Tour of the Glières Plateau

The Tour des Glières stands out as a must-do in the region. It encircles the plateau of the same name, which was a stronghold for the French Resistance during the Second World War. A ‘Vélo et Fromages’ (bike and cheeses) route, it promises a wonderful foray into the heart of the Thônes valley and the Aravis mountains.

This Tour starts out from Annecy station, easily accessible from Lyon or Geneva. After a few pedal strokes along the lake, the route turns towards Thônes, the capital of Aravis. Take a moment to pause and explore the charming heart of the town.

After Thônes, the route gradually ascends towards Saint-Jean-de-Sixt, beneath the imposing silhouette of Mont Lachat, crossing the Borne and Thorens-Glières forges, before reaching the medieval town of La Roche-sur-Foron. Make the most of a stop here to wander through the vibrant city centre, bustling with traditional shops, cafes and restaurants.

The return journey towards Annecy requires some effort, with the ascent of Col de Fleurie and the climb towards Aviernoz. However, you'll be rewarded with a stunning section along the Parmelan plateau, leading you back to Annecy with its picturesque pastel-coloured houses and lively old town.