Road cycling is one of the most popular and most appreciated activities that you can try during your holiday in our beautiful resort. Morzine is truly ‘road cycling heaven’, with some amazing itineraries that take you to admire spectacular landscapes tucked in the heart of the French Alps.
Morzine, an ‘Accueil Vélo’-certified destination
The ‘ACCUEIL VELO’ label was awarded as recognition of Morzine Tourist Office and the resort’s efforts for the cycling community as a whole (bicycle touring essentially, but also MTB and/or E-biking) in providing services that are adapted to cyclists and creating a vast network of cycle paths. It was only natural that the Tourist Office would apply for this label, as part of their efforts in developing cycling at the resort. The aim, then, is to highlight these efforts as well as bike-friendly tourist amenities.
Some accommodation providers also have the ‘Hébergement Cyclo’ label which guarantees that these establishments can meet the specific needs of bicycle touring enthusiasts, such as a safe place to store and maintain their bikes, a laundry service, food & drink adapted to their physical efforts, early breakfast and picnics available on request, and much more.
Some sports shops have also been awarded this cycling label as recognition of their specialist services such as road bikes to hire, accessories for sale (tyres, inner tubes, repair kits, etc.), bike maintenance and repair.
The cycling Mecca
Located on the Routes des Grandes Alpes itinerary, Morzine has absolutely everything that cyclists could wish for.
Host town for the Tour de France cycle race
In 1975, for the first time in its history, the resort of Morzine played host to the most famous cycle race of all. In 2022, the Tour de France made its 21st appearance in this resort of the Portes du Soleil area. Six years following its previous visit, Morzine was once again in a prominent position on the map of the Tour de France. After a day of rest in the resort on Monday 11 July, Morzine hosted the start line of the 10th stage of the race on 12 July 2022, for the 148-km route to Megève.
Our different itineraries
You’ll find below our favourite itinerary around Morzine, as well as many other possible routes.
- Joux-Verte Pass – Gradient: 6%
A very steep road overlooking the beautiful Montriond Lake. It’ll be difficult not to stop, but on the way down you’ll have no choice. Beware of the goats roaming free in the village of Les Lindarets! - Joux Plane Pass north slope – Gradient: 6.5%
Not as difficult as the south slope, but still a tough climb right from the start. Beautiful at the top, runs alongside a small lake, once past the Ranfolly Pass.Did you know?! On 24 July 2022, the Joux Plane Pass was reserved exclusively for cyclists. Cycling enthusiasts can tackle this 11-km ‘hors catégorie’ pass that has featured 11 times in the Tour de France cycle race, without worrying about traffic. ‘Adopte 1 col’ may well be a sports event, but above all it’s a moment of togetherness!
- Montée d’Avoriaz – Gradient: 6%
The wide, clearly marked road from the resort of Avoriaz allows you to admire the scenery while cycling.Come and cycle up this legendary road that was officially climbed for the first time during the 1975 Tour de France. The record to beat, 33 minutes, is still held by Bernard Hinault. And this summer the Morzine-Avoriaz cycling club is organising a climb between Morzine and Avoriaz. See you outside Morzine church if you fancy it!
Morzine-Avoriaz Cycling, a website devoted entirely to cycling
This is the ideal website for cyclists, packed with information about products and services available in Morzine-Avoriaz, as well as a wide selection of itineraries starting at Morzine, including maps and descriptions to help you plan your excursion on the basis of distance, elevation range, terrain profile, estimated time and so on. You’ll also find practical information (safety rules, useful telephone numbers, weather reports, road closure warnings), advice on what to take with you, precautions to take when cycling in the mountains, etc.)
You can even join the STRAVA Morzine Mountain Cycling club and take part in various challenges to win prizes as well as opportunities to sign up for local races!
With all those cycling events and different itineraries, Morzine promises an action-packed holiday for cycling enthusiasts.
Thematics
