Another of my favourite late winter climbs. If you’re going to do a loop of beautiful Lake Annecy, don’t take the road beside the water as it’s full of traffic, especially on the weekends. Instead follow this far superior route (map at bottom).
Here are more climb ideas in the Annecy region: The Ten Best Cycling Climbs from Lake Annecy
The first 20+ kilometres or so are along the superb Annecy bike path on the west side of the lake. No cars, but plenty of cyclists with great kit:
A few kilometres past the lake, turn off the bike path and head up the short (8.5 kms), but very steep, Col de la Forclaz. I love this climb. Both sides are tough and scenic, but this south side is far quieter.
It will be in stage 19 of the 2016 Tour de France. It’s also where I first watched a Tour mountain stage – in 2004 – Virenque, Moreau and Simoni at the front:
Today, the weather was truly perfect. As steep as it looks:
13% with a view:
Not the longest or toughest loop, but very scenic, bike friendly, and occasionally crazy steep. And the best view of Lake Annecy from a road bike:
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