The best road cycling routes in Savoie

Savoie offers a wide range of road cycling routes, catering to all levels. You'll find everything from gentle lakeside paths suitable for beginners to challenging high-alpine climbs. Out of over 1200 routes, approximately 176 are considered easy, 632 moderate, and 490 are difficult, featuring significant elevation gains and iconic mountain passes.

The best time for road cycling in Savoie is generally from June to September. During these months, mountain roads are typically open, high passes are clear of snow, and daylight hours are long, providing ideal conditions for exploring the region's diverse terrain.

Savoie is home to many legendary climbs that have featured in the Tour de France. Notable passes include Col du Galibier, Col de l'Iseran, Col de la Madeleine, Col du Petit Saint-Bernard, Col de la Loze, Col de Joux Plane, Col des Aravis, Col de la Colombière, Cormet de Roselend, and Col du Télégraphe. Many of these offer breathtaking views and significant challenges.

Yes, Savoie offers dedicated cycle paths and greenways, such as the 'Belle Via' and 'ViaRhôna', which provide traffic-free sections. Additionally, during summer, certain iconic cols are periodically closed to vehicle traffic, offering unique opportunities for cyclists to experience these legendary climbs without cars.

Road cycling routes in Savoie traverse a dramatic landscape. You can expect to see deep valleys, high mountain passes, and pristine alpine lakes like Lake Annecy and Lake Bourget. Routes also wind through mixed forests and alpine meadows. Specific natural attractions include the Waterfalls on the Nant du Pontet and the stunning Vallon des Avals.

Yes, Savoie offers numerous circular road cycling routes. Many of the iconic climbs, such as the Glandon/Croix-de-Fer Circuit or the Col de la Loze Loop from Brides-les-Bains, are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish in the same location. Lakeside routes, like those around Lake Annecy, also often form scenic loops.

The road cycling routes in Savoie are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 4300 reviews. Cyclists frequently praise the region's diverse terrain, the challenge of its iconic alpine passes, and the stunning scenic beauty, from turquoise lakes to dramatic mountain backdrops.

Beyond the natural beauty, you can find various points of interest. For example, near some routes, you might encounter historical sites like the Notre-Dame-du-Charmaix Chapel or unique geological formations such as the Fairies' Cave. Many routes also pass through charming Savoyard villages.

While Savoie is famous for its challenging climbs, there are also many routes suitable for families and less experienced road cyclists. The region offers easy, mostly flat paths, particularly around its alpine lakes like Lac de Passy and Lac de Saint-Gervais, as well as dedicated greenways that provide a gentler cycling experience.

Savoie has a reasonably developed public transport network, though access to specific route starting points can vary. Some valleys and towns are served by trains and buses. For detailed information on public transport options to specific areas or route access points, it's advisable to consult local tourism offices or regional transport websites, such as coeurdetarentaise-tourisme.com for the Tarentaise valley.

Yes, parking is generally available in towns and villages that serve as starting points for popular road cycling routes. Many trailheads for well-known climbs or scenic loops will have designated parking areas, though these can fill up quickly during peak season. It's always a good idea to check specific route information or local municipality websites for details on parking availability and any potential fees.