Climbing to the Montagne de l’Épine, make the most of views from on high over France’s largest natural lake, 18km in length, created by the melting of glaciers in the distant past. The Tour du Lac du Bourget à Vélo is one of the classic cycling circuits to enjoy in the French département, or county, of Savoie. Sticking to the P’tites Routes du Soleil®, you’ll only do half of this Tour, riding above the unspoilt side of the lake, a refuge for fish and birds. Having scaled the Col de la Chambotte (a pass at 650m in altitude) and the Col du Chat (633m), you leave Lac du Bourget behind as you head for the Avant-Pays Savoyard area.

You now head from one major French Alpine lake to another! Cycle along this stage to reach the banks of Lac d’Aiguebelette, France’s third-largest natural lake. You leave behind the Chaîne de l’Épine Range, with its great views and mysterious legends, to continue along ways that keep you up on high. Between Aiguebelette and the Rhône Valley, this stage of the P’tites Routes du Soleil® leads you over three further passes: the Col du Mont-Tournier (821m); the Col de la Lattaz (754m); and the Col du Banchet (591m).

From Lépin-le-Lac, you ride below the Massif de l’Épine Range to reach Les Échelles. You’re now at the gateway to the Chartreuse Range, designated a regional natural park. The P’tites Routes du Soleil® cycle route leads you into this range via the Col de Couz (590m) and the Col des Égaux (958m). The demanding climb you endure is rewarded with the view of La Cochette’s summit to be admired from the passes. Cross the lovely village of Corbel, then descend via a little road to Saint-Pierre-d’Entremont, the ultimate goal on this stage. Welcome to the Chartreuse!

Here, the P’tites Routes du Soleil® cycle route guides you into the mountainous lands of the original medieval Chartreuse, or Carthusian, monks. The grandiose, unspoilt countryside is marked by emerald-green forests, racing torrents and sensational steep white cliffs. Departing from Saint-Pierre-d’Entremont, you tackle a series of passes taking you across the range. The two main challenges are: the Col du Cucheron (1,139m), leading you over to Saint-Pierre de Chartreuse; and the Col de Porte (1,326m), offering a fine climb in the shade of fir trees before a long descent towards Grenoble!