Morzine-Avoriaz / Cluses
On this cycling stage, you cross from the Chablais to the Haut-Giffre area before heading for the Arve Valley and Cluses, considered its industrial capital. First, leaving Morzine and going via Les Gets, the route leads you to tackle two high passes, the Col du Ranfolly, followed by the Col de Joux Plane (the latter at an altitude of 1,691m). Next comes the long descent to Samoëns, recognized as one of the most beautiful villages in the département (French county) of Haute-Savoie. After Samoëns, head for the Nordic ski area of Agy / Saint-Sigismond before the descent to Cluses, down in the Arve Valley’s bottom. The way along this stage is almost exclusively for gravel bikes, taking you through forests, high Alpine meadows and unspoilt, traditional villages. You stay close to the classic Route des Grandes Alpes®, but only actually join it on the descent from La Côte and Châtillon-sur-Cluses to Cluses.
Gradients and elevation
Passage points
MORZINE > la Plagne > Les Mouilles > Le Plancouard > Le Chot > Les Nants > LES GETS > Les Pérys > La Mouille Ronde > Retenue Collinaire de la Mouille au Blé > Col Du Ranfolly > COL DE JOUX PLANE > Cessonex > Vigny > SAMOËNS > Varcland > Verney > Les Esserts > Le Tréchard > Plateau d’Agy > Saint-Sigismond > CLUSES
Don’t miss
- Les Gets : A charming village and ski resort in the Haut Chablais area, strongly committed to environmentally friendly tourism, so very much encouraging cycling.
- The Col de Joux-Plane (1,691m in altitude) : If intent on ticking off as many high-altitude passes as possible, you can opt to ride up to this pass making use of the classic road route. Regularly featuring in the Tour de France, the Col de Joux Plane presents a major challenge, whether approached from the north side, so from Morzine, or from the south side, so starting from Samoëns. We’re talking an average gradient of no less than 7.5%, whichever side you choose!
- Samoëns : Historically reputed for its stone masons, Samoëns is considered one of the most beautiful villages not just in Haute-Savoie, but in the Alps. It’s second to none as a place that has sought to preserve and embellish its exceptional historical, religious and architectural heritage. It’s a must to visit. If you have time, make the detour from here to the Cirque du Fer à Cheval, a spectacular dead-end surrounded by massive cliffs, the place classified as a member of the exclusive Grands Sites de France group.
