Mythical Alpine passes — five breathtaking rides in Chamonix

Fancy riding through the heart of the Haute-Savoie, at the foot of the highest peaks in the French Alps, Mont Blanc and its foothills? Starting in my hometown of Chamonix, a mountain town renowned for mountaineering and extreme sports, I bring you some of the best road bike routes and loops in the region.

These are my five favourite routes. They’re all less than 100 kilometres (60 mi) long, and are designed for experienced cyclists who like to climb! The Tours either start from the centre of Chamonix or within a 30 minutes trip by car, bus or train.

These routes are, in my opinion, the best in the region. Here, you’ll find mythical passes such as the Col de la Colombière, the Col des Saisies and the Col des Aravis, and unforgettable views of the highest mountains in France.

You’ll pass through historic villages and ski resorts while cycling in the footsteps of professional cyclists who have been training and competing on these routes for decades. There are plenty of photo opportunities, so plan for a lot of breaks!

If you're coming from far away, I recommend finding accommodation in Chamonix. It's a historic alpine town, nestled beneath the incredible bulk of Mont Blanc. This mighty peak stands at 4,810 metres (15,780 ft) and is the highest mountain in Western Europe. Easily accessible by plane, train, bus or road, Chamonix offers a wide choice of accommodation and restaurants. Geneva International Airport is only an hour's drive away and there are regular bus connections. Remember to book your bike space on the train or bus.

There are two bike shops in the town centre if you need spares or repairs. There are two more specialised road bike shops in Sallanches, which is a 30-minute drive from Chamonix.

Even if you come to Chamonix to cycle, I recommend taking at least half a day to enjoy the town's atmosphere with its bars, restaurants and museums steeped in history. The greatest mountaineers and adventurers have been here.