The Col de la Colombiere is one of the Tour de France classics and when combined with the climb over the Col des Aravis it makes for a picturesque but very tough route.
Col de la Colombiere and Col Des Aravis
A long route for advanced riders with fantastic views and satisfying climbs
It is possible to set off from Morzine take the road out through Les Gets and then follow the D902 through Taninges to Cluses but the most interesting part of this circuit are the climbs over the Col de Colombiere and Col des Aravis and as they are tough it might make sense to drive to Cluses and take fifty kilometres off the total route.
From Cluses take the D4 over the Col and down towards Le Grand Bornand. The D4 turns into the D909 at Saint Jean de Sixt and from here you will begin climbing over the Col des Aravis before decending once again to Flumet. The climb out of the Gorge d'Arly on the on the D1212 is narrow and winding but not steep by comparison to what you have just tackled and from Megeve it is down hill all the way back to Cluses.
Distance - 150km (From Morzine)
100km (From Cluses)
Vertical Gain - 3000m (From Morzine)
2050m (From Cluses)
Highest Point - 1613m Col de la Colombiere
Time - 6 to 8 hours
Cycle hire
Bike Hire in Morzine
See all Bike Hire in Morzine-
Mountain bike hire
Mountain bike hire conveniently located at the foot of the Pleney lift, ready for your alpine adventure
Located just 50 metres from the tourist office and 200 metres from the Pleney cable car, this mountain bike hire shop has everything you need for a summer holiday in the French Alps.
-
Mountain bike hire
Mountain bike hire, expert servicing, and a wide range of accessories for all your cycling needs
This company offers a range of bikes for hire, including downhill and enduro mountain bikes, fatbikes, cross-country bikes, road bikes, and family bikes.
-
Road bike hire
Road bike hire shop located in the heart of central Morzine, offering top-quality bikes for all levels
This road biking specialist shop is located on Rue du Bourg, just up the hill from Bar Robinson in the centre of Morzine.
-
Mountain bike hire
Mountain bike hire, gear and expert advice in Les Gets, from a long-standing local specialist
This trusted Les Gets bike shop has been offering quality rentals, top gear from leading brands, and expert mechanical support for years.
-
Mountain bike hire
Mountain bike hire in central Morzine, just minutes from the lifts
This company offers a great range of mountain bikes for hire, from full-suspension downhill and enduro bikes to full-suspension models for kids.
-
Mountain bike hire
Downhill and enduro mountain bikes available for hire in the heart of Morzine
This MTB store is located on Rue du Bourg, just up the hill from Bar Robinson in the centre of Morzine.
What to see
Sights in Morzine
See all Sights in Morzine-
Alta Lumina enchanted night walk
Music, light and landscape come together for a unique experience
In the heart of the French Alps, in the village of Les Gets, experience a night walk in an enchanted forest like no other. Set off along the path of a travelling music-maker and his hot-air balloon, and follow his incredible journey beyond the mountains.
-
Mechanical Music museum
Musée de la Musique Mécanique
Explore the mechanical music museum where you will learn about the history and development of mechanical musical instruments through the ages.
-
Pointe de Nyon hiking and trails
A great educational walking trail for families with stunning views
The Pointe de Nyon area is dedicated to hiking trails and discovering the fauna that lives in the mountains.
-
Les Gorges du Pont du Diable
Walk through spectacular rock formations in a deep gorge close to Morzine and Avoriaz
A great walk through a beech forest and dramatic limestone gorges carved by the Dranse de Morzine. Expect vibrant rock colours, safe cliffside paths and even a daring glass walkway you can try.
-
Trout Fish Farm
Learn about mountain fish farming and choose fresh local fish straight from the source
Visit the local fish farm to discover how arctic char and trout are raised in alpine waters. Join a tour, try your hand at fishing or pick up fresh fish to take home.
-
Slate workshop
Slate mine discovery tour and working with slate workshop
Discover and explore the slate mines of Morzine.
Where to lunch
Restaurants in Morzine
See all Restaurants in Morzine-
Le PaSionNant Restaurant
Gastronomic restaurant at the foot of the pistes in Morzine
Fine dining in Morzine, imaginative dishes and great presentation
-
L'Etale Restaurant
Popular restaurant in Morzine centre offering continuous service, close to the slopes
Located near the Pleney lift and l’Opera nightclub, L’Etale is reputed to be one of Morzine's best restaurants, serving great food at a reasonable price. It's a versatile restaurant for families and groups, although in high season if you’re in a large group it’s definitely worth booking ahead as it does get very busy.
-
The Hideout Kitchen
Good value Pan Asian fusion restaurant offering small plates perfect for sharing
Every season Hideout Hostel scours Europe for the best pop up restaurants around to bring guests the most fantastic food possible. Eat in the stylish bar or on the sunny terrace.
-
La Grange Restaurant
A very popular hidden gem in the heart of Morzine serving traditional Savoyard cuisine
La Grange Restaurant is hidden down a little back road, less than 100 metres from the tourist office in the centre of Morzine, and only 100 metres from the bottom of the Pleney, making it a great alternative to eating up the mountain.
-
Restaurant la Pointe de Nyon & Les Aigles du Léman
Mountain-top dining with breath taking views and an incredible birds of prey nature park
Le Pointe de Nyon combines stunning mountain views with a unique nature park featuring impressive birds of prey, creating a memorable experience alongside its menu of traditional French and Savoyard dishes. The restaurant’s famous Savoyard burger layered with melting Reblochon and a rich red-wine onion compote, is an absolute must-try. Open daily and offering activities for all ages, it’s an ideal destination for a full mountain day out, whether you’re dining, exploring or simply soaking up the scenery.
-
La Dez'Alp Restaurant
Lovely French brasserie in a modern Savoyard style in Morzine centre
Dez’Alp is a cosy, family-run restaurant in the heart of Morzine, serving hearty local dishes, generous daily specials and standout burgers. The menu ranges from traditional Alpine favourites like fondue and foie gras to chunky, steak-style burgers tucked into artisan bread and paired with perfectly crispy fries. Warm, friendly service and stunning mountain views add to the charm, while the spacious, sun-soaked terrace makes it a reliable favourite for relaxed meals all year round.
What to do
Things To Do in Morzine
See all Things To Do in Morzine-
Buzz Performance at The Hive
A well equipped gym, variety of fitness classes and coached training sessions
The Hive is a well equipped modern and spacious gym for solo or group training.
-
Pointe de Nyon hiking and trails
A great educational walking trail for families with stunning views
The Pointe de Nyon area is dedicated to hiking trails and discovering the fauna that lives in the mountains.
-
Mountain Rehab gym
Fully equipped gym, Pilates classes physio and sports massage at L'Aiglon de Morzine
This gym is fully equipped with all the equipment you need for a great workout. Located at L'Aiglon de Morzine Residence, just five minutes from the centre of resort, it is also open to the public.
-
Summer luge
Summer Luge on the Pleney, take one of the two toboggan runs
The Morzine summer luge winds it's way down the left hand side of the Pleney. Take the La Crusaz chairlift up with your sledge and make your way down the track.
-
-
Private mountain biking tuition and guiding
Tailored mountain biking sessions of one to three hours, with an experienced guide
Receive the full attention of a private guide, and tons of personalised feedback, to help you improve your riding skills.
