The Semnoz Bike Tour: The wild loop from Annecy

🚲 Think you know the straight-up climb? Discover the wilder alternative with the full loop of the Semnoz by bike. This first section takes you from Annecy to the Col de Leschaux—a steady warm-up with no extreme gradients.

✨ Ready to ride? Rent your road bike from DolceVia to fully enjoy this sporty loop with the right equipment!

⛰️ From the lakeshore, the Semnoz by bike route climbs gradually. Unlike the direct ascent, there’s no need to force it here. The road to the pass is fairly quiet, making it easy to find your rhythm while admiring the Bauges massif as it comes into view.

🌲 Upon reaching the Col de Leschaux, you’ve already tackled most of the initial elevation gain. This is the gateway to the most “nature-filled” part of your Semnoz by bike ride, far from the tourist bustle of the lake.

💡 Discover other alpine routes on our DolceVia website for your next rides.

© We Host

🚲 Once over the pass, the atmosphere changes completely. This is where the Semnoz loop by bike truly comes into its own. You drop onto the western flank of the massif, heading toward Cusy.

🌾 Gone are the classic viewpoints—now it’s all about raw, authentic countryside. This section of the Semnoz loop by bike winds through peaceful rural landscapes, between fields, forests, and isolated farms. It’s steady, flowing, and deeply relaxing riding.

💨 Enjoy the descent and the gentle downhill false flats. The road is lightly trafficked, offering a true sense of freedom. This is the best-kept secret of the Semnoz loop by bike route: a deep breath of fresh air in the heart of the Savoyard countryside.

© Expédia

🚲 After the descent, it’s time to climb again! The third phase of your Semnoz loop by bike takes you through the villages of Gruffy and Quintal.

🏡 The road rises gently but steadily. You approach Annecy from higher ground, and your legs begin to feel the cumulative 1,000 meters of elevation gain on this Semnoz loop by bike.

⛪ This is a beautiful section, passing through authentic hamlets with their church steeples. There are still a few short climbs and bends to negotiate, but the hardest part is behind you. You skirt the mountain, sensing the presence of the summit without ever climbing it directly—this is the true subtlety of the Semnoz loop by bike.

© Veir Magazine

🚲 The final stretch toward Vieugy and Seynod marks the end of your journey. You glide back into the Annecy basin to complete the 65 km of this Semnoz loop by bike.

💦 A final tip: as there are few fountains along the Semnoz loop by bike route, make sure you’ve managed your hydration well—especially if you’re riding in summer.

⏱️ With around 3 to 4 hours in the saddle, this ride is ideal in the morning, before the sun becomes too strong. You return to Annecy with the satisfaction of having completed a beautiful sporting loop, proving that the Semnoz loop by bike is just as stunning along its contours as it is at its summit.

© Activ'Annecy



✨ Did you enjoy this sporty loop? Discover other great cycling adventures:
• Annecy–Grenoble by bike : an alpine crossing between lakes and mountains
• The Route des Grandes Alpes by bike : legendary mountain passes and an epic adventure
• Paris–Honfleur by bike : from the capital to the sea