From Planfait to the end of the lake

Mountain bike route from planfait to the end of the lake by the Chalet de l'Aulp

Enduro outing. The departure is from the car park of the adventure base of Talloires. The arrival is in Verthier at the end of Lake Annecy

It is necessary to leave a car at the arrival for the return or to foresee the time for a return by the road (at least 10 km to return to the car and not far from 300 m of D+).

From the car park, we head for Bluffy on a path that climbs 50 m to attack the first descent, hairpins, roots, speed etc. A good warm up!

Once you arrive in the village of Bluffy, you have to go down towards the cemetery and turn right onto a forest road towards Villars-Dessus.

You should not expect to ride much uphill. On the other hand, the descents are exceptional.

A long push/carry from the start to the chalet of Aulp Riant Dessous. The strong ones will be able to pedal but it is still very very steep.

It starts from the car park towards Villars-Dessus then the car park at the end of the forest road.

A very long climb, 

We pass behind the teeth of Lanfon and Lanfonnet. The panorama is fantastic and the view on the Tournette is breathtaking.

Once at the Col des Frêtes, you will climb again to reach the Roc Lancrenaz at 1676 m.

The descent starts in a very committed scree at the beginning and then the alpine pastures until the chalet des Nantets (col) at 1426 m. We continue to descend to the chalet des Crottes, 1341 m.

Last climb (100 m) to the chalet de l'Aulp. In summer, the restaurant is open. Their tartiflette is excellent.

It took us almost 3 hours from the Gruffy cemetery car park to get to the restaurant

This is where the descent really begins.

Start from the restaurant's terrace and head west towards the lake. At the end of the field, you will find (slightly to the right) a path that goes down. No major difficulty, some hairpins, some speed, some roots. As you descend, the path becomes easier. A good descent, especially in the upper part.

The arrival is on a small road that joins the D42 which goes up to the Col de la Forclaz. Barely 2 km to go on the road and 235 m of D+ to find the last descent which leaves under the restaurant on the right when we arrive.

This is the GR 96. Be careful: it is very busy in summer. So watch out for walkers going back up because there are quite a few one-way passages... 

A very pleasant path following the contour lines.

It arrives directly at the hamlet of Verthier where you can collect your vehicle. You can also return by the cycle track along the lake. If you choose this option, once you have gone up to the hamlet of the barns, take the direction of Saint Germain by the old road of Saint Germain then Ponnay.