If you love cycling, sport and action, then Morzine is the perfect place for your next summer holiday. Being a popular area for the Tour de France, cyclists from around the world come to test themselves on some of the most challenging climbs, while for mountain bikers the expansive trails here offer a variety of levels.
In this post, we will be going over some key facts about cycling in Morzine. 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 Morzine…
Cycling in Morzine: 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 natural landscape, the domain has hosted the Tour de France over 20 times since 1975, inspiring cyclists around the world to try the itineraries for themselves.
There are 16 mapped cycling routes in Morzine, some of which we will go over later in this post. Each one offers varying difficulties, and with distances ranging from 30 to 150 kilometres, you can be sure to find one for your level!
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 Morzine Tourism Office.
Best time to go
While Morzine is known for its fantastic ski facilities, cyclists will want to avoid the winter season due to cold and snowy conditions. We would recommend visiting Morzine 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 Morzine 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 Morzine
With cycling holidays becoming increasingly popular, you will find many chalets in Morzine 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 Morzine
Cycling Routes in Morzine
Beginner/Intermediate Routes
Encrenaz Pass
Distance: 32 km
Max. altitude: 1,432 m
Duration: 1h20 – 2 hours
More info
Quieter than some road cycling routes, this itinerary is better suited for nature lovers looking for a peaceful afternoon out.
Looking for a bit more of a challenge? You can add 14 km to the ride by continuing on to Taninges from the Les Gets bridge, and return via ‘Rond Hamlet’.
Giffre Valley
Distance: 24 to 48 km
Max. altitude: 955 m
Duration: 1h10 to 2h45
More info
There is a wide variation in both distance and duration for this itinerary. In fact, there are 3 scenic rides that follow the Giffre Valley from Morzine.
If you follow the loop from Taninges, you can cycle to either Samoens, Sixt, or Fer à Cheval.
Arve Valley
Distance: 70 km
Max. altitude: 1,172 m
Duration: 3 – 4 hours
More info
This cycling route consists of wide, open roads, making it the perfect itinerary for beginner cyclists. From Morzine, you will head in the direction of Samoëns, down to Cluses, before looping via back round via Arâches, Taninges and finally back up to Morzine.
If you’d like to add another 20 km for an extra challenge, take the Pierre Carrée climb to Flaine.
Tour du Roc d’Enfer
Distance: 75 km
Max. altitude: 1,172 m
Duration: 3 – 4 hours
More info
The Tour de Roc d’Enfer is an intermediate route that sets off from Morzine and heads through St Jean D’Aulps, up the Col du Jambaz, through Megevette and then to the Col de la Ramaz.
This last part is the hardest climb of this ride – so stock up on energy before you reach the Col! After the climb, enjoy a peaceful ride down through picturesque Les Gets.
Pont des Gets
Distance: 50 km
Max. altitude: 1,172 m
Duration: 3 – 4 hours
More info
Head from Morzine in direction of Les Gets and then onto Taninges.
From there, turn right at the signpost labelled ‘Rond’, and climb up Pont des Gets before returning to Morzine.
You can also make the cycle more advanced by carrying on to Avoriaz if you wish.
Advanced Cycling Routes
Col de la Colombiere
Distance: 150 km
Max. altitude: 1,613 m
Duration: 6 – 8 hours
More info
This route is a Tour de France favourite, climbing over the Col de Colombiere and Col des Aravis. This is a tough ride, so we would recommend trying this only if you’re an experienced road cyclist.
While it is possible to set off from Morzine, some may choose to depart from Cluses to take off 50 kilometres and make the most of the best parts of the ride instead.
Col de Joux Verte
Distance: 14 km
Max. altitude: 1,800 m
Duration: 1 – 2 hours
More info
This advanced route follows steep hills and hairpin bends from Morzine to Avoriaz, making the duration of the ride different depending on your fitness level.
The itinerary starts from the Mairie’s office, next to the bridge in Morzine. The route follows a 14 km ascent to Avoriaz, from where you will enjoy fabulous views of the mountain range and wooden chalets – particularly from the top at Avoriaz.
Col de la Ramaz
Distance: 60 km
Max. altitude: 1,619 m
Duration: 3 – 4 hours
More info
This itinerary brings you up to the top of the Col de la Ramaz. From there, you will enjoy fabulous views of the famous Mont Blanc and its surrounding mountain range.
Find directions for this advanced itinerary here.
Col de Joux Plane
Distance: 52 km
Max. altitude: 1,700 m
Duration: 2 – 3 hours
More info
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.
Ready to take on the challenge yourself? Find out more here.
Cycling is just one of the fantastic activities on offer in Morzine. If you’re looking for more ideas of activities to fill your holiday itinerary, then check out our top 10 activities in Morzine away from the slopes.
Searching for bike-friendly accommodation in Morzine?
Check out our fantastic selection of properties in the area for your next cycling trip in the Portes du Soleil…
