Thonon-les-Bains / Morzine-Avoriaz

This stage leads you close to, or even at times along, the classic Route des Grandes Alpes® cycle route, but it guides you, where possible, along tracks adapted to gravel bikes. After riding along a portion dominating Lake Geneva from on high, enjoying unforgettable views, you then turn in the direction of Lullin and the peaceful Vallée Verte via the Col du Feu (a pass at 1,120m in altitude). Head on for the Dranse Gorges, in the heart of the Chablais UNESCO Global Geopark. We recommend a stop to visit the site of the Gorges du Pont du Diable before you ride on to Saint-Jean-d’Aulps, then Montriond and its lake (the short detour is worth it), followed by Morzine-Avoriaz, the views opening up as you progress, high Alpine pastures becoming visible.

Passage points :

THONON-LES-BAINS > Bois de la Ville > ARMOY > LYAUD > Chemin de Prélaz > Jouvernaisinaz > COL DU FEU > LULLIN > VAILLY > Outre Brévon > Linage > LA VERNAZ > le Jotty / Pont du Diable > Les Esserts > LA BEAUME > le Proméraz > Urine > SEYTROUX > left bank > SAINT-JEAN-D’AULPS > rive gauche > D328 > right bank single > carrefour des Plagnettes > Route des Gets > track on fhe left > Palais des sports > MORZINE (Le Bourg)

Don’t miss

• Thonon-les-Bains : Thonon-les-Bains, with its hints of the French Riviera, is a town located beside Lake Geneva, one of Europe’s largest natural lakes. There are many sites to visit around Thonon-les-Bains: the Château de Ripaille; the little port; the Pôle Culturel de la Visitation (a former monastery turned arts centre); the Musée du Chablais; the Saint-François-de-Sales Basilica... In front of the Tourist Office, the Kilometre 0 marker is the starting point for a host of major French Alpine routes: Route des Grandes Alpes® (to be tackled by bike, motorbike or car); the Chemins du Soleil (a mountain-biking route); the Petites Routes du Soleil (for bikes); and the Grande Traversée des Alpes via the GR5 (a hiking trail).
• The Gorges du Pont du Diable : Stop between Thonon-les-Bains and Morzine-Avoriaz to discover the Gorges du Pont du Diable, a site that forms part of the Chablais UNESCO Global Geopark. Its tormented karst landscapes reflect the power of erosion, all in an amazing natural setting.
• Morzine-Avoriaz : In the midst of the Franco-Swiss Portes du Soleil ski area, Morzine-Avoriaz offers a fine mix, being both a charming old village and an internationally recognized ski resort boasting bold architecture. Over the last 40 years, Morzine-Avoriaz has become a cycling destination par excellence thanks to hosting major cycling events: the Critérium du Dauphiné; the Tour de l'Avenir; as a stop-over town on the Tour de France on 22 occasions since 1975; and for L’Étape du Tour (amateur cyclists tackling stages ridden by the professionals on the Tour de France). On top of that, Morzine-Avoriaz has long been reputed for mountain biking, the Portes du Soleil area being one of the most renowned spots in the world for that sport.