Les Gets is a small, family-friendly ski resort with plenty of venues to routes to keep cycling enthusiasts busy during their stay. World-famous for both cycling and mountain biking alike, and located just 6 km from the larger resort of Morzine, cyclists will find no end of adventure in Les Gets.
In this post, we will be going over some key facts about cycling in Les Gets. This will include bike rental and accommodation options, as well as some of our favourite cycling routes of varying difficulties around the resort.
Read on to find out more about cycling in Les Gets…
Cycling in Les Gets: Key Facts
Cycling enthusiasts will love this resort in the heart of the Portes du Soleil area. The region is a major cycling hot spot, as well as one of the most popular ski destinations in the French Alps.
With incredible views in a stunning mountain scenery, the domain has hosted the Tour de France over 20 times since 1975, inspiring cyclists around the world to try the itineraries for themselves!
Road cyclists will find plenty of cycling options in the direction of Thonon and Cluses, including the Col de l’Encrenaz, La Forclaz, and Col du Feu loops. In addition, you will find plenty of stunning rides from its neighbouring resort Morzine, at just 6 km from Les Gets itself.
Bike rental
If you don’t have your own bike, you can be sure to find many bike rental shops dotted around the area, including:
You can find many more bike rental shops for your discipline by heading over to the Les Gets Tourism Office.
When to go
While Les Gets is known for its easy access to fantastic ski facilities, cyclists will want to avoid the winter season due to cold and snowy conditions. We would recommend visiting Les Gets during the months of May, June and September, where you will be sure to find quieter roads as well as great value accommodation.
It’s also worth mentioning that Les Gets gets very hot during the summer months. If you’re planning on visiting during this period, be sure to bring water, sunscreen, and other relevant gear with you on your ride.
Cycling accommodation in Les Gets
With cycling holidays becoming increasingly popular, you will find many chalets in Les Gets with adapted facilities for bicycles.
When staying around the resort, we would recommend you look out for bike-friendly accommodation. Things you should look out for include garage storage, ample washing facilities to wash your clothes and cycling equipment, as well as a repair area and great access to cycling routes.
Browse our partner properties in and around Les Gets
Les Gets Cycling Routes
The resort of Les Gets shares a large network of ski slopes with Morzine and offers great access to them. In summer, this makes for a fabulous playground for mountain bikers; alternatively, you could visit Les Gets Bike Park, the biggest MTB playground in Europe (with 128km of slopes!)
For road cyclists, however, you can rest assured that you will find plenty of opportunities to explore the region by road. Check out some of the most popular itineraries starting from Les Gets below…
Beginner/Intermediate Routes
Route de Pradons
Distance: 10 km
Max. altitude: 1,066 m
Duration: 30 minutes
More info
This loop is great for beginner cyclists, or families looking for a day out on the road with kids. The well-paved road makes the circuit an easy to ride for any fitness level.
If you don’t have a car, the starting point is easily accessible by public transport. Simply make your way towards Morzine on the bus and get off at the stop Les Granges. Alternatively, why not cycle to Morzine for an extra challenge?
Mont Caly Loop
Distance: 16 km
Max. altitude: 1,470 m
Duration: 1 hour
More info
Although this loop is relatively easy, we would only recommend trying it if you are comfortable on a bike and have a good fitness level.
Head down from Les Gets in the southwest direction, taking a right turn into Route des Granges where the loop begins. The mid-way point is Mont Caly, where you can take a break before heading back towards Les Gets.
Satellite Coffee Loop
Distance: 24 km
Max. altitude: 1,242 m
Duration: 1 hour 20 minutes
More info
If you’re looking for one step up in terms of difficulty, try this intermediate road ride. While most of the loop consists of well-paved surfaces, a good level of fitness is still recommended.
The itinerary starts from Les Gets and takes you directly to Morzine. Once there, follow the Route de la Manche until you reach the Satellite Coffeehouse, from where you can enjoy a well-earned break!
Advanced Cycling Routes
Col de joux verte – Lac de Montriond Loop
Distance: 31 km
Max. altitude: 1,745 m
Duration: 2 hours
More info
Starting from Pied de Plagne in Morzine, make your way up to the Lac de Montriond by following the main road that passes through Montriond. Once you’ve reached the lake, continue following the itinerary along the Col de la Joux Verte past Les Lindarets. While en route, take in the sights of the village characterised by its ancient chalets, Alpine meadows and celebrated goats!
This itinerary is a bit more difficult and is recommended for road cycling enthusiasts with a very good fitness level. Head over to the starting point in Morzine by bus or by bike for an extra challenge.
Col de Joux Plane –
Les Gets Loop
Distance: 80 km
Max. altitude: 1,700 m
Duration: 4 hours 30 minutes
More info
Make your way down to Taninges from Les Gets along the Route des Gets, before taking a left towards Samoëns. From there, take the route up to Joux Plane, where you will be able to admire fabulous views of the surrounding mountainscape before heading back to Les Gets by the same road.
The route Col de Joux Plane is the most challenging route in the area, but also the most famous! Featured several times as the last stage of the Tour de France, the path follows a vertical gain of 1,250 m, and is extremely steep. A very good fitness level is recommended to complete the itinerary.
Col de l’Encrenaz – Col de Joux Plane Loop
Distance: 100 km
Max. altitude: 1,691 m
Duration: 6 hours 30 minutes
More info
From Les Gets, head up the côte d’Arbroz to the Col de l’Encrenaz. From the top of the col, enjoy fabulous views of the Mont Blanc and the surrounding mountaintops, before continuing on to the Col de la Ramaz. Enjoy a peaceful ride back down to Samoëns, and be sure to stock up on energy before the last part of the ride, which takes you up to the Col de Joux Plane and the Col du Ranfolly.
This route is very long and is definitely better suited to expert road cyclists looking for a challenging day out on the road. While it might be difficult, the views and beautiful local sights are definitely worth the effort!
Col de Romme – Col de la Colombière
Distance: 102 km
Max. altitude: 1,618 m
Duration: 6 hours 30 minutes
More info
From Les Gets you can cycle down to Cluses by following the main road. Once there, follow the Route du Col de Romme, before heading back down towards Le Reposoir and finally ending the first half of the itinerary with a steep climb up the Col de la Colombière (altitude 1,618 m).
Once again, we only recommend this to expert road cyclists with an excellent fitness level. Some portions of the Tour may be unpaved and difficult to ride, which, combined with the many steep climbs up the different cols, make this an expert road ride.
Cycling is just one of the fantastic activities on offer in Les Gets. If you’re looking for more ideas of activities to fill your holiday itinerary, then check out our 5 things to do in Les Gets for the perfect summer holiday.
Looking for bike-friendly accommodation in Les Gets?
Check out our fantastic selection of properties in the area for your next cycling trip in the Portes du Soleil…
