Cycling from saint jean de sixt to la colombière
Robin Issartel
Saint Jean de Sixt river bridge
Tilby Vattard
Cycling to the Aravis from Saint Jean de Sixt
Tristan Shu

Saint-Jean-de-Sixt

The Aravis Gateway

Massif des Aravis
Département et Région : Haute-Savoie and Auvergne Rhône-Alpes (AURA)
Principal passes : col des Aravis and col de la Colombière
Étape sur Route des Grandes Alpes® : Le Grand-Bornand / Beaufort-sur-Doron and variant Le-Grand-Bornand / Lescheraines
 

 

Summary

 

Suggestions for cycling loops around Saint-Jean-de-Sixt

 

Our grands cols

Starting from Saint-Jean-de-Sixt the ascent to the col des Aravis won't let you rest! Before you can enjoy this jewel of the Alps, which rises majestically between Haute-Savoie and Savoie, you'll need to embark on a spectacular ascent punctuated by dizzying switchbacks. At an altitude of 1486 metres, it is one of the region's must-sees, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding peaks.
Nearby, the col de la Colombière stands out for its steep slopes and breathtaking alpine scenery. At an altitude of 1613 meters, it is a major challenge for thrill-seeking cyclists, who are rewarded with grandiose panoramas of the surrounding massifs.
But the Aravis passes are not limited to these two giants. The Col de la Croix Fry, the Col de la Forclaz... Each ascent is an adventure in its own right, where physical effort is combined with contemplation of the wild, unspoilt nature of the Alps.

Crédit photo Tristan Shu
Cycling events in Saint-Jean-de-Sixt

Cycling events in Saint-Jean-de-Sixt

A must-see for the Tour de France as well as the critérium du Dauphiné Libéré, Saint-Jean-de-Sixt's geographical location has enabled it to witness the passage of riders setting out on the col des Aravis or the col de la Colombière. Every passage of the Tour de France or the Dauphiné is a feast that the people of Saint-Jeand celebrate.

Cycling in Saint-Jean-de-Sixt
Robin Issartel

Cycling in Saint-Jean-de-Sixt

All roads lead to Saint-Jean-de-Sixt! In the majestic setting of the Aravis massif, Saint-Jean-de-Sixt offers an ideal base camp for cycling enthusiasts. The focal point of numerous cyclosportive and cyclotourist circuits, each route has a taste of adventure.

The iconic passes surrounding Saint-Jean-de-Sixt offer an exceptional playground for cyclists in search of a challenge. From the famous col des Aravis to the vertiginous slopes of the col de la Colombière, each ascent is an epic tale of effort, scenic beauty and communion with nature. The central axis of the Aravis valley, Saint-Jean-de-Sixt has seen the Tour de France riders pass through on several occasions, creating a collective exaltation for this sport particularly appreciated by Saint Jeandins.

Summer in Saint-Jean-de-Sixt
Tilby Vattard

Summer in Saint-Jean-de-Sixt

Choose your summer in Saint-Jean-de-Sixt, whether you're big sports fans or adepts of the Zen attitude!

  • Hiking: from easy hikes to more demanding mountain treks, there's something for every level.
  • Tennis :for tennis fans, Saint-Jean-de-Sixt has two tennis courts for hire at the Tourist Office.
  • Cycling: ideally located on the route des grandes Alpes, Saint-Jean-de-Sixt invites you to challenge the mythical cols of the Tour de France : col des Aravis, col de la Colombière.
  • Mountain biking: from descending groomed trails to exploring mountain paths.
  • Trail: test your limits on Saint-Jean-de-Sixt's trail trails. A demanding course for experienced riders only.
  • Fishing: in an enchanting setting.
  • Bun J Ride : you could do with a bit more adrenalin! That's what the Bun J Ride is all about!

Coming winter

Neighboring the resorts of La Clusaz and the Grand-Bornand, Saint-Jean-de-Sixt is the ideal base camp for skiing in the Aravis mountains. A free ski bus service gives you access to the ski area of both resorts without using your vehicle.
Explore the magnificent snow-covered landscapes on snowshoe hikes: 5 circuits, two of which are groomed, an excellent way to discover winter nature while getting some exercise.

Take advantage of our two safe toboggan runs to share good times with the family.
Spa and wellness:after an active day outdoors, relax and recharge your batteries at the Chalet à bulle (Hôtel Beau Site).
Cultural visit:Explore the area's cultural heritage by visiting historical sites or local museums.

