Cycling itinerary: Aravis / Arly crossing

Departure point / TER: Annecy

Length: 108 km

Difficulty: black

Total ascent: 1300 m

Direction: clockwise

Landmarks and connections: Thônes (separation from Tour des Glières no. 45); La Clusaz (separation from Circuit de la Croix-Fry no. 46); Ugine (junction with voie verte)

The first third of this long loop is shared with Tour de la Tournette n°3 and Tour des Glières n°45. The climb up to the Aravis Pass from St-Jean-de-Sixt is not particularly challenging. Its gradients are always below 7%, except for a very short section at 8.5%. On the other hand, the final part of the climb is very beautiful, amidst vast green alpine meadows and at the foot of high cliffs. But before you start, take a detour to the pretty center of La Clusaz, dominated by one of the most beautiful bulbous bell towers in the Alps.

You won't be tempted to linger at the top of the Col des Aravis (1498 m), which is often crowded with a multitude of stalls. But don't miss the view of Mont Blanc before you cross into Savoie!

After the spectacular plunge through the twists and turns of La Giettaz, you'll reach the Val d'Arly national road. It's best to get away from it as soon as possible. That's why you'll leave it at the Flon bridge and take the balcony road to Héry-sur-Ugine, which is much quieter (except when the main road is closed, which is quite often). From Ugine, don't miss the new 37-km greenway, which continues all the way to Annecy.