Boucle du Fier

It's also an opportunity to discover Rumilly's old town, whose historic centre is well worth a visit.

Points of interest

The route passes close to the Gorges du Fier, an impressive natural canyon designed for visitors, and the picturesque medieval castle of Montrottier, home to one of the finest curiosity cabinets in the Savoie region.

Bike advice

Take care on the D16 between Chavanod and Marcellaz-Albanais, with heavy traffic at rush hour.

Direction of travel : clockwise

Landmarks and connections : Rumilly (serving Traversées de la Chambotte n°12 and du Sapenay n°13); Lornay (preceded by the intersection with Traversée du Clergeon n°14); Val-de-Fier (junction with the return of the 3 Traversées); Vallières; Poisy. TER station : Rumilly (allowing you to skip the first 20 km).

Description : leave Annecy via Cran-Gevrier, Gevrier bridge and La Salle bridge. After crossing the Altaïs business park, the landscape becomes rural. You're in Chavanod, and by the time you reach the famous departementale 16, known as the "Route des Creuses", the town is already at your back. This road crosses several small, shady valleys with winding descents and ascents that give it its character. But you need to keep your wits about you, as traffic is not inconsiderable and speeds are often high. This brings you to Rumilly, whose old quarter is well worth a visit, as mentioned in Circuit de l'Albanais n°11. You're sure to find a welcoming terrace in the streets of the old town, before hitting the road again for the most beautiful section of your tour. The departementale 31 runs alongside the torrent du Fier in a flat section, before it plunges into the Rhône through the Val-de-Fier gorges. Just at the entrance to the Val, the crossing of the St-André bridge is a photo opportunity not to be missed! The return journey is via the RD14, uninterrupted as far as Poisy, before a detour through the hamlet of Monod (short descent with a 180° hairpin bend). Finally, take the cycle path along the expressway back to Cran-Gevrier and Annecy. Note that in Nonglard, you'll find a common route with the return of Tour de la Montagne d'Age n°5. If you feel like it, you can extend your ride to the prestigious sites of Château de Montrottier and Gorges du Fier, either on the outward journey from Chavanod, or on the return journey from Lovagny.