Bike hire with Joe Bike
at Grand-Bornand

Q: Is the descent from the Col de la Colombière to Scionzier technical?

Oui, le versant Nord (côté Reposoir) est particulièrement technique. La première partie présente de grandes lignes droites avec de forts pourcentages où l'on prend énormément de vitesse, suivies de virages en épingles très serrés. De plus, la route est parfois ombragée sous les arbres, ce qui peut masquer des zones d'humidité ou des imperfections sur l'asphalte. Une grande vigilance et de bons réflexes de freinage sont requis.

Q: Are there any cycling routes suitable for children or beginners?

Pour rouler en toute sécurité et sans dénivelé important, l'idéal est de remonter le Vallon du Bouchet. La route y est très peu pentue et double une piste cyclable/piétonne partagée en site propre sur plusieurs sections. C'est un aller-retour d'environ 15 kilomètres au cœur de la vallée, parfait pour les sorties en famille au milieu des vaches et des prairies de fauche.

Q: Le meilleur moment de la journée pour gravir des cols en été est tôt le matin, avant que le soleil ne devienne trop fort et que la chaleur n'augmente.

Il est fortement recommandé de partir tôt le matin (entre 7h et 9h). Le Grand-Bornand et le col de la Colombière sont très prisés par les motards, les camping-cars et les voitures de tourisme en juillet et août. En partant tôt, vous profiterez d'une route déserte, d'un air frais salvateur pour grimper et vous éviterez la réverbération du soleil sur la roche calcaire.

Q: Where can one refill with drinking water along the routes?

Le village dispose de plusieurs fontaines d'eau potable, notamment sur la place de l'église et près de la gare routière. Durant l'ascension vers le Chinaillon ou dans le Vallon du Bouchet, vous trouverez également des bassins en bois ou en pierre alimentés par les sources de la montagne. L'eau y est fraîche et parfaitement potable pour remplir vos bidons.

Situated at an altitude of 920 metres (and rising to 1,300 metres on its Chinaillon plateau), Le Grand-Bornand is a legendary land for mountain biking. Here, there's no flimsy scenery: the resort is an authentic mountain village, proud of its 400-year-old chalets and its vibrant pastoral traditions. In the heart of the Aravis massif, the terrain displays a distinct verticality and a rugged character. Le Grand-Bornand is the starting point for memorable road routes and the haven for secluded roads that climb towards the sky. Cyclists come here to test themselves on the ramps that have crowned the greatest champions of the Tour de France or to escape into secret valleys where the sound of the Arve river replaces that of engines.

Our agencies in Le Grand-Bornand

INTERSPORT LE GRAND BORNAND

Villavit Road

The giant's trial: the Col de la Colombière via its king's side

For any road cyclist, Le Grand-Bornand is inextricably linked with the gruelling Col de la Colombière (1,613 m). Whilst the full ascent begins further down the road, it is from the village centre that the legend really takes off. Stretching for nearly 12 kilometres from the church, the climb is divided into two distinct sections. The first few kilometres climb steadily but consistently through the bends of the Chinaillon. After a short stretch through the upper resort, the road plunges into the rugged, rocky landscape of the final hairpin bends. It is here, over the final 3 kilometres, that the gradient rises above 8.5 % and a headwind sweeps the riders away at the foot of the Jallouvre cliffs.

The intimacy of the valleys: the Écotagnes and Bouchet circuit

Away from the main passes, Le Grand-Bornand offers mid-mountain routes of absolute wild beauty for exploratory cycle touring. The road to Bouchet Valley is a classic route: it winds its way up a gentle slope alongside the stream, at the foot of the Aravis mountain range, offering perfect tarmac and rare tranquility amidst traditional farmhouses. For those who enjoy a challenge, the link via the Col des Écotagnes allows you to descend towards Saint-Jean-de-Sixt on a narrow, winding, and completely shaded forest road. This is the ideal terrain for clocking up the miles at your own pace, away from the main traffic routes.

Les balcons du Lachat: VTTAE ridge paradise

Mont Lachat, which overlooks the resort, has become the main attraction for outdoor enthusiasts thanks to electric mountain biking (e-MTB). The forest and pasture tracks climb very steeply from the village to reach the summit ridge at over 2,000m. The terrain, made of compacted shale and alpine pasture, offers exceptional performance and a 360° panorama connecting Mont-Blanc to the Bornes.

Terraced relief and heat management

The topography of Grand-Bornand is characterised by a stepped profile (the Village, then Le Chinaillon, then the passes). This configuration requires careful management of effort: the body undergoes sharp changes in gradient at each change in level. Exposed to the Adret (south-facing slope), the Colombière road stores suffocating heat in the afternoon, making the air dry and the thermal effort intense during summer climbs.

FAQ

Is the descent from the Col de la Colombière to Scionzier technical?

Yes, the North face (Reposoir side) is particularly technical. The first part features long straights with steep gradients where you build up a lot of speed, followed by very tight hairpin bends. Furthermore, the road is sometimes shaded by trees, which can hide damp patches or imperfections in the tarmac. Great vigilance and good braking reflexes are required.

Are there any cycling routes suitable for children or beginners?

To ride safely and without significant inclines, the ideal route is to go up the Vallon du Bouchet. The road is very gently sloped and runs alongside a shared cycle path/footpath for several sections. It's an out-and-back journey of approximately 15 kilometres in the heart of the valley, perfect for family outings amongst the cows and hay meadows.

Le meilleur moment de la journée pour gravir des cols en été est tôt le matin, avant que le soleil ne devienne trop fort et que la chaleur n'augmente.

It is strongly recommended to leave early in the morning (between 7am and 9am). Le Grand-Bornand and the Col de la Colombière are very popular with motorcyclists, motorhomes and tourist cars in July and August. By leaving early, you will enjoy an empty road, refreshing cool air for climbing, and you will avoid the sun's glare on the limestone rock.

Where can one refill with drinking water along the routes?

The village has several drinking water fountains, notably in the church square and near the bus station. During the ascent towards Le Chinaillon or in the Vallon du Bouchet, you will also find wooden or stone basins fed by mountain springs. The water is cool and perfectly potable for filling your containers.

Hire your bike in

your favourite agency

Bike hire with Joe Bike at Grand-Bornand