Crédit photo Tristan Shu

 

Other events

Saint-Jean de Sixt has a rich and vibrant local life throughout the year.

  • Festival de la caricature.
  • Saint Jean de Zik: concerts every Friday evening in summer.
  • 2 nightly craft markets.
  • Christmas market:One weekend in December.
  • Arrival of Santa Claus.

And a winter and summer entertainment program for young and old. Find out all about us on our website

Photo credit Tristan Shu

 

Services

Find all our information on our website https://www.saintjeandesixt.com/ete

The map

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Le Grand-Bornand / Beaufort-sur-Doron

4 Le Grand-Bornand / Beaufort-sur-Doron

57 km
3 h 48 min
Difficult
This Route des Grandes Alpes® stage between Le Grand-Bornand and Beaufort-sur-Doron passes via La Clusaz, Val d’Arly’s four mountain resorts and that of Les Saisies, plus the village of Hauteluce. You cross between the counties of Haute-Savoie and Savoie. Expect breathtaking views of Mont Blanc, typical mountain villages, plus, in summer, Alpine meadows in flower, ingredients for an unforgettable day’s cycling. It’s made all the better for having two passes to conquer: the Col des Aravis, part of the border between Savoie and Haute Savoie, and the Col des Saisies, gateway to the Beaufortain Range.
NB: Saint-Jean-de-Sixt, a village equidistant between Le Grand-Bornand and La Clusaz, is the starting point for an alternative section, involving two stages, taking you via Annecy Lake.
Alternative section Le Grand-Bornand / Lescheraines

5 Alternative section Le Grand-Bornand / Lescheraines

74 km
3 h 46 min
Difficult
The " Lake Annecy " variant of the Route des Grandes Alpes® ! We propose you a new itinerary, by the Marais pass, the Val Sulens, Faverges, the green way of the Tour du Lac d'Annecy and its cycle track, until Saint-Jorioz and the ascent of the Leschaux pass. But, you can also embellish the day, by making the loop of the pass of Plan Bois (1299 m), from Thônes. Or, by going to the Semnoz (1670 m), from the col de Leschaux. You can also choose another itinerary towards the lake, by the pass of Bluffy (630 m) and the castle of Menthon-Saint-Bernard, one of the architectural jewels of Haute-Savoie.
Crédit photo Tristan Shu

 

Testimonials

"An excellent playground that will satisfy everyone" Killian H.

"Thank you for your welcome the shopkeepers are lovely as well as the shuttle staff, tourism and our visit to the farm pleasant people our guide and the 2 breeders the reblochon is excellent. The town is very pleasant, thank you!" Ticia Germain

"Very beautiful village, I went there last year, I'd really like to go back!" Jacqueline Bertoux

Crédit photo Tristan Shu

FAQ

  • Which major Alpine resorts is Saint-Jean-de-Sixt equidistant from?
    When coming from Annecy and the valley, the traffic circle at the entrance to Saint-Jean-de-Sixt serves Le Grand-Bornand (left) and La Clusaz (right)

     

  • In the heart of which mountain range is Saint-Jean-de-Sixt nestled?
    The Aravis range, whose highest point is Pointe Percée (2750 m).

     

  • What are the two major Alpine passes accessible from Saint-Jean-de-Sixt?
    The Col de la Colombière (1613 m), above Le Grand-Bornand, 12 kilometers away.
    The Col des Aravis (1486 m), above La Clusaz, 10 kilometers away.

 

  • To which variant of Route des Grandes Alpes® does Saint-Jean-de-Sixt give access?
    To the Lac d'Annecy variant : it takes in the Col du Marais, the Val Sulens, the Sources du Lac territory, the cycle path around Lake Annecy, before joining the Bauges massif in the ascent of the Col de Leschaux (897 m).

     

Access

Motorway access
- Motorway A41, exit Annecy Nord: 32km. Follow Thônes, Aravis resorts
- A40 freeway, Bonneville exit: 20km. Follow stations des Aravis

By train
- Annecy TGV station: 30km
- Valserhône TGV station: 70km

Airport: 
- Geneva-Cointrin International Airport: 50km
Lyon Saint-Exupéry Airport: 150km
 

Contacts

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☎ 04 50 02 70 14 www.saintjeandesixt.com

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