Col de Bassacheux

Col de Bassacheux

This is a real adventure.  You will need to walk a small section of descent (about 2 km) between Col de Bassacheux and Les Lindarets, so either wear running shoes, do it on a mountain bike (to enable you to walk only a much smaller section), or do it on a road bike wearing clip-in shoes but carry running shoes with you in a day-pack for this section and either carry or wheel your bike.

Start by descending on the main road through St Jean d’Aulps (signposts to Thonon) and take the right fork up to Le Biot after around 10km. The 6km climb to Col du Corbier is a good starter, averaging 8%.

Descend to the main road in the Abondance Valley with some very nice switchbacks and then turn right.  The road climbs slowly to Chatel after 38km. You can either go through Chatel and grab a coffee, then take a small switchback descent back to the main road, or you can bypass Chatel completely by sticking to the main valley road.

Follow the signs to the Col de Bassachaux, which is a long 17km from La Chapelle d’Abondance, but only 4.5% gradient on average. The key word is ‘average’ here as there are about 5 tough kilometres to ascend once the climb gets going in earnest.  This beautiful climb goes up to a high point for this part of the Alps, around 1800m.

​The off-road fun starts on the other side to connect through to Les Lindarets. It starts off uphill heading South East on a good quality long distance trail GR5, which you may be able to ride depending on your bike. Then turn right after 52km taking a walking descent down to Les Lindarets in the valley below to your right. From this point at 54km descend the bottom part of the Joux Verte, past Lake Montriond and Montriond back to the Aiglon in Morzine. Chapeau!

Road Bike Package Deals

By popular demand, we have created a packaged deal for guided road bike holidays in Morzine. This gives you a fabulous way to explore the area, and the added benefit of staying in our wonderful apartments. The package is as follows:

• €550 per person based on 6 sharing a 3-bedroom apartment (€150 single person supplement)
• 4 night’s accommodation in Aiglon
• Choice of arrival date (subject to availability)
• Return transfers from/to Geneva airport
• Evening meals on each night (max 4) at local restaurants and in apartment
• An experienced and qualified guide for 3 days
• Packed lunches on 3 days (sandwich, drink and fruit/chocolate bar)
• Breakfast in room on 4 mornings (tea, coffee, orange juice, bread, jam, pastries)
• Meet & Greet at L’Aiglon for details on itinerary

Simply fill in the enquiry form on this page, and we’ll be back in contact with further information.