Cycling Mont du Chat – a challenging ride from Annecy

If you are after a long ride with plenty of climbing then this route which sees you cycling the Mont du Chat climb may be for you. From Annecy, you will make your way to the shores of Lac du Bourget before tackling the climb itself. There are two options for riding to the summit – the climb from Le Bourget du Lac is significantly steeper with average gradients of 9%. A real test for the legs. The alternative climb from Bordeau is longer although the average gradients is also much kinder at 4.5%.

Suggested cycling route

Food and water

Make sure to top up with food and water at the base of the climb at either Le Bourget du Lac or Bordeau.

Climb statistics and gradient profile

Mont du Chat

Length: 13.7km / 8.5mi

Average gradient: 9.2%

Start point: Le Bourget du Lac

Elevation at top: 1,504m / 4,934ft

Mont du Chat

Length: 19km / 11.2mi

Average gradient: 5.9%

Start point: Bordeau

Elevation at top: 1,504m / 4,934ft

Discover our comprehensive guide to Cycling in the French Alps

This challenging cycling route is just one of many great rides near the city of Annecy which you can enjoy. This area of the French Alps is very popular with cyclists owing to the variety of terrain on offer.

If you are not familiar with this region then, our comprehensive guide will help you plan everything you need for your cycling holiday. The guide includes information such as:

• a map of the French Alps with climbs and towns marked
• where to base yourself whist on your cycling holiday
• cycling hotels and lodges
• bike hire outlets
• getting to and from major destination hubs – including public transport connections
• non-cycling attractions and activities in the region

Click here to see a list of cycling routes available from Annecy. Our cycling route suggestions start in Annecy as we know from experience the majority of people visiting the area will stay in, or close to the city.

Author

Stephen

Stephen is an avid cycling enthusiast who enjoys various forms of cycling, including road cycling, cycle touring, mountain biking, and gravel riding. For more than a decade, he has been travelling to France for cycling holidays and has recently settled in the French Pyrenees. Having extensive experience in travelling with his bike, Stephen has learned how to navigate the logistics of transporting bikes via planes, trains, cars, and shipping methods.