A circuit that is within everyone's reach, which may seem surprising when you look at a map of the Alps. However, the valley floors can be amazingly flat. What is more, the return leg is along a true greenway, set off by a small lake.
The "Versant du Soleil" side of the valley is lined with unspoilt villages. Opposite, you will see the giant resorts of La Plagne and Les Arcs, lying in the shadows of the Sommet de Bellecôte and Mont Pourri. Return leg along the Tarentaise greenway.
One of the most pleasant high passes to climb. Thanks to the even gradient and the flat hairpins, the ascent never feels too strenuous, even though the summit is above 2000 m. Exceptional views of the glaciated summits of the Vanoise.
The traverse of the Beaufortain takes you over the Cormet de Roselend and down past Roselend reservoir to Beaufort and Albertville. SNCF summer rail offers, which give unlimited train travel throughout Savoie, greatly facilitate this type of A-to-B ride.
The circuit begins with the moderately easy switchbacks on the road to the Col du Petit-St-Bernard. It then traverses across the sunny side of the valley, opposite the resort of Les Arcs.
1276 Points – After following the River Isère through the Haute-Tarentaise, the road climbs through Val d'Isère to the pass. Kilometre posts and a timing system enable cyclists to time their ascent. Contact the tourist office for details.
Kilometre posts and a timing system have been installed so cyclists can time their ascent. Contact the tourist office for details.
A well-graded road leads to the Col du Petit Saint Bernard, at over 2000 m. The climb is lined with kilometre markers and you can time your ascent.
893 Points – The climb begins through the long Chapieux Valley, beside the Glaciers stream. After a flat section at Crêt Bettex, the chime of cowbells will welcome you to the Neuva Valley. The summit of the pass is at almost 2000 m.