Mountain bike rides in Savoie
In short
Five mountain bike routes are worth the trip in Savoie, from family-friendly rides to the most committing enduro trail: Tignes and Lac du Chevril, the Charbonnel from Chapelle-Saint-Anne, the Esseillon barrier from La Norma, the Chemins du Soleil towards the Albanais, and La Myrtille in the Beaufortain for experienced riders.
Key takeaways
- Tignes, Lac du Chevril: 17.2 km, +758 m/-760 m, about three hours, views of Tignes, the Chevril and the Grande Motte.
- The Charbonnel from Chapelle-Saint-Anne: 13.2 km, +/-510 m, just over an hour and a half, approach to the Charbonnel glacier.
- Esseillon barrier from La Norma: 26.4 km, about three hours, unmarked route, GPS essential.
- Chemins du Soleil towards the Albanais: 49.7 km, +960 m/-819 m, about five and a half hours, ideally on an e-MTB.
- La Myrtille (Beaufortain): 5.1 km, very difficult, 430 m of descent, enduro trail starting from Mont Bisanne.
Dreaming of an active holiday close to nature and the mountains? Head for Savoie in the magnificent French Alps! Here is a small selection of moderately difficult mountain bike routes to discover the region, and a very difficult one for a magical enduro experience. Remember that mountain bike rides in the mountains still require good physical fitness. Check your equipment, look at the weather forecast, choose your gear accordingly and pick the route that inspires you or matches your level...
Around Tignes to the north of Lac du Chevril (17.2 km)
This superb route starting from Tignes, the must-visit Alpine ski resort about 30 km (40 min) from our campsite, promises breathtaking landscapes. You will need plenty of energy, though, for the many climbs and descents on forest trails and mountain roads (+758 m/-760 m). On the programme: just over 3 hours of mountain biking and views of the most beautiful lakes in the area (Tignes, Chevril) as well as the summit of the Grande Motte.
The Charbonnel from Chapelle-Saint-Anne (13.2 km)
This ride on tarmac and tracks (from the hamlets of Bessans, in Haute-Maurienne, about 100 km/1 h 45 from our campsite) takes you up to 2,083 m. Allow just over 1 h 30 (+/-510 m) to get as close as possible to the Charbonnel and its glacier (3,752 m), one of the highest peaks in the region. Along the way, you will pass pretty, authentic hamlets (Goulaz, Vincendières...) as well as Avérole, its torrent and the refuge of the same name.
The Esseillon barrier from La Norma (26.4 km)
This discovery loop from La Norma (1,355 m), in the Maurienne, about 80 km (1 h 20) from our campsite, takes you by road in the footsteps of history (Saint-Julien church, the village of Avrieux, Fort Victor-Emmanuel, Fort Saint-Gobain...). Do not leave without a GPS, as the route is not waymarked. Allow about 3 hours of cycling to reach the highest point at 1,471 m and complete this beautiful ride.
The Chemins du Soleil by mountain bike, towards the Albanais (49.7 km)
This ride, several sections of which share the Way of St James, is ideally done on an e-MTB. The start is in Frangy, in Haute-Savoie (about 120 km, less than 2 hours from our campsite) (Route du grand pont, 328 m), and the finish is in the hamlet of Vilette (Albens). Allow about 5 h 30 (+960 m/-819 m). Get ready for two climbs that are not too difficult: the one up the Verniaz plateau, leading to the Château de Clermont, and a short one at the end of the route.
La Myrtille (5.1 km, very difficult)
This magnificent, recently designed trail is an excellent outing for mountain bikers keen to try enduro, or as a “little” warm-up for the pros. La Myrtille is part of the Beaufortain enduro area (trail no. 10). The start is at Mont Bisanne (Espace Diamant, Les Saisies, 1,926 m), in the Beaufortain, about 50 km (1 h 05) from our campsite, and the finish is at Bisanne. 430 m of crazy descent through moss-covered woods and over footbridges across streams. Les Saisies can be reached by car or chairlift, and the view of Mont Blanc is grandiose.
Why not stay in the region to recharge or rest between two rides? Camping Eden de la Vanoise, in the heart of nature on the banks of the Isère, is the ideal place to stay in Savoie. Summer and winter alike, you will enjoy exceptional landscapes, invigorating mountain air, fully equipped accommodation and top-quality services (heated indoor pool...).
Sébastien’s tipOn these mountain routes, ascent matters more than distance: better to choose a short, steep route suited to how you feel that day than a long one that wears you out before halfway. Always carry a puncture repair kit and check the weather the day before, some trails become slippery and dangerous after rain.