Cycling and mountain biking holidays, French Alps with Chalet Claud

Mountain biking

615km of trails.
Superb quality with specialist drainage to keep the trails dry.
Wide range to suit all standards.
Freshwater refill areas available
Easiest, near flat 6km track from Samoens to Morillon.
The tough "Tour de Haut Giffre". 81km with 2520m climb, 3645m descent!
Four chairlifts open in July and August to make ascending easier.
The trails are open for much of the year as using the chairs is not essential.
Maps are available locally from the tourist office.
An on-line map is available, in season on the Grand massif, official site.

Road biking

The Tour de France passes through Samoens on July 20th! Follow in the tracks of Lance Armstrong and head over the Col de Joux Plane. Samoens is the start point for six amazing rides and, if that isn't enough, a further eight begin within 20 minutes drive. Again you can get a map at the tourist office.

The ones leaving Samoens are:

Tour De Bargy - 70km long with an overall climb of 1160m. Challenging.

Circuit De Joux-Plane - 74km with a vertical climb of 1620m overall. This ride offers stunning views of many local peaks, beautiful mountain lakes just waiting for you to cool off, tough climbs and long descents. Only open in the summer, this route is usually covered in snow from December to April.

Circuit De La Ramaz - 67km with a vertical climb of 1300m to the top of Praz-de-Lys, overlooking Geneva and its lake.

Tour De Mole - Fantastic 55km ride with a break point at the Lac du Mole. Less challenging.

Fer A Cheval - 68km with a 580m climb. Superb riding through the Giffre Valley, along the river and returning at Fer A Cheval with it's dozen enormous waterfalls, and breathtaking cliffs. Again a medium ride.

Boucle Du Giffre - 42km and a climb of 430m. You might want to test yourself on this "easy" ride first! Circles the valley with some optional hairpins in the middle.