ROAD BIKE RENTAL SPECIALIST
ANNECY FRANCE

Distance: 17,4 km / Start: Thônes / Elevation gain: 844 m / Avg gradient: 4% / Max gradient: 8,5%

From Thônes, you can head towards Saint-Jean-de-Sixt via the D909. The gradient is gentle up to Saint-Jean, rarely exceeding 5%. But don’t underestimate the “Vacherie” section — true to its name — with an early 500 m straight at 7%. There’s an alternative to this part: a quiet balcony road that sees very little traffic. From Thônes, take Route de Glapigny, then Route des Villards, and finally Route du Village. This option brings you back to the D909 just before Saint-Jean-de-Sixt. Continue towards La Clusaz — another 2.5 km of steady, easy climbing. The real ascent starts in La Clusaz: 8 km at an average of 7%. Hang in there — the final kilometres, with switchbacks through alpine meadows, deliver incredible views over the Aravis range and Pointe de Merdassier. The last 500 m at 3% even allow for a “champion’s finish” out of the saddle.

Distance: 11,7 km / Start: Flumet (Val d’Arly) / Elevation gain: 606 m / Avg gradient: 6% / Max gradient: 8% sur 615m

From Flumet on the south side, the climb is steeper, though it never goes beyond 8%. Once past La Giettaz, a series of hairpins through the high pastures leads you steadily up to the col. The view across to the Beaufortain massif is superb.

This climb also makes for a fantastic loop starting from Annecy. Follow the lakeside cycle path towards Faverges, then ride across the plain between the Bauges and the Aravis towards Ugine. From there, climb above Ugine towards Héry-sur-Ugine and Flumet. The road is shaded and quiet, with gradients kept between 5 and 7%. From Flumet, you’ll tackle the final ascent to the Col des Aravis. After a photo stop at the Chapelle des Aravis, the way back is a long descent of around 20 km down to Thônes. Return to Annecy via the Alex plain, Col de Bluffy, and the lakeshore once again. For this loop, allow roughly 110 km and 1,500 m of climbing.