Morzine is a small town in the French Alps that has become a mecca for cyclists worldwide. Situated at an elevation of 1,000m, Morzine offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
Morzine is situated near several famous mountain passes, including the Col de Joux Plane, used in the Tour de France. Morzine is home to several world-class cycling facilities, making it a perfect destination for amateur and professional cyclists.
With its picturesque setting and excellent cycling infrastructure, Morzine is truly a haven for cyclists.
How to get to Morzine
It’s easy to get to Morzine, no matter your preferred mode of transportation. Here’s a quick guide on how to get to Morzine by air, car, train, and bus.
- By air. The nearest airport is Geneva Airport (GVA)in Switzerland. It’s a 90-minute drive to Morzine. Other airports include Chambery Airport (CMF) at 135km, Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airport (LYS) at 205km, and Grenoble Alpes Isère Airport (GNB) at 208km away.
- Minibus transfer. Some airport transfer companies use 8 or 13-seater minibusses to transfer between Geneva Airport and Morzine. Book your transfer early, as it can get very busy in the summer.
- By car. If you’re planning on driving to Morzine, it’s easily accessible from major autoways (motorways).
- From Paris, via the A6/A40 (595km, 7 hours)
- From Lyon, via the A43 (230km, 3 hours)
- From Grenoble, via the A41 (191km, 2.5 hours)
- From Geneva, Switzerland, via the D907/A40 (61km, 1 hour)
- By train. A sleeper TGV train operates between Paris Gare du Nord and Cluses (30km from Morzine). Check with your accommodation provider if they can provide a transfer from Cluses to Morzine. Train schedules and ticket rates can be found at SNCF Connect.
Best time to ride in Morzine
The best time of year to visit Morzine for cycling is during the summer months of June, July, and August when the weather is warm and sunny, and the roads are dry and clear.
- Summer (June to August). The weather is warm and sunny, with temperatures ranging from 7 to 26°C (45 to 79°F). This is the best time for cycling, as the weather is ideal for outdoor activities and the roads are generally dry and clear.
- Fall (September to November). Temperatures begin to drop and the weather becomes more unpredictable. September and October can still offer mild weather and clear skies, but it’s not uncommon for there to be rain and cooler temperatures. This can make riding conditions more challenging, but the fall colors and changing foliage makes beautiful scenery.
- Winter (December to February) can be extremely cold and snowy, with temperatures dropping below freezing. The snow and ice can make cycling conditions hazardous, and many of the roads and trails may be closed or inaccessible.
- Spring (March to May). Temperatures start to rise again and the snow begins to melt. However, the weather can still be unpredictable, with a mix of sun, rain, and snow. The roads and trails may be muddy and slippery.
Best climbs around Morzine
There are some great climbs and mountain passes for cyclists to explore near Morzine. Some popular options include;
- Col de Joux Plane is 11km long and 6.5% from Morzine. From the top, you can see Mont Blanc’s snowy peaks.
- Col de le Ramaz was featured in 1981, 2003, 2010, and 2016 Tour de France. You can climb from Mieussy (13.8km, 7.1%) or Taninges (16km, 6.1 %).
- Col d’Avoriaz. Morzine and Avoriaz are connected by the Col d’Avoriaz. The average gradient is 6%, with some sections reaching 10%. Bernard Hinault achieved the fastest recorded ascent in 33 minutes.
- Col de Joux Verte and the Col d’Avoriaz run parallel to each other. Col de Joux Verte is a more scenic climb. It’s 15 kilometers long and averages 5.7%.
Bike rentals in Morzine
Hiring or renting a bike is a great option if you’re looking to explore the beautiful mountain scenery around Morzine. There are plenty of places to hire bikes in Morzine, and the average daily price for a basic mountain bike is around €20.
There are also plenty of places to rent more specialized bikes, such as downhill or electric bikes. Prices tend to be around €30 to €40 per day.
| Company | Address | Phone | Type of bike |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alps Bike Hire | 14 Route d’Avoriaz, Morzine | +33 642 50 38 74 | Road, E-bike |
| Alpine Sports | 310 Route De La Plagne | +33 450 49 11 57 | Road, E-bike, MTB, Kids |
| Torico Performance Bicycles | 93 Rue du Bourg | +33 652 95 79 97 | Road, MTB |
Cycling tours in Morzine
Bike tours start from as little as €25 per person and can be booked online in advance. Services provided include bike rental, helmets, gloves, a map, and a guide.
Many different types of tours are available, from beginner to expert. It’s also important to consider the price of the tour and what is included in the package.
Some things to look out for when choosing a cycling tour are the type of tour, the price, and what is included in the package. Popular destinations for cycling tours include the Col de Joux Plane, the Col de la Ramaz, and Lake Geneva.