Cycling & trail running holiday around Lake Annecy
In summary
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Sports
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Duration5 days
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LevelConfirmed
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DestinationAnnecy / Haute-Savoie
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AgeFrom 18 - 80 years
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CO₂-Emissions4.52 kg CO2
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Type of stayIn a group
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Languages
English
French
In a few words
Annecy is our home. For the Ascension Day long weekend , we're taking you on our favorite routes: a loop around the lake to warm up, the Col de Leschaux and the Semnoz for the climbers, and the Col de la Forclaz for the most beautiful view of the lake. And for a change of pace, a trail run between Mont Veyrier and Mont Baron.
Antoine Simon , trail and road running coach, will guide you from the first to the last kilometer. A support vehicle will provide refreshments. You'll run at your own pace, in a small group, without having to worry about the route.
Accommodation is flexible : ideal if you live in the area, or if you prefer to choose your own place. In the evening, we gather around the table to relive the day, with a Savoyard dinner all together on Saturday.
The highlights
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3 bike rides on the mountain passes around the lake and 1 trail run with a view of the lake
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A qualified coach and a support vehicle for every outing
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A small group of 10 people maximum, accommodation not included
Photos
Sport
Level
Road cycling
The expert's opinion
"Around the lake, each mountain pass has its own character: Leschaux to find your rhythm, Semnoz to push your limits, Forclaz for the reward. We ride together, regroup at the top, and on Saturday we swap our bikes for running shoes to see the lake from the ridges. You leave with real mountain legs and the desire to return."
In figures
Road bike
- Average duration/day: 4h
- Average distance/day: 59 km
- Average daily elevation gain: 967 m
- Average daily descent: 967 m
- Predominant type of terrain : Road
Trail and road running
- Average duration/day: 3h
- Average distance/day: 12 km
- Average daily elevation gain: 900 m
- Average daily descent: 900 m
Management
A sports enthusiast since childhood, Antoine has run everything from the 800m to 40km trail races. Specializing in trail running and road racing, he also cycles extensively. Holding the French Athletics Federation's (FFA) Trail & Running Professional Qualification (CQP), he created the trail running section of ASVEL Athletics, which finished 15th at the 2026 French Championships.
Bike rides are led by a qualified professional, but the coach may change due to health, logistical, or other reasons. A similar service will be offered by a certified coach if necessary.
Program
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Arrival at your leisure in Annecy
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Arrival in Annecy is at your leisure the day before the first day of cycling. Accommodation is not included : you choose the lodging that suits you, or you can stay at home if you live in the area. The trip's WhatsApp group allows you to get to know each other before departure.
Day 1 -
Cycling around Lake Annecy
- Activity Road bike
- Duration of the activity 3h
- Distance 42 km
- Positive elevation gain 300 m
- Negative elevation 300 m
- Predominant type of terrain Road
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Meet at 10am in Annecy (location provided upon registration): welcome, bike adjustments, then a ride around the lake in the afternoon along the bike path and the eastern shore. A short technical run on the return to prepare for Saturday's trail run.
Day 2 -
Col de Leschaux and Semnoz
- Activity Road bike
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Distance 75 km
- Positive elevation gain 1600 m
- Negative elevation 1600 m
- Predominant type of terrain Road
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Ascent of the Col de Leschaux from Sevrier, then the Semnoz via the Route des Crêtes. Picnic with the support vehicle. If the Semnoz is still snow-covered, we'll take the Bauges route. The ascents are at your own pace; we'll regroup at the summit.
Day 3 -
Trail from Mont Veyrier to Mont Baron
- Activity Trail and road running
- Duration of the activity 3h
- Distance 12 km
- Positive elevation gain 900 m
- Negative elevation 900 m
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
We're swapping bikes for running shoes: a trail run along the ridges from Mont Veyrier to Mont Baron , with the entire lake below, and a technical downhill workshop. Free afternoon, then a Savoyard dinner together (at your own expense). Not a runner? A gentle bike ride replaces the trail run.
Day 4 -
Col de la Forclaz
- Activity Road bike
- Duration of the activity 4h
- Distance 60 km
- Positive elevation gain 1000 m
- Negative elevation 1000 m
- Predominant type of terrain Road
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Last bike ride: we follow the eastern shore of the lake to Talloires, then climb the Col de la Forclaz de Montmin. We stop at the paragliding viewpoint, with the most beautiful view of the lake, before descending via Doussard and returning to Annecy along the cycle path.
End of stay around 2 p.m.
Day 5
Accommodation
Ideally located on the outskirts of Annecy, this modern aparthotel offers a peaceful and convenient setting for a stay combining sport, nature, and city life. With shops and public transport within easy reach, it provides convenient access to both the city center and the surrounding natural landscapes.
An elegant and ideally located hotel in the heart of Annecy, just a few minutes' walk from the lake and the old town. It offers comfortable and tastefully decorated rooms, as well as a welcoming lounge bar. A perfect base for enjoying the city, whether relaxing by the lake or exploring its cultural offerings.
Access
You will start from the Paquier and our loops always return to this point.
Go to the starting point
Annecy train station is served by several major cities and allows you to easily reach your accommodation.
Paid public parking is available. For departures, we recommend the Annecy Town Hall parking lot.
Price details
The price includes
- The 4-day event will be supervised by a qualified coach (cycling and trail running).
- A support vehicle for every bike ride
- Refreshments during outings
- GPS tracks of the routes
- A Les Bornées goodie
- Accommodation according to the chosen package
The price does not include
- Transportation to Annecy
- Accommodation (self-catering, or partner hotel as an option when booking)
- Lunches and dinners
- Drinks and personal expenses
- Your equipment and bike rental
- The tourist tax
Options
- One-hour sports massage at the hotel : CHF109.78 / unit
- Flex fare and insurance
- Meals according to the chosen package
Practical information
Specific formalities
Specifics
Before your departure, check with the embassy or consulate regarding the entry and stay requirements for your destination country. You can also find this information on the France Diplomatie website ( https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/dossiers-pays/ ).
In the case of flights with stopovers operated by different airlines, also check the entry requirements of the countries you are transiting through.
It is your responsibility to ensure you are in compliance, particularly regarding the validity of your identity documents (for example, some countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months after your return) , visa requirements, necessary vaccinations, and health recommendations. And don't forget to consider any customs restrictions and other potential requirements of your destination or transit country.
ℹ️ Information may change up to the departure date, remember to regularly check official websites.
Equipment
Equipment to bring
Your cycling equipment:
- Road bike (rental available on site, not included)
- Helmet
- Shoes
- Repair equipment
For trail running:
- Trail running shoes
- Hydration pack or belt
- Sticks (optional)
Clothing to bring
Your cycling outfits suitable for the mountains:
- Thigh-highs
- Jerseys
- Jacket
- Sleeves
- Leggings
- Mittens
For trail running:
- Trail shorts or tights
- Technical T-shirt
- Windproof jacket
The Maude team
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- The balance (the remaining 70%) must be paid no later than 30 days before departure.
- ✅ Of an amount greater than €300.
- ✅ Whose departure is in more than 30 days.