The Aravis Moutains from Annecy
09-02-2026
Col des Aravis
|
Distance from Annecy train station |
Maximum altitude |
Length and gradient of the Col |
Tour de France Categorie |
|
21.2 km |
1 486 m |
18.9 km at 4.6% |
Categorie 3 |
The ascent is gentle compared to nearby hors-categorie climbs, allowing riders to maintain a steady rhythm while taking in the stunning surroundings of mountain chalets and alpine meadows. It is a historical route that has hosted decades of cycling legends and continues to be a favorite among touring cyclists.
This pass marks the border between Savoie and Haute-Savoie, it also acts as an alternate link between Annecy and the Arve Valley and Ugine’s valley in Savoie.
It has known 42 Tour de France stages, the last one being in 2023 for the 15th stage between Les Gets and St-Gervais-les-Bains.
To get to Thones, the start of the climb, take a 1 hour train to Annecy from Annemasse, direct or via an easy connection in La Roche-sur-Foron, and then it is just 1 hour and 30 minutes away by bike or, 45 minutes by bus, the stop being at on your right when exiting the train station.
The Aravis are renowned for their ski resorts, rock climbing, le Grand-Bornand’s biathlon world cup, the Tour de France stages arrival but mostly for their “Reblochon” cheese ! The milk comes from an historic second milking (la Rebloche) to escape a tax on milk production.
© B. Becker/Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes Tourisme
Col de la Croix-Fry
|
Distance from Annecy train station |
Maximum altitude |
Length and gradient of the Col |
Tour de France Categorie |
|
21.2 km |
1 467 m |
12.8 km at 6.6% |
Categorie 1 |
This climb transitions beautifully through the lower mountain forests and leads directly into the heart of the La Clusaz ski resort. It is a versatile pass that links the Aravis valley area and is often used as a key stage in local racing and endurance tours. The summit area is a bustling hub, perfect for a quick pause to appreciate the layered mountain ranges stretching out into the distance.
It has known 6 Tour de France, the last one being in 2023.
To get to Thones, the start of the climb, take a 1 hour train to Annecy from Annemasse, direct or via an easy connection in La Roche-sur-Foron, and then it is just 1 hour and 30 minutes away by bike or, 45 minutes by bus, the stop being at on your right when exiting the train station.
Bruno Toutain
Discover Our Latest News
