Aulps Valley
A natural paradise to discover by bike and VAE
Massif du Chablais
Département et Région : Haute-Savoie and Auvergne Rhône-Alpes (AURA)
Principal passes : col de la Joux Verte, col du Corbier, col de l'Encrenaz
Etape sur Route des Grandes Alpes® : Thonon-les-Bains / Morzine-Avoriaz
Gravel Route des Grandes Alpes® stage: Thonon-les-Bains / Morzine-Avoriaz
Summary
- Suggestions for cycling loops
- Our major mountain passes
- Events around the bike cycling
- Biking in the Vallée d'Aulps
- Summerin the Vallée d'Aulps
- Other seasons
- Other events
- Services
- Témoignages
- FAQ
- Access
- Contacts ContactsContactsFAQ
- Other villages and resorts near the Vallée d'Aulps
Suggestions for cycling loops around the Vallée d'Aulps
Our grands cols
The Vallée d'Aulps is a veritable playground for cycling enthusiasts. Notable passes to explore include:
- Col de la Joux Verte:
This pass links the Vallée d'Aulps with the resort of Les Gets and Morzine. It is appreciated for its steady climb and panoramic views. - Col du Corbier:
Offering a more technical ascent, the Col du Corbier is an excellent challenge for experienced cyclists, with varied scenery along the way. - Col de l'Encrenaz:
More moderate, this pass is perfect for cyclists wishing to combine effort and pleasure, while enjoying unobstructed views over the valley.
Events around cycling
The Vallée d'Aulps is the scene of numerous sporting events throughout the year, attracting cyclists and VAE enthusiasts from all over the region :
- La Morzine-Haut Chablais Cyclo:
An iconic cycle race that traverses the region's most beautiful mountain passes. - La Pass'Portes du Soleil MTB :
An event dedicated to mountain bike enthusiasts, with accessible routes throughout the valley. - The Tour de France :
The Vallée d'Aulps is regularly crossed by stages of the Tour de France, making the region a must-see venue for cycling enthusiasts.
Coming winter
In winter, the Vallée d'Aulps is transformed into a magnificent snow-covered landscape, offering a multitude of activities for mountain enthusiasts. The valley is ideal for skiing and snowboarding, thanks to its proximity to the resorts of Morzine and Portes du Soleil. Nature lovers can explore the trails on snowshoes or ski touring through forests and snow-covered passes. The Lac de Montriond, frozen in winter, becomes a magical place for strolling, while villages such as Le Biot, La Côte-d'Arbroz, La Forclaz and Montriond offer an authentic and warm atmosphere. The more adventurous cyclists can even venture out on snow-covered itineraries on mountain bikes or VAE equipped with suitable tires. Winter in the Vallée d'Aulps is a unique experience where the tranquility of the villages meets the adrenaline of winter sports in an enchanting setting.
Other events
In addition to sporting events, the Vallée d'Aulps organizes village fêtes during the summer, where local markets, open-air concerts and traditional entertainment create a festive atmosphere. Lake Montriond fêtes are particularly popular, with water sports activities, shows and fireworks.
Agricultural and pastoral fêtes are also highlights of the summer season, where you can discover local know-how, watch cheese-making demonstrations, or admire the herds during transhumance.
These summer events offer visitors to the Vallée d'Aulps a great opportunity to enjoy the warm atmosphere of the mountains while discovering the cultural and sporting wealth of the region.
Services
To ensure a pleasant, well-organized stay, the Vallée d'Aulps offers a wide range of services tailored to the needs of visitors, whether cyclists, hikers or families on vacation.
- Tourist offices:
Each village in the Vallée d'Aulps has a tourist office or information point where you can get advice on itineraries, local events, and activities not to be missed. They also offer maps, brochures and information on accommodation and restaurants. - Supermarkets and local shops:
Villages such as Le Biot, Montriond and La Forclaz have supermarkets and small shops to cater for visitors' everyday needs. You'll find everything you need to refuel after a day's hiking or biking, as well as local produce, perfect for sampling the region's specialties. - Services for cyclists:
The Vallée d'Aulps is particularly well-equipped to welcome bike and VAE enthusiasts. Several specialized stores and workshops offer bike rental, repair services, and charging stations for VAEs. Maps of cycling routes are also available, and some accommodations are labeled "Accueil Vélo", offering specific facilities for cyclists, such as secure garages and repair kits. - Adapted accommodation:
Whether you're looking for a comfortable hotel, chalet or gîte, the valley offers a wide choice of accommodation to suit all budgets. Many accommodations are designed to welcome outdoor sports enthusiasts, with specific services for cyclists and hikers. - Other services:
You'll also find medical services, pharmacies, and bakeries in most villages, as well as vending machines to ensure a carefree stay.
Témoignages
We loved exploring the passes of the Vallée d'Aulps by VAE. The routes are well-marked, the scenery breathtaking, and the services for cyclists, such as recharging stations and refuelling points, are really top-notch. A real pleasure! Marie and Lucas
A perfect stay in the Vallée d'Aulps! Between the hikes around Lake Montriond and the local markets, there was always something to do with the kids. The villages are authentic and welcoming, making you feel right at home... Sophie, family on holiday
Discovering the Vallée d'Aulps by bike was an incredible experience. The passes are challenging but accessible, and the scenery is breathtaking at every turn. With rental services and repairs readily available, everything is done to ensure that cyclists get the most out of their experience. I'd definitely return for new challenges! Antoine
FAQ
What local products are not to be missed?
The Vallée d'Aulps is known for its local produce, such as Abondance cheese, produced on local farms. You can also sample other Savoyard specialties such as fondue, raclette and local charcuterie. The local markets are the perfect opportunity to discover these products.What are the best cycling routes in the Vallée d'Aulps?
The Vallée d'Aulps offers a variety of itineraries for all levels, from leisurely strolls around Lake Montriond to more technical climbs such as the Col de la Joux Verte and the Col du Corbier. Detailed route maps are available from tourist offices and specialist cycling services.- What natural sites are there to discover in the Vallée d'Aulps?
The Vallée d'Aulps is packed with exceptional natural sites. Lac de Montriond is one of the region's jewels, perfect for swimming, hiking in summer or winter activities when it freezes over. The surrounding forests and passes offer magnificent trails for hiking and mountain biking. The Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval cirque, although slightly outside the valley, is another natural wonder to explore for lovers of grandiose alpine scenery.
Access
- By car:
The Vallée d'Aulps is easily accessible by car, around 30 minutes from Thonon-les-Bains and 1 hour from Geneva. The main routes into the valley are the A40 freeway, then the D902 and D907 departmental roads. - By train:
The nearest station is Thonon-les-Bains, with connections by bus or cab to the valley's villages. Train lines serve Thonon-les-Bains from major cities such as Geneva, Annecy and Paris. - By air:
Geneva's international airport is the nearest, located around 1h30 from the Vallée d'Aulps. Transfer services, shuttles or cabs are available to reach the valley directly from the airport. - By bus or shuttle:
Bus and shuttle services operate throughout the year to link the various villages in the valley as well as the surrounding ski resorts, facilitating local travel, particularly during the tourist season.
Contacts
Vallée d'Aulps
☎ 04 50 79 65 09 www.valleedaulps.com
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