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A loop tour in the Alps riviera: cycling between the Rhone, the canal and the lakes

Starting from Aix-les-Bains and the lake of Bourget, get onto your bike to pass the charming hamlets of Belley and Chanaz and enjoy the most magnificient landscapes of Savoy!

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Ref: VR0704CO
  • Alps Riviera
  • 7 day(s)
  • Moderate
  • ~ 53 km/day
  • Loop
When travelling?
From April to September
Minimum age
14 y/o
Related categories:

A cycling loop tour around Aix-les-Bains

Water is your element? It goes without saying you will enjoy this adventure!
This loop-bike tour begins in Aix-les-Bains: soon you will discover the magnifient Rhône, the turquoise water of Bourget and Aiguebelette lakes but also the canal of Savière, the artifical lake of Cuchet or the waterfall of Glandieu.
Ride at your own pace: the daily steps are enough to have the time to visit all the treasures of the region but if you want to cycle more you have the opportunity to make a detour and immerse yourself in the heart of the vineyards and beautiful landscapes!
Enjoy nature and its calm atmosphere and be prepared to make some effort to enjoy even more the most beautiful places: that’s the recipe for this 7-day bike trip in the heart of the Alps Riviera.

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Program

Day 01
Arrival in Aix-les-Bains

    Arrival in the spa town of Aix-les-Bains. You feel like enjoying a swim? The lac du Bourget, the largest natural lake of France, is just two steps ahead. Unless you prefer to stroll in the lively streets or visit the Faure museum?

     
    Day 02
    Aix-les-Bains – Yenne
    • 28 km
    • + 303 m

    Ride on the cycling path along the lake of Bourget: you will not resist a swim! After Le Bourget-du-Lac, you have to ride uphill in the Savoy region to reach the famous "Tunnel du chat" which is specially suited to cyclists. The view is worth the effort! It is time to enjoy a visit… and a wine tasting with the local wine-growers. You then reach Yenne, a typical village with old-time charm.

     
    Yenne – Vineyards and the lakes of Chevelu loop tour
    • 22 km
    • + 297 m

    Lucky you, we have thought of an optional loop tour from Yenne! Cycle in the vineyards of Jongieux and enjoy a swim in the lakes of Chevelu to round up your day!

     
    Day 03
    Yenne – Champagneux
      Exists in :
      • 20 km
      • 32 km

    Ride almost all-day on the cycle path and enjoy the bucolic countryside!
    When you arrive at your accommodation, you may cycle a small detour to Saint-Genix-sur-Guiers where you can enjoy a succulent cake with pralines and visit the Mandrin museum.

     
    Day 04
    Free day in Champagneux

      After two days of cycling, you can choose to relax and enjoy the bucolic atmosphere of the region while tasting local specialties or to get on your bike for more adventures!

      Champagneux – Port-de-Groslée loop tour
      • 48 km
      • + 126 m

      Follow the banks of the wild Rhône on a cycle path before crossing the river to reach Glandieu, a village located at the foot of the Massif du Bugey. It's time for a picture break in front of the impressive 60 meter-high waterfall, located in the heart of the village! 

      Your bike ride continues on small country roads, where you admire the "pisé" houses, made of rammed earth, a very old construction technique that uses mud bricks. After a break in Groslée, go back to the left bank of the Rhône in an even wilder atmosphere to admire the panorama of the mountains. On the way you will have the chance to refresh yourself in the Cuchet lake. Change of scenery guaranteed! 

       
      Champagneux – Lake of Aiguebelette loop tour
      • 47 km
      • + 767 m

      Watch out, this is a challenging stage! Ride on small winding countryside roads that lead you to the crystalline waters of the lake of Aiguebelette. You will be amazed by the magnifient panoramas! On the way back, do not miss the visit of the castle of Montfleury before reaching Saint-Genix where you will be happy to taste the cake with pralines to reward you for your efforts.

