Ferme de Pralong to Col de la Loze
This high altitude cycle route is reserved exclusively for cyclists
Courchevel, Méribel and Val Thorens offer a variety of challenging and scenic rides. Whether you’re after high-altitude thrills or leisurely panoramic routes, there’s something here for every level of cyclist.
In 2019, the resort introduced a dedicated high-altitude cycle path linking the Ferme de Pralong to the Col de la Loze. A route that has also seen Tour de France action in 2005 and 2020.
Reserved exclusively for cyclists, this safe 5.8km route features a 377m altitude gain and offers panoramic views of the valley, the Vanoise glaciers, and Mont Blanc. The climb is easier when accessing from the top of the pass rather than from the Méribel side.
For those seeking an extra challenge, consider riding from Brides-les-Bains up to Courchevel 1850. This route covers 21km with an altitude difference of 1,420m at an average gradient of 6.5%.
Méribel routes
On the Méribel side of the Col de la Loze is the third highest mountain pass in the Savoie region after the Iseran and Galibier. The cycling routes are reserved exclusively for cyclists. These tracks are hillier, with some sections featuring bursts of gradients over 20%, reminiscent of the legendary Tour de France arrival in 2020.
Here are some popular itineraries from Méribel to the Col de la Loze:
- discovery loop from Courchevel-Le Praz to Méribel via the Col de la Loze – 35km with a 1,050m positive elevation
- big loop starting from Le Carrey, then Courchevel-Le Praz, climbing to the Col de la Loze, passing through Méribel, Brides-les-Bains and La Thuile, before returning to the start – 62km with a 1,970m positive elevation
Direct climbs:
- from Les Allues to the top of the Col de la Loze – 14km with a 1,204m ascent
from Brides-les-Bains to the top – 22km with a 1,717m gain
Belleville Valley – Les Menuires and Val Thorens
Cyclists with Europe’s highest resort in sight will find plenty of routes to explore in this area. Both Les Menuires and Val Thorens have hosted Tour de France finish stages.
Col de Tougnète
Ride up the high-altitude cycle path (reserved exclusively for bicycles) to reach the summit at 2,430m, starting from either Les Menuires or Saint-Martin-de-Belleville. The climb from Les Menuires is about 7km with an average gradient of 8%, gaining 617m in elevation.
Moûtiers to Les Menuires
This 26km route features a 1,331m ascent at a 5.1% average gradient, arriving in Les Menuires at 1,800m.
Moûtiers to Val Thorens
For a longer challenge, try a 36km ride covering a 1,861m altitude gain at an average gradient of 5%, finishing in Val Thorens at 2,340m.
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What to see
Sights in Val Thorens
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Vanoise National Park
The Vanoise National Park is one of the highlights of the Tarentaise region.
Where to lunch
Restaurants in Courchevel 1850
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Le Chalet de Pierres Restaurant
This authentic Savoyard restaurant welcomes you with a variety of fine-dining possibilities for your lunch break in the Courchevel Valley.
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Bagatelle Restaurant
Part of the prestigious Bagatelle Bistrot brand, with branches in New York, Ibiza, St Barth, Dubai and London, this mountain restaurant brings yet more luxury to the Courchevel slopes.
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Chalet de Pierres Restaurant
Decorated in antique wood and stone this restaurant has great views over the Saulire, with a bar and a fireplace to warm up by.
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Les Verdons Restaurant
This mountain restaurant is located at the top of the Verdons cable car that departs from Courchevel 1850 and at the bottom of the bubble lift that takes you up to La Saulire - in other words, right in the middle of the Courchevel ski area!
Cycling routes
Cycling Routes in Val Thorens
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Col de Tougnète
The Col de Tougnète, often considered the little brother of the Col de la Loze (2304m), has a slightly higher summit at 2405m.
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Ferme de Pralong to Col de la Loze
Courchevel, Méribel and Val Thorens offer a variety of challenging and scenic rides. Whether you’re after high-altitude thrills or leisurely panoramic routes, there’s something here for every level of cyclist.