Following the Tour de France in Savoie
The Savoie, and Haute-Savoie, are a paradise for serious cycling enthusiasts. With 5,000 km of marked trails through iconic passes like the Galibier or Iseran, the dramatic landscape of these two regions has formed the backdrop to some of the most sublimely beautiful stages of the Tour de France. No wonder that road race cyclists flock here to pedal the same stages as their heroes and imagine themselves participating in the Tour itself. Of course, the hard, tough business of road racing is only optional – there’s plenty of scope for a gentle amble around the foot of Mont Blanc, well away from the most challenging of mountain stages. Listen to the advices of the former french cycling champion Chaly Mottet before you jump on your bike !
Hiring electric bikes
As a ‘leisure cyclist’, you may feel intimidated by the challenging slopes and gruelling cycle routes of the Savoie regions. Well relax, the electric bike can come to your rescue. Put simply, an electric bike gives you extra power when pedalling uphill without diminishing your enjoyment of a gentle ride in the saddle. Electric bikes are available for hire in over thirty locations around Mont Blanc in Savoie: Chamonix, Grand Bornand, Val d’Isere, La Clusaz and more. Wherever you are staying the campsite reception can advise where best to find and hire electric bikes.
Mountain biking on the Alpine slopes
Fans of mountain biking have long been drawn to the Alps and the Savoie for the wide and varied range of specially laid out trails. The mountain ranges and Alpine scenery are simply majestic, adding a unique dimension to cycling in this epic region, whether you’re looking for a demanding mountain bike circuit or just a relaxed outing amongst the vibrant nature of this stunning region. For the best local advice, ask at your campsite reception for tips and local knowledge..
Voies Vertes and the Via Rhona
The Savoie is not just for hardened cyclists. With over 100 marked trails for all levels of fitness and ability, there is plenty of scope for easy going rambles with all the family. The region has a number of Voies Vertes, wonderfully scenic routes with no motorised vehicles along which children can safely and easily walk or cycle. The Voie Verte linking Chambery to Lake Bourget, Aime and Bourg-Saint-Maurice is one of the most popular, and another encircles Lake Annecy. The region also features the Via Rhona, a cycle route of some 800 km that connects Lake Geneva to the shimmering Med. So be sure to bring your bike, or hire one here – many campsites offer bikes to rent to ensure you get to see the best of the region.