       
      Day 05
      Champagneux – Belley
      • 25 km
      • + 98 m

      After you crossed the cornfields, you reach the cycle path of the ViaRhôna and ride peacefully next to the majestic river.
      It is time to change the atmosphere: cycle from Savoy to Ain region by crossing the bridge of Virignin which is specially fitted out for bikers! Enjoy the activity of its port before reaching Belley, the capital of Bugey region.

      Belley – Landscapes of Bugey region loop tour
      • 33 km
      • + 348 m

      You want to cycle more? No problem, we have prepared a bike loop tour to discover the Bugey region for the bravest. On small countryside roads, enjoy the bucolic atmosphere and pass the marshes of Lavours and the lake of Barterand, a confidential and relaxing area!

       
      Day 06
      Belley – Aix-les-Bains
      • 42 km
      • + 242 m
      Get on your bike and cycle one last time with your trip comrade: the Rhône. In Chanaz it will be time to say goodbye to the 812-km long river. Melancholy won't last long: Chanaz, « the small Savoy Venice » is an invitation to travel! Located next to the canal of Savière, take the time to visit the stalls of the crafts-men and women: coffee roasters, brewers or ceramicists.
      Ride then with the lake of Bourget and Aix-les-Bains in your sights. You have the possibility to reach the spa town of Aix-les-Bains by boarding on a boat with your bikes (in July and August only).  
      Day 07
      Departure from Aix-les-Bains

        A last swim in the lake of Bourget or a last small coin in the slot machines of the casino? Be prepared to leave this beautiful region… Unless you decide to have an extra night or enjoy a boat ride?

        Boat cruise on the Bourget Lake and visit of Hautecombe Abbey
        Explore the largest natural lake of France during this 1-hour guided cruise and enjoy the view! The boat stops (1h30 to 2h) at the Hautecombe Abbey to discover this magnifient gothic-style structure from the 12th century. Entrance to the abbey (€4.50) to be paid on the spot. (Cruise available every day at 3 pm or 3:15 pm except on Tuesday)
        Options:
        • 18,00  € Croisière escale à l'abbaye
        • 13,00  € Croisière escale à l'abbaye (enfant de -4 ans)
        • 2,00  € Croisière escale à l'abbaye (enfant de 4 à 12 ans)
        • 0,00  € Croisière escale à l'abbaye étudiant
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        Accommodation

        *Typical example of accommodation corresponding to the proposed category. These photographs are for illustrative purposes only.

        Equipment

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        Information

        Beginning of the trip
         

        As the first day is a non-biking day, you’ll arrive at your leisure, depending on your route. Please note that rooms are usually available by mid-afternoon, depending on your accommodation. Please let the accommodation know if you are arriving late.

        To get to the departure point

        By plane: flight to Paris, Chambéry, Lyon or Geneva.

         

        By train: Aix-les-Bains train station is well connected to the railway network and you can easily access the station from many cities in France and Europe. For instance from Paris: duration 3h15; from Lyon: duration 1h10; from Geneva: duration 1h05. To plan your trip : https://www.thetrainline.com

        Car park

        If you drive to Aix-les-Bains, you can park at your accomodation (subject to availability) or next to your hotel. The location and contact details of the car parks will be given in your travel documents.

        To get back to the starting point

        Your trip starts and ends in Aix-les-Bains.

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        From
        985 €/pers.
        I book!
        Simulate the price of your cycling trip by configuring your holiday!
        Ref: VR0704CO
        • Alps Riviera
        • 7 day(s)
        • Moderate
        • ~ 53 km/day
        • Loop
        When travelling?
        From April to September
        Minimum age
        14 y/o
        Related categories:

        Tried and tested stays!

        • Experience
          15 years' experience in cycling to advise and satisfy you
        • Tested & Approved
          The whole team goes out into the field to design the itineraries and select the best partners (accommodation, bikes, etc.).
        • Quality of service
          A dedicated customer service team available and ready to listen, from the moment you book until you return from your holiday.
        • Secure payment
          Individual or fractional payment by secure means via our website
        A loop tour in the Alps riviera: cycling between the Rhone, the canal and the lakes
        • Alps Riviera
        • Moderate
        • ~ 53 km/day
        • Loop
        From
        985 €/pers.