Alpine Lakes Gravel and Bikepacking Tour

The 3 Lakes Bike Tour between Switzerland and France is an Alpine tour that offers a unique cycling experience on secondary roads and cycle paths, suitable for both gravel and bikepacking.

This route will take you around Lake Geneva, Lake Bourget and Lake Annecy, passing through natural landscapes, meadows and valleys with views of the Alps.

Day 1: Arrival in Geneva

Starting point: Geneva, Switzerland.
Description: Geneva is an elegant city, known for its international organizations, finance and culture. Lake Geneva (Lac Léman) with its crescent shape offers a wonderful feast for the eyes. After checking in to your hotel, you can take some time to explore the city.

Day 2: Geneva – Seyssel

Distance: 60km
Elevation gain: +350m, -350m
Description: Cycle along the Rhone River, enjoying views of the wine-growing villages of Dardagny and Satigny. Conquer the westernmost point of Switzerland by bike to the village of Chancy and cross the border into France. Don’t miss the Fort de l’Ecluse, an elevated fort founded by a Duke of Savoy in an impressive rock formation. Overnight in Seyssel, a small “double town” in both Haute-Savoie and Ain, on the Rhone River, nestled between two dams.

Day 3: Seyssel – Aix-les-Bains

Distance: 46 km
Elevation gain: +460m, -476m
Description: The views of today’s ride – the 14 peaks of the Bauges chain on one side, as well as the Mont de la Charvaz and Col-du-Chat on the other – are some of the highlights of this tour. Overnight in Aix-les-Bains, a spa town famous for its thermal waters and natural beauty.

Day 4: Aix-les-Bains – Tournon or Saint-Pierre-d’Albigny

Distance: 65 km
Elevation gain: +500m, -500m
Description: Cycle along the Isère River, through natural landscapes and valleys. Reach Grésy-sur-Isère via Albertville, located on the Arly River near the confluence with the Isère River. Albertville hosted the 1992 Winter Olympics and has become an industrial centre, but it also includes the medieval town of Conflans, whose buildings date back to the 14th century. Overnight in Tournon or Saint-Pierre-d’Albigny.

Day 5: Tournon or Saint-Pierre-d’Albigny – Annecy

Distance: 55 km
Elevation gain: +415m, -387m
Description: Reach Grésy-sur-Isère via Albertville, located on the Arly River near its confluence with the Isère River. The Beaufortain and Bauges mountain ranges will dazzle you as you cycle towards the beautiful Lake Annecy (Lac d’Annecy). The Aravis mountain range reigns over the cleanest lake in Europe; its heights are famous for the hairpin bends and steep curves of the Tour de France. The beautiful city of Annecy, nestled on the northern tip of Lake Annecy, may remind you of Venice – canals cut through sections of the historic Alpine-style village.

Tips & Notes

Luggage Transport: The tour is organised with luggage transport, allowing you to travel light.
Points of Interest: In addition to the lakes, the route offers the opportunity to visit historic villages, medieval fortresses and spas.

Difficulty Level: The route is suitable for intermediate cyclists, with some more challenging sections but generally easy and enjoyable.

This tour is an ideal experience for those who love nature, history and cycling in a mountain environment. Enjoy your trip!

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