The best traffic-free bike rides around Lac de la Girotte
4.5
(151)
8,680
riders
4
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Road cycling around Lac de la Girotte offers routes through the high alpine environment of the Beaufortain massif in Savoie, France. The region is characterized by significant elevation changes, glacial lakes, and panoramic mountain views, including glimpses of the Mont-Blanc range. Cyclists navigate paved mountain passes and roads that wind through valleys, providing challenging ascents and rewarding vistas. The landscape combines natural beauty with engineering feats like the Girotte Dam, set amidst a backdrop of distinctive milky or greenish glacial…
Last updated: June 1, 2026
5
riders
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
15
riders
16.6km
01:01
450m
450m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
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5.0
(1)
6
riders
7.69km
00:32
220m
220m
Easy road ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
4.0
(3)
94
riders
27.4km
01:55
990m
990m
Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
5.0
(2)
22
riders
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
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Popular around Lac de la Girotte
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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One of the most visited sites in the Alps, on foot or by bike.
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Start of the ascent to the pass of the Pré: 13 km, HC.
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From this part of the road towards the Col du Joly, view of the dam of the Lac de la Girotte.
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Nearly 20 km of (uneven) climbing from Beaufort to the Col du Joly, on tarmac that is often in poor condition. It's for the superb view of the Mont Blanc massif!
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Start of the 20 km climb towards the Cormet de Roselend, via the Col de Méraillet (located at Km 8).
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many no-traffic road cycling routes are available around Lac de la Girotte?
There are 3 dedicated no-traffic road cycling routes around Lac de la Girotte featured in this guide. These routes offer varying distances and elevations, catering to different fitness levels.
What are the difficulty levels of the no-traffic road cycling routes?
The routes range from easy to moderate. You can find one easy route, such as the Roselend Dam – Col du Pré loop, and two moderate routes, including the Vue vers le lac de la Girotte loop and the Hauteluce – View of Hauteluce loop.
What kind of terrain can I expect on these no-traffic road cycling routes?
The routes primarily feature paved tracks suitable for road bikes. While the general area is known for challenging climbs like Col du Joly, these specific no-traffic routes are designed for a smoother road cycling experience. Be aware that some detours directly to the Girotte Dam might involve unpaved sections, requiring a mountain bike.
What are the best times of year to go road cycling around Lac de la Girotte?
The best time for road cycling in the Lac de la Girotte region is typically during the warmer months, from late spring to early autumn. This period offers more favorable weather conditions and ensures that higher mountain passes and roads are clear of snow and ice.
Are there any notable landmarks or viewpoints along the no-traffic road cycling routes?
Yes, the region is rich in stunning natural beauty and impressive engineering. You'll encounter breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding alpine environment, including distant glimpses of the Mont-Blanc massif. The Girotte Dam itself is a significant attraction, showcasing a remarkable feat of engineering. The milky or greenish water of Lac de la Girotte, resulting from glacial meltwater, is also a unique natural feature.
What do other road cyclists enjoy most about cycling in Lac de la Girotte?
The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.4 stars from 137 ratings. Reviewers often praise the stunning landscapes, the quiet and beautiful winding roads, and the rewarding views, especially those of the Mont-Blanc massif.
Are there any loop routes for no-traffic road cycling?
Yes, all three featured no-traffic road cycling routes are loops. For example, you can enjoy the Vue vers le lac de la Girotte – View of Hauteluce loop or the Roselend Dam – Col du Pré loop, allowing you to start and finish at the same point.
What are the typical distances and elevations for these no-traffic routes?
The routes vary in length and elevation gain. For instance, the Roselend Dam – Col du Pré loop is about 7.7 km with 218 meters of elevation gain, while the Vue vers le lac de la Girotte loop covers approximately 16.4 km with 453 meters of ascent.
Is parking available near the starting points of these routes?
While specific parking details for each route's starting point are not provided in this guide, areas like Barrage de la Girotte, Hauteluce, and Barrage de Roselend, which serve as starting points for these routes, typically offer parking facilities for visitors accessing the area's outdoor activities.
Are there any amenities like cafes or accommodation near the no-traffic road cycling routes?
The region around Lac de la Girotte and the broader Beaufortain massif is popular with tourists and outdoor enthusiasts. You can expect to find amenities such as cafes and accommodation in nearby villages and towns, especially in areas like Hauteluce or Beaufort, which are common bases for exploring the region.
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