Lake Annecy
E-bike rides from Annecy that climb above the lake
Once the lake path is done, an e-bike opens up the cols above it. These rides climb from about 250 m to over 700 m; the table shows the steepest 500 m on each, which is what decides whether a rented e-bike gets you up comfortably, and how much of each ride is on busier roads.
The 6 rides side by side
| Ride | Distance | Climbing | Bike paths & quiet streets | Busier roads | Steepest 500 m | Riding time |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Col de la Frétallaz | 20.4 km | 292 m | 45% | 24% | 10.7% | 1 h 05–1 h 25 |
| Col de la Mallebranche | 31.3 km | 345 m | 24% | 32% | 11.0% | 1 h 30–2 h 00 |
| Col de Bluffy | 22.1 km | 261 m | 53% | 16% | 9.8% | 1 h 05–1 h 30 |
| Col des Contrebandiers | 23.4 km | 615 m | 17% | 36% | 10.1% | 1 h 35–2 h 10 |
| Col des Essérieux | 66.2 km | 537 m | 81% | 18% | 10.1% | 3 h 00–4 h 00 |
| Col de l'Épine | 71.0 km | 732 m | 79% | 19% | 12.2% | 3 h 25–4 h 30 |
Distances are the whole ride, there and back (km). Riding time is our estimate at a sporty pace and counts the climbing; allow more for stops.
Each ride
1 Annecy to Col de la Frétallaz
- Along the water for 4 km
- Main climb 236 m over 8.45 km, 2.8% average
- On the way: drinking water, café
- 24% on busier roads
On the way: 2 toilets, 5 water points, 9 cafés mapped.
2 Annecy to Col de la Mallebranche
- Along the water for 2 km
- Main climb 261 m over 11.8 km, 2.2% average
- On the way: drinking water, café
- 32% on busier roads
On the way: 3 toilets, 7 water points, 9 cafés mapped.
3 Annecy to Col de Bluffy
- Along the water for 10 km
- 53% on bike paths and the quietest streets
- Main climb 174 m over 5.05 km, 3.4% average
- On the way: drinking water, café, viewpoint
On the way: 6 toilets, 12 water points, 1 beach, 4 cafés mapped.
4 Annecy to Col des Contrebandiers
- Along the water for 2 km
- Main climb 608 m over 10.55 km, 5.8% average
- On the way: drinking water, café
- 36% on busier roads
On the way: 2 toilets, 7 water points, 4 cafés mapped.
5 Annecy to Col des Essérieux
- Along the water for 17 km
- 81% on bike paths and the quietest streets
- Main climb 313 m over 16.3 km, 1.9% average
- On the way: drinking water, beach, café
On the way: 8 toilets, 14 water points, 2 beaches, 4 cafés mapped.
6 Annecy to Col de l'Épine
- Along the water for 17 km
- 79% on bike paths and the quietest streets
- Main climb 489 m over 6.95 km, 7.0% average
- On the way: drinking water, beach, café
On the way: 9 toilets, 13 water points, 2 beaches, 4 cafés mapped.
How we chose them
From every ride we publish around Annecy, these are the ones that meet all of:
- 250 m to 1000 m of climbing
- up to 72 km in all
- at most 40% on busier roads
- no 500 m steeper than 13% on average
The numbers come from OpenStreetMap and terrain data, measured along each route by our engine (how rides are made). They are modelled, not checked on the ground, and say nothing about who should ride them: you know your riders best.
Before you go
- Riding times are for an unassisted sporty rider (26 km/h on the flat, 700 m of climbing an hour); an e-bike is usually quicker on the climbs. Battery range is not modelled.
- Several of these rides spend a quarter to a third of their distance on busier roads. The share is in the table: choose with it in mind.
Questions
Do I need an e-bike around Lake Annecy?
Not for the lakeside cycle path, which is nearly flat. For the cols above the lake (these rides climb 261–732 m) an e-bike makes the difference for most visitors.
More rides around Annecy
Route data: OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL). Elevation: Mapzen Terrarium. Catalogue annecy-6fd66b867c33a597c7b3.