Best of Alpes vaudoises
Best of Alpes vaudoises
Collection by Alain Rumpf (A Swiss With A Pulse)
8
Tours
38:33 h
353 mi
36,950 ft
I live in the Alpes vaudoises and have created this collection of my favorite rides in this beautiful Swiss region located east from Lake Geneva. The Alpes vaudoises are easily accessible by plane, car and train. There are many quiet and well surfaced roads that will blow away first time visitors.It is a climbing paradise with several passes that are regular features in pro races such as the Tour de Romandie, the Tour de Suisse and the Tour de France.The Union Cycliste Internationale, cycling's world governing body, has its headquarters in Aigle, at the World Cycling Centre. It is a great coffee stop and there is a velodrome, a hall of fame and a small exhibition area with bikes from all eras.This collection is a mix of challenging loops in the mountains and easier rides down in the Rhone valley. There is also one gravel loop for off road lovers.
On The Map
Tours & Highlights
- 08:3271.1 mi8.3 mph7,850 ft7,775 ft
The classic loop of the Alpes vaudoises with the Col de la Croix, the Col du Pillon and the Col des Mosses. The ride starts in Aigle at the World Cycling Center which is home to the UCI.
- Difficult06:0358.3 mi9.6 mph7,600 ft7,600 ftExpert road ride. Very good fitness required. Some portions of the Tour may be unpaved and difficult to ride.
This route starting in Villars-sur-Ollon uses mostly small roads with moderate traffic, with exceptional views of Lake Geneva and the Alps.
Starting from Villars, the Col de la Croix (km 8, 1774 m) has several demanding climbs and then a flat section where you can recover before tackling the last 3 kilometres…
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- Difficult04:3137.1 mi8.2 mph4,800 ft4,800 ftExpert bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
Villars is located mid-way up the Col de la Croix, the essential climb for cyclists in the region. After reaching the summit, there’s a long descent to Aigle before you climb back up to Villars via Bex.
With nearly 1300m of climbing, the Col de la Croix (1778 m) is one of the toughest passes in Switzerland…
- Easy02:0028.6 mi14.3 mph300 ft300 ftEasy road ride. Great for any fitness level. Some portions of the Tour may be unpaved and difficult to ride.
This flat route to the shores of Lake Geneva, along quiet roads, is ideal for families.
Le Chablais is the ideal terrain for easy cycling away from the main roads. On the way, you cycle along the train line, through Aigle (km 11), to Villeneuve (km 21) where you can have a well-deserved rest and admire…
- Intermediate02:0625.2 mi12.0 mph1,675 ft1,675 ftIntermediate road ride. Good fitness required. Some portions of the Tour may be unpaved and difficult to ride.
This undulating route takes you through the hills of Le Chablais and returns along the banks of the Rhône.
There are three hills on this moderately difficult route: La Pelouse (km 5), Bévieux (km 10) and Verschiez (km 18), while the return trip is on the flat. You can refuel in the café-restaurant at…
- Difficult05:0230.7 mi6.1 mph4,725 ft4,700 ftExpert gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
The Alpes vaudoises offer many options for gravel lovers. This loop from Villars-sur-Ollon takes you to the ski area of Bretaye via a small, quiet road with great views on the Rhone valley near the top.
From there you traverse towards the Diablerets ski area, on mostly gravel roads with some steep sections…
- Difficult07:1277.5 mi10.8 mph6,300 ft6,300 ftExpert road ride. Very good fitness required. Some portions of the Tour may be unpaved and difficult to ride.
Allow a day for this ride which starts by taking you to the shores of Lake Geneva and then climbs back up to Bulle.
For a change, this route from Les Diablerets starts with a descent towards Aigle (km 19). Then there’s a flat section to Montreux (km 35), before heading up again to Châtel-Saint-Denis…
- Difficult03:0724.4 mi7.8 mph3,700 ft3,700 ftExpert road ride. Very good fitness required. Some portions of the Tour may be unpaved and difficult to ride.
At km 2, just before Vers l’Eglise, take a right towards Les Voëttes. Then there’s a short climb followed by a descent to La Comballaz (km 10) and an 11 km section of climbs and descents through the mountain pastures to Leysin.
After the descent to Le Sépey, you follow a small road back up to the charming…
© OSMUCI World Cycling Centre
Road Cycling Highlight
The World Cycling Centre is an elite level cycling training center that also hosts the headquarters of the UCI, cycling's world governing body.
The centre is open to the public. You can stop for coffee or a meal at the Vélodrome, the in--house café. You can also check out the indoor velodrome and visit the exhibition area with a Hall of Fame and a collection of vintage bicycles- © OSM
Col des Mosses north side
Road Cycling Highlight (Segment)
A regular feature in the Tour de Romandie and Tour de Suisse, the Col des Mosses is the easiest climb of the Alpes vaudoises, with two flat sections and otherwise gentle slopes.
- © OSM
Col du Pillon south side
Road Cycling Highlight (Segment)
The south side of the Col du Pillom from Les Diablerets is short (5km) and offers fantastic views on the Massif des Diablerets and spectacular waterfalls.
- © OSM
Col de la Croix south side
Road Cycling Highlight
From the Rhone valley, the Col de la Croix is a BIG challenge with more than 1300m of climbing. The upper part meanders through woods and pastures all the way to the top at 1775m.
- © OSM
Col de la Croix north side
Road Cycling Highlight (Segment)
The gradient is almost constant (around 7%) on this climb which offers beautiful views on the Massif des Diablerets. Enjoy the famous tarte (cake) de Francine at the top!
- © OSM
Le Bévieux to Barboleuse climb
Road Cycling Highlight (Segment)
The first part of the climb in the vineyards has the steepest gradients (10 to 12%). The rest is much easier (6 to 8%).
This is the best option to climb the Col de la Croix as the road from Ollon to Villars is much busier. - © OSM
View on the Grand Muveran
Road Cycling Highlight
Take a break and sit a the pic nic table on the right to enjoy the view!
- © OSM
Beautiful view on Villars and the Rhone valley
Bike Touring Highlight
Nice gravel section with a fantastic view just before you get to the Bretaye ski area
- © OSM
Boulangerie Tea Room Charlet
Road Cycling Highlight
Great place to stop for coffee on the way to Villars and the Col de la Croix. Fantastic choice of baked goods, sandwiches and salads
- © OSM
Bike path along the Rhone
Road Cycling Highlight (Segment)
Quiet road reserved for bikes along the Rhone river. You can stop at the UCI's World cycling Center for coffee and food
- © OSM
Descente du Lac de l’Hongrin
Road Cycling Highlight (Segment)
Stunning view on Lake Geneva from Les Agites just before the start of the big downhill.
Respect the schedule indicated on the sign at the entrance of the dark and narrow tunnel at the top to avoid scary encounters with oncoming traffic!
The downhill is steep in places (>20%), control your speed. - © OSM
Col de La Pierre du Moëllé
Road Cycling Highlight
Beautiful landscape and little traffic. The north side is not always accessible.
Tip by Tierriminator
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Collection Stats
- Tours8
- Highlights14
- Distance353 mi
- Duration38:33 h
- Elevation36,950 ft
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