The essential routes around Annecy in winter.

At Matchy, we particularly enjoy varying our routes, just as we don't appreciate unpleasant surprises on busy roads. That's why we've decided to present several essential routes to help you get off to a good start in winter and discover new training routes, all starting and returning to our Clubhouse, of course!

Whether it's for a coffee before you leave or to quench your thirst on your return, we will be delighted to welcome you and debrief together the itinerary you have chosen and the options available to you!

1- La clubhouse favorite

The clubhouse favorite This ride caused a sensation during one of our Saturday rides, where all participants were unanimously won over by this route. This hilly route takes you through the villages surrounding Annecy.

Departure : Start your ride from the Matchy Cyclist Clubhouse, your ideal starting point for this adventure.

Highlights:

- This route starts with an urban section, but don't worry, the cycle paths will be there to allow you to ride safely.

- At the 12th kilometer, the climb from La Balme-de-Sillingy to Choisy, 6 kilometers long with an average gradient of 3.7%, is a regular ascent between the houses.

- At kilometer 32, the climb from Sallenôves to La Combe de Sillingy, 6 kilometers long with an average gradient of 4.1%, is a less regular climb, with sections where the gradient becomes steeper, reaching up to 15%; this is the time to place your attack!

-The return to the Clubhouse will be hilly, with a descending profile that will take you to the town of Meythet, where cycle paths will be available for your safety.

Distance : 60 kilometers, D+ 893m.

Difficulty: ⭐️⭐️⭐️ (3/5)

The map:

2- The Tournette tour

The Tour of the Tournette is a hilly route that takes you through the unspoiled landscapes of the Col du Marais. In winter, this outing offers a peaceful and serene atmosphere, far from the hustle and bustle of the nearby ski slopes.

Departure : Start your adventure at Matchy Cyclist Clubhouse, located in the heart of Annecy.

Highlights:

- This route begins on the cycle path connecting Annecy to the Col de Bluffy, a steady climb along the shores of Lake Annecy. Once you reach the top of the Col de Bluffy, you'll turn left to descend before heading back up to the Balconies de Sillingy road, which will take you to Thônes.

- A steady climb from Thônes awaits you towards the Col du Marais. This climb offers views of alpine meadows and the first signs of the surrounding mountains.

- Arriving at the top of the Col du Marais, you will be rewarded with a panoramic view of the surrounding valleys and peaks, creating a welcome break before the descent. At Serraval, we descend a little before continuing on a technical descent with a series of turns.

- The return to the Clubhouse will be via the cycle path that runs alongside the lake, offering a calm and easy end to the route, ideal for getting your legs moving.

Distance : 71 kilometers, D+ 730m.

Difficulty: ⭐️⭐️ (2/5)

The map:

3- Discovering Albanian

Discovering Albanian, This route will take you through the Fier Valley. This hilly route will offer you natural landscapes on the edge of the Annecy countryside.

Departure : Dstart your outing from the Matchy Cyclist Clubhouse, your ideal starting point for this adventure.

Highlights:

- This route starts with a short urban section, the cycle lanes will be there to allow you to leave the city safely.

- The first difficulty will await you after 11 kilometers, when you begin the climb from Sillingy towards the Combes de Sillingy, followed by a 3 kilometer descent towards Planchamps.

- A second climb will await you at the 20th kilometer, leading you to a more demanding climb, the Saint-Eusèbe climb (2 kilometers at an average gradient of 7%), followed by a 5-kilometer descent towards Hauteville-sur-Fier.

- To continue this hilly route, the third climb will be at the 34th kilometer, at the exit of Hauteville-sur-Fier. You will face a 6-kilometer climb with an average gradient of 3.2%, leading you to the Route des Creuses.

- A final climb awaits you at the 47th kilometer before heading back down towards Annecy, where you will find the cycle paths to return to the Clubhouse and enjoy a cookie and a hot drink.

Distance : 56 kilometers, D+ 946m.

Difficulty: ⭐️⭐️⭐️ (3/5)

The map:

4- The TDL

The tour of the lake, A classic, whether for a coffee ride or a recovery outing. It will never disappoint, with its legendary views throughout the route. It's also an opportunity to contemplate the surrounding snow-capped mountains while enjoying the tranquility of the cycle path, far from the summer crowds.

Departure : Dstart your outing from the Matchy Cyclist Clubhouse, your ideal starting point for this adventure.

Highlights:

- This route starts from our clubhouse, where you will only have one kilometer to cover before joining the cycle path.

- Enjoy the first 8 flat kilometers to admire the view of the lake, before tackling the only difficulty of the course.

- The climb of Talloires, with more than 2 kilometers of ascent at an average gradient of 3%, constitutes the only difficulty of the route.

- After the descent of the Talloires hill, you will have 27 kilometers of flat left where you can take advantage of the cycling infrastructure to ride in complete safety.

Distance : 39 kilometers, D+ 261m.

Difficulty: ⭐️ (1/5)

The map:

Now that you've chosen your route, it's time to equip yourself properly. Find all our advice in our Ultimate Guide to Winter Cycling Gear! ❄️

A good route, combined with good clothing, will allow you to better face the winter while staying in shape!