Le Parmelan is the impressive massif on the very north edge of the French Alps. This ride is a nice little loop to Chalet Chappuis (1251 metres) and Col de Barman (1127 metres).
I’d strongly suggest doing this ride clock-wise as I did (see map below). Most of the climb is paved on very quiet roads, but the top few kilometres of the descent are on a very steep unpaved farm “road” that is probably no longer used. Much of the upper stretch would be near impossible to cycle uphill – at least for me.
Chalet Chappuis is the high-point of the loop. Perhaps a kilometre before is a parking lot used by hikers. The paved road ends here.
The best views of the ride are from the Chalet, including a distant Lake Annecy. The Chalet is a nice little restaurant/buvette used mainly by hikers.
Col de Barman is perhaps a kilometre below the Chalet. 
This loop is only 20 kilometres, but challenging, quiet, and very scenic.
