Climbing the Salève from Annemasse

30-07-2026

From “Le coin” to Col de la Croisette

 

Distance from Annemasse train station

Maximum altitude

Length and gradient of the Col

Tour de France Categorie

13 km

1 175m

4.7 km at 11.2%

Categorie 1

Climb starting from Colonges-sous-salève (Le Coin)    

 

Four roads lead to the top of Mount Salève, also called the "Balcony of Geneva" from the four sides of the mountain, going through the Col de la Croisette, or the col des Pitons.

 

At the top, whether you choose to mount by bike or by cable car, a stunning view over the Geneva basin and the Jura mountains or over the plateau des Bornes up to the Annecy lake awaits you. If the weather is good you can even see the Mont-Blanc range on the south-eastern horizon. The ride is often done in a loop, in order not to miss anything of the breathtaking views.

 

The 15th stage of Tour de France 2026, from Champagnole to Plateau de Solaison started the ascension by “le coin”, the steepest starting road, which is situated 45 minutes away from Annemasse train station. The iconic race visited the col de la Croisette on 4 other occasions in the past, from all possible directions. Other races such as the Tour Auvergne Rhone Alpes, formerly the Criterium du Dauphiné are used to climbing this iconic mountain.

 

Other variants start the ascent by Monnetier-Mornex, also accessible after a 30 minutes ride from Annemasse. From the east side, it is possible to ride the crest of the salève for 12km and go through the Cable car arrival, the Col de la Coisette and the Col des Pitons and then to get down at whichever road you prefer. The climb, starting from Cruseilles, at the opposite side, is considered the easiest and most regular.

 

For the bravest, some try to climb 2, 3 or even all 4 sides in one day.

A Cyclo-tourist day is organised at the beginning of september and allows people to ride different roads around and to climb as many sides of the Salève as wanted. It is named “La 4S du Salève”, its promise is from 730 to 3625 meters of ascension in one day.


© Nicolas Laruaz

© Nicolas Laruaz

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