Monts du Genevois

Suggestions for cycling loops around the Monts de Genevois

From the Voirons to the Vuache via the Salève, explore a variety of itineraries combining plains, mid-mountains, bustling towns and peaceful countryside, with each bend revealing a new landscape.

Tour des Voirons: A perfect circuit to push your limits. You'll particularly appreciate the small Saxel pass (943 m), ideally located at the halfway point, with optimal characteristics for getting started in mountain biking!

Salève tour:Tour the Salève without dreading the steep slopes. Admire the panoramic views of Lake Geneva, Lake Annecy, Mont Blanc... This signposted cycle route awaits you for a cycling adventure around one of our 3 mountains.

In the footsteps of the Tour : Relive the experience of the Etape du Tour 2023 and ride the mountain roads and passes between Annemasse and Morzine. A course of 95.2 km and 2,100m of positive ascent awaits you to pedal in the footsteps of the great champions...

Our grands cols

Discover the Croisette, Pitons and Saxel passes! These iconic climbs promise stimulating challenges and breathtaking panoramas:

The Col de la Croisette, or the crossroads of the Salève! If the ascent of the Col de la Croisette is already sporty from the eastern side of the Salève (La Muraz), it's formidable from the western side (Collonges-sous-Salève), including a monstrous 3.650 km section at an average of over 12%. Fortunately, you can take a well-deserved break at the finish and enjoy a café on the terrace with a view of Mont Blanc.

Le Col des Pitons, or the highest point of the Salève.
At an altitude of 1,335m, from Cruseilles the ascent is on a steady 4.5% gradient that winds through the shade of the forest, it's ideal for the start of the season or during hot weather.

The Col de Saxel, or first col of the 2023 Tour de France Stage.
With its 12.3 km and average gradient of 4%, it's an exhilarating climb for road enthusiasts. Tight bends and panoramic views of Lake Geneva await you at the summit. If you want to make the climb a little tougher after the Col de Saxel, you can take the access road (outward/return) that leads to the Bethlehem Monastery higher up at 1,354 m.

Events around cycling

The Monts du Genevois to the rhythm of cyclo events, gives this:

• In March each year, the course Annemasse-Bellegarde, the atmosphere of a pro race (announcer, biker escort...) adapted to rando-cyclo fashion.
• In June 2024, pro cyclists from the Critérium du Dauphiné will challenge the Salève climbs.
• In August 2024, come and cheer on the female riders of the Women's Tour de France for their 7th stage.
• In September each year, the 4S du Salève invites the experienced or beginners to set off on an assault of the Salève from its 4 sides!

Returning in winter

In winter, the Salève invites you to explore its snow-covered mountain pastures, on snowshoes or cross-country skis. After a day of adventure, relax in the bubbles of theVitam Well-Being area. In December, the magic of Christmas is in full swing with Bonjour l'hiver and le Grand Parc de Noël.
In spring and autumn, our guides will take you out to meet the flora and fauna. It's also the perfect time to learn more about local history at the Maison du Salève and to explore the Manoir des Livres. Each season offers a new adventure to explore in this region rich in diversity and surprises.

Other events

• Grandes Médiévales d'Andilly : end of May every year
• Guitare en Scène: in July every year
• Léman Blues Festival: mid-September every year

Services

"The panorama at the Col de la Croisette is totally worth the climb!" Maxime

"A little something extra after Saxel: the Covaz climb, unbeatable views on the way down to Lake Geneva!" Gilles

"A great playground to prepare for the Etape du Tour 2024 with friends" Matéo

"I went there by bike the climb is deadly but fun, nice experience and nice view " Mathis Manderioli

FAQ

• What are the 3 massifs that make up the Monts du Genevois?
  The Monts de Genève are a destination nestled between 3 massifs. These three massifs each have their own particularity: the wild and indomitable Vuache, the surprising and mysterious Salève and the protected and secretive Voirons.
  
• What famous cycle routes cross the Monts du Genevois?
  - La voieVerte du Grand Genève, linking Bonne to Geneva
  - La Via Rhôna, from Lake Geneva to the Mediterranean
  These two cycle routes join the Tour du Lac Léman itinerary, another great challenge for cyclists!
  

• What Tour de France cyclist hails from the Monts du Genevois?
  Professional cyclist Aurélien Paret-Peintre, at the start, among others, of the Tour de France 2024, is from Annemasse.

• Is it possible to enjoy the view of the Salève without effort?
  Of course, board the Salève cable car (with or without your bike), you'll be at the top in 4 minutes and without effort, to you the exceptional panoramas!

Access

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