The Roselend - La Bâthie development is supplied by the Roselend dam itself, as well as by two satellite dams, La Gittaz and Saint-Guérin. The total storage capacity of these three reservoirs, connected by a system of galleries, is 213 million m3. The water collected at Roselend crosses the massif through a 12.5 km long gallery to flow at an altitude of 1,400 m into the Isère Valley, in the Tarentaise region. It is then transported to the underground plant at La Bâthie via a 2,500 m long penstock, with a drop of 1,200 m. The power plant is equipped with six Pelton-type generating units with a total capacity of 550 MW. Since 2013, EDF has been replacing the main components of each generating unit (turbine, generator, transformer, and energy evacuation cables) to achieve a total capacity of 600 MW by the end of 2018. https://youtu.be/G0Ss9v6wxQQ
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Originally, there was a Romanesque chapel in the hamlet of Roselend. It was dedicated to Saint Mary Magdalene. A 13th-century document mentions a chapel that could be this one. More precise sources indicate that the bell was cast in 1608 or that donations were made in 1710, 1757, and 1760. In 1794, it hosted four émigré priests from the valley for their first mass after their return from exile, including the future Archbishop of Chambéry, Antoine Martinet. Submerged when the dam was filled on May 6, 1960, a chapel was rebuilt two years later near the road overlooking the lake, in a more modern style.
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One of the most visited sites in the Alps, on foot or by bike.
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Magnificent view of Lake Roselend.
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If the weather is good, there will be a beautiful view of Mont Blanc.
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A beautiful road, but unfortunately not the best surface for descending, as it has a few patches. From the top, there's a good view of Bourg Saint-Maurice.
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Beaufort is a charming town with a few cafés and restaurants, surrounded by mountains. The famous Beaufort cheese comes from here. The town is a stopover on the Route des Grandes Alpes.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many touring cycling routes are available around Lac de la Girotte?
There are over 40 touring cycling routes available in the Lac de la Girotte region, offering a wide range of options for different skill levels and preferences.
What is the best time of year for touring cycling in the Lac de la Girotte area?
The best time to visit for touring cycling is generally from late spring through early autumn. During these months, the trails are typically clear of snow, and the weather is more favorable for exploring the alpine environment.
Are there any family-friendly touring cycling routes near Lac de la Girotte?
While the immediate vicinity of Lac de la Girotte is challenging, the broader Beaufortain massif offers routes suitable for various abilities. For a moderate option that explores a charming village, consider the Hauteluce – Church of Saint James of Assyria loop from Hauteluce, which is 7.7 miles (12.4 km) long.
What kind of terrain can I expect on touring cycling routes in this region?
Touring cycling in the Lac de la Girotte region is characterized by a challenging alpine environment. While the broader Beaufortain massif offers extensive paved road networks with significant climbs and descents, direct access to Lac de la Girotte itself often involves unpaved and steep terrain more suited for mountain biking. Expect demanding mountain passes and scenic roads with panoramic views.
What are some popular longer or more challenging touring cycling routes?
For experienced touring cyclists seeking a challenge, the Col du Joly – Col du Joly loop from Barrage de la Girotte is a popular difficult route, spanning 15.5 miles (24.9 km) with significant elevation changes. Another demanding option is the Bourg-Saint-Maurice – Châtelard Road loop from Le Chantel, which is 44.9 km long.
Can I reach Lac de la Girotte directly with a touring road bike?
Direct access to Lac de la Girotte by a typical touring road bike is generally not feasible. The road leading directly to the dam from the Col du Joly area is an unpaved gravel road, steep in sections, and more suitable for mountain bikes or hiking. Touring cyclists can enjoy views of the lake from a distance on designated road cycling itineraries within the broader Beaufortain massif.
Are there any circular touring cycling routes in the area?
Yes, many routes in the region are designed as loops. For example, the View of Lake Roselend – Roselend Dam loop from Étoille des Neiges offers a scenic 5.6 miles (9.0 km) circular trail. Another option is the Cormet de Roselend – Roselend Chapel loop from Barrage de Roselend, a moderate 16.2 km route.
What are the highlights or scenic viewpoints along the touring cycling routes?
The region is renowned for its stunning alpine environment and panoramic views. Routes often offer distant glimpses of the majestic Mont-Blanc massif and views of glacial lakes like Lac de Roselend. The Girotte Dam itself is an impressive feat of engineering, and the tranquil atmosphere of the high-altitude landscapes is a major draw.
What do other touring cyclists say about the routes around Lac de la Girotte?
The touring cycling routes in the Lac de la Girotte region are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 stars from over 80 reviews. Cyclists often praise the challenging climbs, the breathtaking alpine vistas, and the sense of accomplishment from tackling these mountain roads.
Are there any easier or moderate touring cycling routes for beginners?
While many routes are challenging, there are moderate options available. The Hauteluce – Church of Saint James of Assyria loop from Hauteluce is a moderate 7.7 miles (12.4 km) path that allows you to explore local landmarks without extreme difficulty. There are 14 moderate routes in total, providing good options for those building their alpine cycling experience.
What are the typical elevation changes on touring cycling routes in this area?
Given the alpine setting, touring cycling routes around Lac de la Girotte feature significant elevation changes. For example, the difficult Col du Joly – Col du Joly loop from Barrage de la Girotte involves over 850 meters of ascent and descent, characteristic of the challenging mountain passes in the Beaufortain massif.
Most popular routes around Lac de la Girotte
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