Lake Annecy sits beside the city of the same name, overlooked by the tall peak of the La Tournette mountain. It’s sparkling water and blue and turquoise hues are a sight to behold. Cycling-wise Annecy is perfectly situated; a stone’s throw away from some of the most iconic climbs in the sport it is an ideal base for tackling the classic Alpine Cols. Post-ride activities are also aplenty including a walk along the canals which run through the pastel-coloured town giving it the nickname: ‘the Venice of the Alps’. The vast beauty of ‘le lac d’Annecy’ is something that needs to be seen to be believed. So blue is the lake and so unrealistically perfect the snow-topped mountains that it’s hard to believe it isn’t in fact a painting. Indeed, the French artist Cézanne, despite sneeringly describing the view as one which “young lady travellers like to sketch in their albums”, painted it anyway, an indication of just how stunning it is.
The 21 hairpins of Alpe d’Huez may not be the toughest, steepest, longest or most beautiful, but they provide what must be one of the most iconic stretches of climbing in cycling history. El Pirata, Marco Pantani, holds the record for the fastest ever ascent at 37 mins 35 seconds. Mere mortals fulled on jam sandwiches and espresso can aim for the hour as being an exceptionally good time.
The 8th highest paved road in the Alps, the Col du Galibier is one of the French Alps’ giants, and is often featured in the Tour de France. Sitting at an impressive 2,642 m above sea level, it’s a legend in its own right.
Originally from Cardiff, Gethyn is a well-balanced guide who loves the social side of cycling. Whether he’s talking endlessly about the world or enjoying a “marriage made in heaven” (cold beer and pork scratchings), he finds his peace on the road between Tossa and Sant Feliu or swimming in a forest river.
Look no further than these incredible destinations for your 2026 cycling wish-list!
The Alps offer some of the best cycling routes in Europe. Known for their skyscraping peaks, their pristine, glassy lakes, and sweeping alpine valleys, the...
Dreaming cycling in the high mountains? Here's our guide for what to pack.
