Martingy via Col des Montets and Col de la Forclaz
An advanced route taking you over two cols, the ride back can be punishing
This is an 80km ride there and back with a long climb back from Martigny to Col de Forclaz.
It has an average gradient of 6.6%, maximum 9%, but a full 16km so allow a good five hours, especially if you are tempted to indulge in a beer and a snack in Martigny. The climb out of Switzerland can often be in full sun with heat radiating off the retaining walls so carry plenty of water.
The route couldnโt be more simple โ out of Chamonix over the Col des Montets towards Switzerland. Keep on the main road over the Col de Forclaz and down to Martigny.
Distance | 80km |
Time | 5 hours |
Gradient | 6.6% AV |
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Cycle hire
Bike Hire in Chamonix
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Mountain bike hire
Located on the main road out of Chamonix and leading up the valley towards Argentiere, you can find this branch of Intersport just after the Albert 1er Hotel, and just before the MBC micro-brewery.
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Road bike hire
Located close to the Aiguille du Midi lift in the centre of Chamonix, Legend'Chx is a large shop of 250m2 dedicated to renting and selling bikes. They also have a workshop for repairs.
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Zero G
This is a bike and snowboard shop located high in the French Alps, in the resort of Chamonix. They're service-orientated and strive to make you happy. They speak English, Swedish, Italian and French and their priority is to get you out on the trails with the best possible kit for you & your wallet, as fast as they can.
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Mountain bike hire
Located close to the Aiguille du Midi lift in the centre of Chamonix, this is a large shop of 250m2 dedicated to renting and selling mountain bikes. They also have a workshop for repairs, plus they have a handy bike wash to hose down your ride after a day on the trails.
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Mountain bike hire
This Chamonix-based shop offers a full range of quality bikes for hire, servicing year-round, and a passionate team ready to help you hit the trails.
What to see
Sights in Chamonix
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VerticAlp funiculars and train
At the edge of the Franco-Swiss border lies the 'VerticAlp' experience, which is made up of a steep funicular, a panoramic train and a smaller funicular taking you up to the Emosson Dam. ย
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Maison de Barberine museum
Situated in an 18th century house, the Barberine museum is dedicated to showing pastoral life of the Vallorcine people in the valley since the 18th century.
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Le Tour and Vallorcine, Chamonix Valley
Le Tour is a small, quaint little village at the far end of the Chamonix valley in the 'Domaine de la Balme' area with access to some great hiking and mountain bike trails.
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Aiguille Rouge Nature Reserve
The Aiguilles Rouges Nature Reserve was created in 1974 and is a bio-diverse area of around 16,000 hectares with spectacular views of the Col des Montets. There is an information centre where you can find out about the animals and plants of the area and buy a drink or snack.
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Les Grands Montets, Chamonix - Argentiรจre
The Plan Joran tรฉlรฉcabine takes you up to Grands Montets at an altitude of 1,972 metres.ย
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La Flรฉgรจre, Chamonix - Le Praz
In summer the cable car at Flรฉgรจre and the Index chairlift operate, taking you up to an altitude of 1,894m and then on to 2,396m at the top of the Index.
Where to lunch
Restaurants in Chamonix
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Le Mayen Restaurant
Situated in La Folie Douce Hotel, it's the perfect place for traditional alpine cuisine with a modern twist.
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La Petite Cuisine Restaurant
Situated in La Folie Douce Hotel, enjoy a delicious meal after a morning on the slopes with family or friends.
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Pointe Isabelle Bar and Bistro Restaurant
This tastefully refurbished restaurant and bar are right in the heart of Chamonix on the popular Avenue Michel Croz, close to the train station.
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Bighorn Bistro Restaurant
Bighorn Bistro in Chamonix Sud is known for its homemade American-style comfort food, from stacked burgers to freshly baked desserts. You can pair your meal with a craft beer or one of their creative cocktails. With friendly service and a laid-back atmosphere, itโs a favourite with both locals and visitors.
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Stories & Beer
Stories is a local craft beer bar and taco restaurant in Chamonix. Enjoy a slice of Mexico in France.
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The Dainty Pizza Restaurant
Great quality ingredients lovingly prepared.
What to do
Things To Do in Chamonix
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3-Day Mont Blanc Traverse by Tacul & Maudit Summits
Mont Blanc, the highest peak in Europe, is without a doubt the most breathtaking and beautiful mountain in the world, and every year many mountaineers ascend this famous peak.
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Tandem Paragliding
This company's sole activity is tandem paragliding, so they are 100 % focused on you and your flight. Their fully qualified pilots have vast experience and have done 1,000s of flight in the Chamonix Valley.
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Guided Snowshoeing
Off-piste snowshoe outings where you can discover the charm and serenity of the Chamonix Valley onย foot.
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Chamonix Holiday Planning & Travel Scout - Teresa Kaufman
Your holiday time in the Chamonix valley is valuable. Every day counts. Every moment should be a special one.
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Cinema VOX
Chamonix's own Cinema VOX is situated right in the centre of town, slightly tucked back on the Place Balmat (main square in the centre). There are three recently refurbished screens equipped with digital 3D projectors show the latest French and International films, as well as a number of premieres and specialist mountain-sports films.
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Guided off-piste Vallรฉe Blanche
Chamonix Mont Blanc Guides specialise in high mountain guiding, skiing and alpinism.ย Based in the Chamonix Valley, at the foot of the Mont Blanc range, they have all the experience and expertise to make your dream adventure become a reality.