The 3 essential routes around Annecy

1. Tour of the Lake by the peaks

No need for us to create a map of the classic lake tour. However, enjoy a few balcony roads, climb to the heights of the Col de la Forclaz, and finish with a Semnoz pass with a view of Mont Blanc—we're talking a 5-star map.

This demanding trail will reward your efforts with memories

The trail starts gently along the edge of the lake, then you take the balcony road above Veyrier for a gentle warm-up and a view that sets the tone. The trail joins the road to the Col de Bluffy, regular and with a low percentage, you can enjoy the view of the Château de Menthon before reaching the foot of the Col de la Forclaz.

The first real challenge of this outing. You then have 7km left, including the last three at an average gradient of 10%. Remember to look to the right to see the height you've climbed since the lakeside. But above all, once you've passed the sign, don't stop there; turn right at the viewpoint to take the time to admire the view. From the summit, you can already see the summit of Semnoz, which awaits you later.

Cover yourself with the descent from the Col de la Forclaz towards Montmin.

Be careful in summer, the road is narrow and there are many paragliding trucks. Once at the bottom, you can refill your water bottles at the fountain before enjoying a bit of flat ground to head back towards Annecy, stretch your legs and recharge your batteries before the next challenges.

It is then when you arrive at St Jorioz after about ten kilometers of flat that you turn left to climb to the Col de Leschaux via the Puget (one of the 4 slopes). Enjoy this small, quiet pass and remember to turn around from time to time to enjoy the view. The pass is climbed in stages, a small descent adds a little fun for the less climbers. Once at the top of the Col de Leschaux, you always have the opportunity to turn right and descend quietly to Annecy.

But the objective here is elsewhere. The trail goes straight ahead, you will be able to see the sign: “montée du semnoz, 13.5 kms”. Regular at the beginning, with long straight lines that allow you to enjoy the view of the Bauges and the lake, you then enter the forest which at first is intended to be easier, but keep some because the road goes up 4kms from the finish and you have a few slightly tough bends before leaving the forest to discover the summit of Semnoz which awaits you 1.5km higher.

Enjoy this final, easier straight, the view of the bends below and, above all, the Tournette and Mont Blanc opposite!

All that's left to do is take a few photos, cover up, and the long 18km descent towards Annecy awaits. At the end of the descent, you'll dive straight into the center to enjoy an after-ride on a terrace!

The (many) bonuses of this map:

- the balcony road of Veyrier.

- the view from the Col de la Forclaz.

- the climb of the Leschaux pass with the view of the lake.

- the ascent of the Semnoz from the quieter side.

- the view from the top of Semnoz.

- the beautiful rapid descent to Annecy.

You liked this track, share this article!

2.Lake Tour (++ version)

Departing from Annecy, head towards the lakeside towards Sévrier. After 5km, just enough time to warm up, you turn right to reach the start of the Col de Leschaux. 10km at an average gradient of 4%, and perfectly consistent, THE pass to get your legs going, do some exercises, chat, or attempt a PR! At the start of the pass, you can enjoy the view of the lake and the mountains on the left bank, before heading into the forest.

Once you reach the top, turn left to enjoy the descent and the view down to the lake! (clearly one of the best views). At the beginning and in the middle it goes up a bit but it's not very long and it's definitely worth it!

Once at the foot of the pass, head right to finish with a tour of the lake, and the climb to Talloires, not to be missed. An improved version of the tour of the lake, perfect for a start-of-season warm-up, a midweek ride, or at the end of the day!

Bonuses of this map:

- the Leschaux pass via Annecy, the best possible introduction to a pass.

- the descent via Puget, a breathtaking view.

- the edge of the lake by Angon.

- the climb of Talloires.

You liked this track, share this article!

3. The unknown

Don't look for the Col de la Frasse on cols-cyclisme or in the annals of the Tour de France. A round-trip pass with no exit at the top, it's rarely used, which makes it a pleasant experience, in addition to the many viewpoints it offers. But be warned, the Col de la Frasse is not an easy pass!

We're offering you a flexible map around Lake Annecy, so you can still stretch your legs and chat.

Departing from Annecy, head towards Sévrier to follow the lakeside. A warm-up of just over 10km, then turn right just before the village of Duingt. The road climbs immediately and stays that way for almost 10km! The asphalt has been recently resurfaced, making it a pleasure to ride, and as you gain altitude, you can enjoy some beautiful views of the lake.

At the village of Entrevernes, you're halfway there and can turn around. Or follow the trail and turn right before leaving the village to continue the pass to the summit. The road then narrows a little, the tarmac deteriorates, and you arrive at the wildest part of the pass where new landscapes open up before you. Don't think you've arrived when the road drops a little towards the end; you still have 500m of climbing ahead. Don't expect a sign or a refreshment bar at the top; you're arriving at a dead-end hike. But you can enjoy the peace and quiet of the place and congratulate yourself on the effort you've made!

So be careful on the descent, the road is winding. Once at the bottom of the pass, you can return directly to Annecy and back, or follow the trail and enjoy a stretch of the lake to stretch your legs and rack up the miles. You still have the climb to Talloires to challenge yourself one last time.Then it's freewheeling to Annecy where refueling will be well-deserved!

Bonuses of this map:

- Little-known pass because it has no exit, quiet.

- Unique views of Lake Annecy.

- Easy to access from Annecy.

- alternative return via the Bluffy pass.

You liked this track, share this article!