Cycling the Col des Aravis from Flumet (1487m)

Back in early September we cycled up the Col des Aravis and the Col de Saisies on the same day and in that order from the north. This time around, coming from the south, it was only Esther decided to try them both on the same day. I, on the other hand, decided that I'd already had enough for one day on the Col de Saisies earlier in the day, so was happy to drive up this particular 11.5km, 5% climb from Flumet behind her.


On paper this southern approach to the col is the easier of the two sides because it has a lower average gradient (from La Clusaz it is 5.6%) but, as Esther pointed out, the slightly downhill portions of road make this side harder than you might expect from the numbers. Visually the climb is pleasant enough although compared to some other higher cols there isn't really that much to see, at least until the very top anyway.

However, before saying the views aren't that good it has to be considered that on a clear day the top of the col provides amazing views of the distant Mont Blanc. During our visit in September we hadn't seen anything except cloud, but this time with the late evening sun starting to set we couldn't help lingering at the top to enjoy the sun set and moon rise over Mont Blanc.

Here are some of Esther's pictures....