Savoie, and more broadly Tarantaise, is known for its numerous passes and routes very popular with cyclists, among them, the famous Belleville climb which was the subject of a stage of the Tour de France in 2019. Two cycle paths altitude connecting Val Thorens at the Col de Tougnète have also expanded the cycling offering, to the delight of road bike enthusiasts.
The rise of the Bellevilles
Very famous and the subject of numerous events, including the arrival of the Tour France and the Etape du Tour in 2019, the Belleville climb is 37km of climb and nearly 2000m of positive altitude difference to reach Val Thorens at 2300m altitude.
2 route choices
For the start of the climb, 2 choices are available to you:
- The climb through Saint-Jean-de-Belleville, which is the climb via the main road (D117). This climb is limited and tells you the altitude, the number of kilometers remaining to the stations and the average percentage of elevation gain to come.
- The climb via Saint-Laurent de la Côte (D96), which is the official route taken by the Tour de France in 2019. The road is narrower and less busy.
Good to know: the climb via Saint-Laurent de la Côte joins the D117 just before Saint-Martin-de-Belleville to finish at Val Thorens. The crossing of Saint-Martin-de-Belleville, Menuires and Val Thorens is therefore common to both routes.
The routes are available and downloadable from the Vallée des Belleville Komoot.
As a bonus
Once arrived at Val Thorens, you will be able to complete the last kilometer of the finish of the Tour de France 2019. The route is indicated in the station and you will also find it on the station map further down the page.
The 2 high-altitude cycle paths
The 2 high-altitude cycle paths, open in summer 2022, are paved and exclusively dedicated to bicycles. They allow cyclists to have the impression of being alone in the world, facing a breathtaking panorama.
The two cycle paths are accessible both to families on electric bikes and to accomplished cyclists. Be careful though, the Les Menuires – Tougnète cycle path has quite high percentages of up to 20% at the end.
Les Menuires – Col de Tougnète cycle path
- Length: 7 kilometers
- Ascent: 626 meters
- Average slope: 9,4%
- Departure at 1821 meters, arrival at 2434 meters
Take part in the 3 Vallées Cycling Trophy
Challenge the clock on the Les Menuires – Col de Tougnète cycle path with the 3 Valleys Cycling Trophy.
This is a Strava challenge inviting you to set the best time possible.
To participate, go to the starting point of the cycle path in Les Menuires and launch Strava or your watch allowing you to synchronize your activity with Strava and set off on the pass!
Les Menuires cycle path – Val Thorens
- Length: 6,5 kilometers
- Ascent: 535 meters
- Average slope: 8,3%
- Departure at 1823 meters, arrival at 2358 meters
Good to know: the profile is indicated here for a climb in the direction Les Menuires – Val Thorens. It is entirely possible to follow the cycle path in the direction Val Thorens – Les Menuires, then continue on the second cycle path towards the Col de Tougnète.
For a return trip to the Col de Tougnète from Val Thorens, passing through Les Menuires, count 27 km and 1130 meters of positive altitude difference.
Locate the start of the cycle path at Val Thorens
Starting point
À Val Thorens, the start of the cycle path is at the entrance to the station, near the fire station.
Map of hiking and mountain biking trails – Val Thorens
The cycle path starting from Val Thorens and towards Les Menuires is marked on the map below.
Summer road cycling events
Peak to Peak Cyclo des Belleville
Rise of Belleville
To discover
