The Quality & Scale Of The Road Cycling In Morzine Is Unparalleled

Epic climbs, endless descents, followed by a coffee and a pain au chocolat surrounded by stunning alpine scenery.... what could be better?!
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Morzine is surrounded by incredible mountains and the roads which wind through them provide a cycling paradise. Although made famous by the challenging climbs presented by the numerous Cols in the area, Morzine also has an abundance of less challenging rides.

Steeped in Tour de France history, Morzine was first made famous in the cycling world when le tour visited in 1975. Since then Morzine has hosted a stage of the infamous race 21 times. This fact alone tells you everything you need to know about the cycling in Morzine.... it's limitless and of incredible quality!
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All the famous roads you have seen in the races are open to ride straight out of your front door in Morzine. The "Hors Categorie" Col de Joux Plane made famous by the tour and known for making or breaking riders races, sits right on the edge of the village. The hairpin heavy Montee d'Avoriaz climb sits on the opposite side of town and the Col de Joux Verte circuit starts and finishes in the centre of town.

The Tour de France Is Returning To Morzine In 2022 - on the 12th July 2022 the 10th stage of the Tour will begin in Morzine. Riders will take a rather un-orthodox route out of Morzine which takes riders on a 148km hill stage which will end up in Megeve.
More information on Tour de France Morzine.

With all this top quality road riding so easily accessible Morzine is the ultimate place to base your European road riding holiday. Bike Morzine we are the specific holiday accommodation provider for all things cycling and being riders ourselves, we know exactly what you need in your holiday accommodation. All of our properties are fully bike friendly and bike storage comes as standard. Our properties are centrally located offering unparalleled access to the tarmac and if your coming by plane, we can organise bike friendly airport transfers too.
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A Tour de France Monster

Col de Joux Plane

The Col de Joux Plane is steeped in road cycling history and is a regular feature in the Tour de France. With a steep gradient providing a very challenging climb on the way up, riders are greeted by spectacular views at the summit before descending down to the valley floor along high speed bends and hairpin turns.

The Col provides one of the most challenging yet most rewarding rides in the area and if you're a keen and competent cyclist then we strongly recommend you take on the challenge. What's more, there is a fantastic loop that takes in the Col which starts and finishes right in the centre of Morzine.

The Col de Joux Plane first featured in the Tour de France in 1978 and has played a part 12 times since. The Col is traditionally used as the final climb and descent of a much longer stage requiring riders to preserve energy in order to compete with the step gradient late in the stage. In 2000 the Col became famous for its gruelling climb when it pushed Lance Armstrong to his limits, nearly costing him the overall win when he bonked on the climb and lost the lead.
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The ascent of the Col de Joux Plane from Samoens has an overall average gradient of 8.5%. However the final 5.5kms of the ride has an average gradient of 9.5% so you will need to save some fuel in the tank. The steepest section of the road is a 12.5% gradient and is around about the halfway point at La Combe. The road is 11.6 kms long and is all uphill from Samoens up to the Col which sits at an altitude of 1691 meters above sea level. The elevation gain is 998 meters and your legs will know about every single one of them by the time you reach the summit.

One of The Nicest Rides In Morzine

Col de Joux Verte

The Col de Joux Verte is not the most famous ride in the Portes du Soleil and has less race heritage than its bigger brother the Col de Joux Plane. However, it is one of the nicest rides in the area and still provides everything you could want from a day in the saddle in the Alps. With a challenging climb, unbelievable scenery, a stunning alpine lake, a waterfall, a village of goats and 19 hairpin turns to descend, this really is a must do ride!!

The route is super accessible and starts and finishes right in the centre of the village. You can also choose to do the route in either direction depending on your preference.

If you head up the Route d'Avoriaz you will be faced with a gruelling ascent of 19 hairpin turns through stunning alpine forest which then bursts out into open pasture offering incredible views. You'll then descend from the Col through the forest before passing through the goat village (we're serious) before passing the ardent waterfall and Lake Montriond. The benefit if riding the col in this direction is that you will have definitely deserved a dip in the lake by the time you get to it.

If however you decide to tackle the col in reverse then head out towards Montriond before taking a right turn and following the road up past the lake, past the Ardent waterfall and up through the goat village. From the goat village (also known as Lindarets) the road climbs steadily through the forest before reaching the col and joining the Route d'Avoriaz. The hard work is over and the 19 hairpin turns await you for your epic descent back down to Morzine. On a clear day it is possible to see Mont Blanc from this descent.

Another Tour de France Classic

Col de la Ramaz

Widely regarded as one of the tougher routes in the area.

The Tour de France raced this col as part of a stage in 2003, 2010 and 2016. Climbing to a maximum elevation of 1619m above sea level the reward for reaching the summit is a wonderful view of Mont Blanc followed by a long fast descent through the mountains.

This 58 km route starts right in the centre of Morzine and begins with a steady 7km climb up to the village of Les Gets before descending down the winding road to Tanninges, here you'll traverse the flat plateau to the town of Mieussy. This is where the real work begins as you start your ascent up to the Col. After 8kms of steady climbing through alpine pasture and small mountain hamlets the gradient steepens significantly. You'll pass through a tunnel just before the summit where you'll be rewarded with a stunning view.

The descent is high speed and takes you down past the Praz de Lys ski area before bearing left and climbing up to the hamlet of L’Encrenaz. From here the road descends down through La Cote D’Arbroz where you'll enjoy lovely views over Morzine whilst you ride the hairpin turns back into Morzine.
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The route is do-able in 2.5-3.5 hours

Getting To Morzine With A Bike Is Easy

Bike Friendly Airport Transfers

Getting to Morzine with a bike couldnt be easier! If you choose to drive, it's around 8 hours to Morzine from Calais and the route is pretty straight forward. It's nice fast toll road most of the way and a short climb up into the mountains at the end.

Should you choose to fly the nearest airport is Geneva International in Switzerland which is just over an hours drive from Morzine. Geneva is serviced by destinations all over the world and now Corona Virus is behind us (hopefully) international travel is easy.
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We can arrange bike friendly transfers from the airport to take you right to the door of your chosen accommodation. Simply pack your bike in a bag or box for the flight, send us the flight details and we'll do the rest. We work with the best transfer company in the business guaranteeing a hassle free and prompt transfer from the airport and back.

All of our properties have parking for cars and bike storage comes as standard

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World Famous Cols on your doorstep.

Road Cycling In Morzine