Cycling training to Chambéry Montagnes

First mountain passes, first sensations

Spring often marks a return to cycling. The skis go back into the cupboard, the calves wake up… and the urge to ride returns with the first rays of sunshine.

In Chambéry Montagnes, the season gets off to an early start: clear roads, pleasant temperatures and still light traffic. Between Lake Bourget, the vineyards and the first hairpin bends of the Bauges and Chartreuse mountain ranges, the terrain is ideal for getting back into the swing of things.

A few kilometres of easy riding to start with, then the first climbs appear. You find your breathing rhythm, your pace returns… and the season can really begin.

An ideal environment

A training ground for all levels
From the flat valleys to the first mountain passes of the Bauges and Chartreuse, everyone can tailor their rides to suit their ability or goals.

Roads that are quickly accessible
Thanks to a relatively mild climate and moderate altitudes, many routes become accessible as soon as winter ends.

Varied routes to help you improve
Smooth roads to build up your endurance, steady climbs to get back into the swing of things, long loops to rack up the elevation gain: every ride has its own charm.

A taste of the Alps
Before tackling the legendary high mountain passes, the roads around Chambéry provide an excellent training ground.

From the flat section to the first hairpin bends

At Chambéry Montagnes, every visit can be different.

Cycling rides
A ride around Lake Bourget or along the vineyard routes offers gentle terrain where you can get back into the swing of things and rack up the kilometres.

Regular climbs
The climbs up Le Revard, Le Granier and Plainpalais are ideal for working on your pace without immediately tackling very long mountain passes.

Long rides
More experienced cyclists can tackle Bauges, Chartreuse and the valleys in quick succession for some great days’ training.

Etape vignoble autour de la belle via

Cycling up Col de Plainpalais

Boucle cyclo : Tour du Colombier d'Aillon

All routes

Nina Lavenu’s equipment tips

When temperatures are still fluctuating wildly in spring, it’s best to be able to adapt as you go. Nina Lavenu, a professional cyclist sponsored by Chambéry Montagnes, therefore opts for versatile kit for her early-season training sessions.

Her secret: layering up to stay warm at the start… and being able to shed layers as the intensity and the sun get stronger.

The champions Chambéry Montagnes

I start with a long-sleeved base layer, some really warm socks so my feet don’t get cold, long cycling shorts, a colourful, slightly fluorescent mid-season jacket so that cars can see me, a sleeveless top that I can take off if it gets too hot, a neck warmer because I get cold easily and don’t want to catch a cold, long gloves that can also be taken off, and finally, shoe covers for my feet.

In the wake of the peloton

Here, cycling rides have a Tour-like feel to them.
You’ll cycle between Lake Bourget, vineyards and rolling hills, on roads already tackled by the champions of the 2025 Zwift Women’s Tour de France.

A bend, a climb… and that thrill: the thrill of cycling in the wake of the professionals.

The Stage of the 2025 Tour de France Femmes

©
©Alpigraphie / Kröll Matthias - Grand Chambery Alpes Tourisme,

Chambéry Montagnes in yellow

In 2026, Chambéry Montagnes will host the 17th stage of the Tour de France.

For one day, the roads come alive, cheers ring out, and the excitement is shared as the peloton passes by.

In Chambéry Montagnes, the Tour doesn’t just pass through. It’s an experience to be lived.

Find out more about the 2026 Tour de France

To each their own pace on and around the bike

Easy walks along greenways

Here, too, cycling is a leisurely experience.

The cycle routesoffer accessible and safe trails, perfect for a leisurely ride amongst Lake Bourget, rivers and vineyards. You cycle at your own pace, stop whenever you like, and simply enjoy yourself.

Cycle pathsand greenways

Before or after your cycle ride: make the most of the experience

What if your day out didn’t end with your final pedal stroke?

In Chambéry Montagnes, cycling goes hand in hand with a thousand other pleasures: strolling through the narrow streets steeped in history, setting off on a ride through the Bauges, or simply taking the time to relax.

A real treasure trove of experiences to savour… before, after, or even without a bike.

What is there to do in Chambéry Montagnes?

Rent your bike to Chambéry Montagnes

Don’t have any kit? Check out our local hire companies.

Alpes In Bike: bike rental

Osmoz' - Location de vélos, vélos électriques, Encadrement sports de nature

Our advice for a stress-free drive

Weather

Check the weather forecast before you set off: conditions can change quickly in the mountains.

Weather information

Coming by train

Chambéry – Challes-les-Eaux station, in the city centre, has direct connections to Paris, Lyon, Geneva and Turin.

Discover

Accueil Vélo label

After a ride in the Bauges or the Chartreuse, there’s nothing quite like accommodation designed with cyclists in mind. In Chambéry Montagnes, several establishments hold the ‘Accueil Vélo’ accreditation, offering services tailored to cyclists.

Accueil Vélo label

Find your accommodation to Chambéry Montagnes

All accommodation

And after the exertion Recycling

After a lovely bike ride, it’s time for a bit of a treat.
Pop into La Ruche Boutik to discover the ‘recovery pack’: a bottle opener and a non-alcoholic Run’Hard beer, as well as other aperitif ideas to make the most of your ride with some great products.

Discover La Ruche Boutik'