→ 211km

↑ 4330m

♦ medium

START/FINISH: Les Diablerets

Country: Switzerland

CLIMBS: Les Voëttes (1401m), La Forclaz (1260m), Villars (1253m), Les Plans-sur-Bex (11178m), Col du Pillon (1546m), Col des Mosses (1445m), Col de la Croix (1778m)

A 4-day tour on quiet roads in the Alps near Lake Geneva

Easily accessible by car and train, the Alpes vaudoises, with their characteristic chalets, green pastures and snow-covered peaks, are a cycling paradise. Between the vineyards of the Chablais and the foot of the Diablerets Glacier, you will find some of the most beautiful passes in Switzerland and flat loops in the Rhone Valley, all on roads with moderate traffic and excellent surfacing.

The region is also a mecca for world cycling as it is home to the headquarters of the International Cycling Union (UCI) and regularly hosts stages of the Tour de Romandie and the Tour de Suisse.

In one day, you can do the classic loop that allows you to link the Col de la Croix, the Col du Pillon and the Col des Mosses. But the Alpes vaudoises are also a perfect destination for a long weekend of cycling alone, as a couple or with friends. This 4-day tour, created by Alain who lives and trains in the area, allows you to discover little-known climbs, visit villages with an authentic atmosphere, and stop at the World Cycling Center for a coffee, a meal or a guided tour. All this while staying in charming mountain hotels and tasting delicious local specialties with excellent regional wines. Not forgetting the famous spa at Bains de Villars!

Day 1

After your arrival at the hotel in Les Diablerets, you can take a short ride to get your legs ready. From your hotel, you will discover the region on small roads that will take you through the pastures among the typical chalets of the Vaud Alps. Two small climbs are on the program that take you through the charming villages of Les Voëttes and La Forclaz.

25km, 849m of climbing

Day 2

Two classic passes of the Alpes vaudoises are on the program of the day: the Col du Pillon (1546m) and, after crossing the magnificent Pays d'Enhaut region, the Col des Mosses (1445m). On the way to the Col des Mosses, stop at the Maison de L'Etivaz (km 45) to taste the local cheese! A third climb brings you to Villars-sur-Ollon (1300m), your destination for this second day. You spend the night in Villars.

94km, 1892m of climbing

Day 3

After a 10km descent, you will discover the Rhone valley on a flat loop. Take a break at the café of the UCI headquarters, the international cycling federation in Aigle, where you can also visit the magnificent velodrome. You will ride back up to Villars via Plans-sur-Bex, a favorite climb of many of our guests and locals alike. Last night in Villars.

72km, 1057m of climbing

Day 4

After breakfast, you will climb the last pass of the program, departing from Villars: the Col de la Croix (1778m), jewel of the Alpes vaudoises. You will then reach Les Diablerets, the starting point of the tour.

20km, 532m of climbing

TIPS

You can book this tour on the date of your choice according to one of the two following formulas:

Without guide

3 nights at the hotel + breakfast
Luggage transport
Road book
gpx files
24-hour phone support during the tour by a local cycling guide

With guide, for groups of 6 to 14 people

3 nights at the hotel + breakfast + evening meal
Bike guide
Support vehicle with driver/mechanic
Road book
gpx files

It is also possible to rent a bike.

More info on the Tour des Alpes vaudoises web page.

Day 1: climb to La Forclaz

Day 2: Col du Pillon

Day 3: coming back to Villars via the quiet road from Les Plans-sur-Bex

Day 4: Col de la Croix

Sampling L'Etivaz cheese and other local specialities

Interested in a guided trip?

Let us connect you to our network of guide services and tour operators. For more information about booking, contact:

Info@alpsinsight.com

Comments 2


Robert Van Gorp
April 28, 2022 at 4:31 am

Trying to locate a contact to book the tour des alpes vaudoise … self guided with road bike rental staring June 8. Can you help?
1. Post
  Author
  
  Alain Rumpf
  April 29, 2022 at 1:32 pm
  
  Hi Robert, it seems that the local tourism boards does not offer this tour anymore. I emailed you to suggest other options.
  Alain

Le Tour des Alpes vaudoises