Short description
As with many of our tours, this one was originally designed for a private group. It is now on its way to becoming one of our best-selling trips!
You'll be riding in what we affectionately call "our playground," since we cycle these roads regularly. Believe us; you'll be mesmerized by the scenery! With Lake Geneva and Mont-Blanc as a backdrop, your daily rides snake through the Chablais mountainous area and skirt the southern shore of Lake Geneva, one of the few spots in the world that can cause blisters from excessive photo taking. Finally, on your last day, you'll cross the lake at Yvoire—a stunning medieval village that extends into the lake on a striking peninsula—and ride through the Swiss Jura.
In between, you'll conquer some of this area's most famous climbs: Col de la Forclaz, Col de la Croix-Fry, Col de la Colombière, Col de Joux Plane, Col de l'Encrenaz, Col de la Ramaz, Col de la Faucille, Col de la Givrine, and Col du Marchairuz.
The itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Geneva
You will be greeted at the airport by a Cyclomundo representative (if you arrive by plane) and transferred to your hotel. Based on your preferences, we can accommodate you in Geneva (should you wish to stay in a “city environment”) or in Cruseilles (a countryside setting). In either case, we will provide you with a loop that will take you up our local mountain (Mont Salève) the “easy way” (from Cruseilles or Annemasse depending on your place of stay). Needless to say, the views from the top are breathtaking.
Day 2: Cruseilles (or Geneva) - Le Grand Bornand
Our route will take you around the visually stunning Annecy Lake and over two “classic” climbs: Col de la Forclaz and Col de la Croix-Fry. You will lodge in the pretty village of Le Grand Bornand. Please note that if you choose to stay in Geneva, we recommend you take a morning train (trains are equipped with special areas for bikes) and start your ride from La Roche-sur-Foron.
Day 3: Le Grand Bornand - Onnion
Another day of rewarding climbs. Ride steady and save some breath for the views! From Le Grand Bornand, you will climb the classic Col de la Colombière (the easy side!) From Cluses on the Arve valley floor, your ride will take you up to Les Gets via Col de la Joux Plane before reaching Morzine. Although our short option allows you to freewheel to your destination, we highly recommend our long option that will take you by Mont-Chéry before riding down to Onnion, your day’s destination. Did we forget to mention the long option’s fun climbs? Col de l’Encrenaz (1,433 m) and Col de la Ramaz (1,559 m).
Day 4: Onnion - Anthy-sur-Léman
The area known as “Le Chablais” will be your day’s riding grounds, with Lake Geneva as a backdrop! Le Chablais is so popular with cyclists that the World Cycling Centre (Centre mondial du cyclisme) and the International Cyclist Union (Union Cycliste Internationale) have their headquarters here. Easier climbs will take you from one valley to the next before heading towards Lake Geneva. The last few miles will take place along the lake all the way to your hotel, a few steps from the waterfront.
Day 5: Anthy loop in Le Chablais. Transfer to Geneva and departure
This morning, enjoy a scenic loop through Le Chablais. Back in Anthy, we will meet you for your transfer to Geneva.
Photo credit: Don Ricker
Key information
- Highlights
- 4 nights' accommodation with daily breakfast and 3 dinners (without drinks) included
- Meeting with our local representative
- Luggage transfers included
- Marked maps and/or cue sheets and route notes
- Pre-loaded GPS unit (subject to availability)
- Assistance if necessary (you will be provided with our local rep’s mobile number)
- Transfers between Geneva airport and your first/last accommodation
- All tax and service charges included
- Bike hire available
