Tour of the Glières Plateau

The terrain on this loop is varied and challenging. The ascent to the Col des Glières features generally good tarmac, but after reaching the Plateau des Glières, you'll encounter a "stony path" or "gravel track" to access the Resistance monument. The descent towards Entremont is also described as tough. This suggests that parts of the route may be better suited for gravel bikes or mountain bikes rather than standard road bikes.

Given the demanding climb of the Col des Glières and the presence of a "stony path" or "gravel track" on the Plateau des Glières, a gravel bike or a mountain bike would be ideal. While the main climb is tarmac, the varied terrain, especially on the plateau and the tough descent, makes a more robust bike with wider tires a better choice for comfort and safety.

This challenging loop is approximately 72.4 km long with over 1370 meters of elevation gain. For an experienced touring cyclist, it typically takes around 5 hours to complete, not including stops for rest or sightseeing.

You'll experience breathtaking panoramas of the French Alps, including stunning views of the Glières Plateau and surrounding peaks. The route also passes through the beautiful Gorges du Borne. A significant historical highlight is the monument on the Plateau des Glières, commemorating its role as a major Resistance site during World War II. You'll also pass through the village of Entremont (Haute-Savoie).

The loop typically starts and ends in Thorens-Glières. You should be able to find parking within the village to begin your ride. It's always a good idea to check local signage for specific parking regulations.

While the route passes through villages like Thorens-Glières, Glières-Val-de-Borne, and Entremont, which may offer amenities, it's advisable to carry sufficient water and snacks, especially for the challenging climb and the more remote sections on the Plateau des Glières. Check local opening hours, especially outside of peak season.

The best time to cycle this loop is generally from late spring to early autumn (May to October) when the weather is most favorable and the mountain passes are clear of snow. Summer offers the warmest temperatures, but spring and autumn can provide cooler riding conditions and beautiful foliage. Always check the weather forecast before you go, as conditions in the mountains can change rapidly.

No, there are typically no permits or entrance fees required for cycling on the Plateau des Glières. It is a natural area accessible to the public. However, please respect all local regulations, especially regarding nature conservation and historical sites.

This loop is designed for cycling, and while dogs are generally allowed in many outdoor areas in France, bringing a dog on a challenging 72 km cycling route, especially one with varied terrain and significant elevation, is not typically recommended. If you do bring a dog, it should be able to keep up safely and be on a leash in populated areas or near livestock.

Yes, this route shares sections with several other official trails. Notably, it covers a significant portion of the Plateau des Bornes Sud and also intersects with parts of the Traversée Aravis / Arly and the Route des Grandes Alpes à vélo, variante Le Grand-Bornand / Lescheraines.

No, this cycling loop is rated as "difficult" and is not suitable for beginners. The route includes a demanding ascent of the Col des Glières, with sections reaching 11-13% gradient, and a tough descent. It requires good to very good fitness and experience with challenging mountain cycling.