47-Aravis/Arly traverse
Itinéraire
Departure/Arrival
Point of interest
Circuit n° 1
Car Park: Préfecture
Made famous by the Prince of Wales, who did this loop himelf, this circuit will offer you a superbview on the Mont Blanc once you reach the Col des Aravis. For the retrun journey, you will take the greenway from Ugine to Annecy.
City of departure / TER : Annecy
Lengh : 108km.
Difficulty : black.
Cumulative difference in altitude : 1300m.
Direction of the route : clockwise.
Landmarks and connections : Thônes (separation from the Tour des Glières n°45); La Clusaz (separation from the Circuit de la Croix-Fry n°46); Ugine (junction with the greenway).
The first third of this long loop is common to the Tour de la Tounette n°3 and the Tour des Glières n°45. The ascent to the Col des Aravis from St-Jean-de-Sixt is not fearsome. Its slopes are always below 7%, except for a very short section at 8.5%. On the other hand, it is very beautiful at the end, in the middle of vaste green moutain pastures and at the foot of high cliffs. But before attacking, make a small break in the pretty center of La Clusaz which is dominated by one of the most beautiful bulbous bell towers in the Alps. You will probably not be tempted to linger at the top of the Aravis pass (1498m), often crowded with people moving between a multitude of stalls. However, don't miss the view on the Mont Blanc before crossing into Savoie.
After the spectacular plunge through the hairpin bends of La Giettaz, you will reach the national road of the Val d'Arly. It is better to leave it as soon as possible. This is why you will leave it at the Flon bridge to take the balcony road of Héry-sur-Ugine, which is much quieter (except when the national road is close, which is quiet frequent). From Ugine, don't miss the new 37km long greenway which continues to Annecy.
Lengh : 108km.
Difficulty : black.
Cumulative difference in altitude : 1300m.
Direction of the route : clockwise.
Landmarks and connections : Thônes (separation from the Tour des Glières n°45); La Clusaz (separation from the Circuit de la Croix-Fry n°46); Ugine (junction with the greenway).
The first third of this long loop is common to the Tour de la Tounette n°3 and the Tour des Glières n°45. The ascent to the Col des Aravis from St-Jean-de-Sixt is not fearsome. Its slopes are always below 7%, except for a very short section at 8.5%. On the other hand, it is very beautiful at the end, in the middle of vaste green moutain pastures and at the foot of high cliffs. But before attacking, make a small break in the pretty center of La Clusaz which is dominated by one of the most beautiful bulbous bell towers in the Alps. You will probably not be tempted to linger at the top of the Aravis pass (1498m), often crowded with people moving between a multitude of stalls. However, don't miss the view on the Mont Blanc before crossing into Savoie.
After the spectacular plunge through the hairpin bends of La Giettaz, you will reach the national road of the Val d'Arly. It is better to leave it as soon as possible. This is why you will leave it at the Flon bridge to take the balcony road of Héry-sur-Ugine, which is much quieter (except when the national road is close, which is quiet frequent). From Ugine, don't miss the new 37km long greenway which continues to Annecy.
Opening day(s)
From 15 April to 31 October (every year)
Every day
- Route :
- Route 1300
- Distance (km) 110
- Elevation (m) 1300
- Levels of sporting experience :
- Level black - very hard
