Why Morzine is the Perfect Base for Your Road Cycling Holiday

By Sam Bevan, Founder of Slipstream Adventures

If you've ever watched the Tour de France and thought "I'd love to ride something like that," Morzine should be at the top of your list. When the snow melts away in late Spring, this French Alpine village becomes the perfect base for any cycling holiday.

The Morzine Advantage

What makes the riding around Morzine special isn't just the legendary climbs or the dramatic alpine backdrop; it’s the choice.

Being based in Morzine gives you the freedom to decide what kind of day you want to have. Warm up on the gently undulating valley roads, then take on one of the legendary cols that are nearby. There are also plenty of punchy climbs within easy reach if you’d prefer a slightly shorter, but no less rewarding, day on the bike.

As part of the world-renowned Portes du Soleil mountain biking area, Morzine is set up for bikes. Many of the cafes, bars, and restaurants provide bike racks, and a few even have free bike washing stations.

The proximity to Geneva (about 75 minutes) is a genuine advantage too, meaning you're not burning a full travel day just to reach your destination. 

More riding, less logistics - exactly what a cycling holiday should be.

The Legendary Cols

Most amateur athletes will never compete at the highest level of their sport. But in Morzine, you can ride the exact same tarmac where professional racing legends have fought epic battles during the Tour de France.

Col de Joux Plane

Arguably the most famous climb near Morzine, and for good reason. Featured multiple times in the Tour de France, this 11.6 km beast with an average gradient of 8.6% is the one you'll be talking about for years. After featuring in the 2000 Tour, the race returned to Morzine in 2022 and 2023 with tough mountain stages finishing over the Joux Plane.

It also featured as a key moment in this year’s Tour de France Femmes, cementing its place as one of cycling’s most iconic climbs. Starting from Samoëns, the climb peaks at over 10% in sections, and the descent into Morzine is equally thrilling.

Col de la Joux Verte

The Col de la Joux Verte takes you on a 16.3 km journey with an average gradient of 6.7%. This is one of our favourites. The route takes you past the beautiful alpine Lac de Montriond and up towards Avoriaz, mixing challenging sections and scenic beauty that's hard to beat. 

Col de la Ramaz

Also featured in the Tour de France, this climb has seen its share of cycling drama. Starting from the village of Mieussy, the winding route covers 14 km, with an average gradient of 7%. The road passes through woodlands, then opens onto alpine views that might just help distract you from the steep gradients. 

Beyond the Cols

Morzine isn't just for seasoned climbers chasing KOMs. The town offers a variety of routes for beginners and intermediate riders, with plenty of rolling terrain to explore. Whether you're looking to push yourself or enjoy a more leisurely pace through beautiful countryside, there's something here for you.

The Perfect Base: Our Partnership with More Mountain

We know that recovery and comfort are just as important as the ride itself, and you don’t want to be repacking and moving throughout the trip. That's why all of our cycling holidays in Morzine are based in one luxury chalet for the entire week. 

Partnering with More Mountain, specialists in laid-back luxury accommodation, ensures your retreat is more than just a place to sleep.

More Mountain’s chalets have en-suite bedrooms, meaning no waiting for a shower or a soak in the bath after a day in the saddle. We also ensure all properties have secure bike storage with a fully equipped bike stand and tools, laundry facilities (because you don't want to pack five pairs of bib shorts), and a hot tub for post-ride recovery.

All of More Mountain's chalets are in central Morzine locations, giving you easy access to explore the local cafes, bars, shops, and restaurants after your ride.

Time Off The Bike

It's not just the cycling that makes Morzine special. The town is surrounded by stunning mountain peaks and surprising alpine meadows, making it the perfect place to relax and unwind when you’re not on the bike. 

On a rest day, Morzine’s outdoor swimming pool complex is ideal for a dip or soaking up the sun. In the summer months, you can also take one of the free buses up to Lac du Montriond where you can hire a paddleboard or kayak and get out on the water. 

An extensive network of walking trails means you can explore the local area on foot, or for something more adrenaline-fuelled, why not try canyoning, whitewater rafting, or even paragliding?

You may have to extend your stay to explore everything that Morzine has to offer!

The Slipstream Difference

So, why explore Morzine with a Slipstream Adventures cycling holiday? Quite simply, we love it here and know you will too. We take care of everything so you can focus on the riding.

Expert Guidance

Our English-speaking guides host you in the chalet and on the roads. We provide in-depth rider briefings the day before each stage, route maps and GPX files tailored around your group, and mechanical expertise for minor repairs. We know these routes intimately and can adjust the plan based on weather or energy levels.

Exceptional Food

Our catered cycling holidays include a dining experience crafted by a professional private chef, with menus designed to nourish and restore. Hearty breakfasts to fuel your rides, afternoon tea waiting when you return, and three-course dinners five nights out of seven. We can tailor the menus to suit any dietary requirements.

Seamless Logistics

We provide group airport transfers from Geneva, including bike luggage, so you don’t have to worry about getting yourself and your bike to the mountains. We handle accommodation, meals, routes, and support so you can simply enjoy the experience.

The Right Balance

Our week is structured to balance challenge and recovery. Each day is crafted around world-class routes, breathtaking scenery, and the energy of a Tour de France stage.

From "The Monument" ride along Lac Léman with its Mediterranean feel, to "The Queen Stage" tackling legendary Tour de France climbs, to the shorter "R&R" day - all with guaranteed cafe stops - the itinerary gives you variety and builds throughout the week.

A Home From Home

More Mountain's stunning accommodation will quickly become your home from home. Unwind on the cosy sofas, ease any aches in the hot tub, then have a great night's sleep ready to tackle the next day's challenge.

Ready to Ride?

Morzine offers the perfect combination of epic climbs, stunning scenery, excellent infrastructure, and authentic French alpine culture. Whether you’re looking to push your limits on world-famous cols or just soak up the beauty of the Alps at your own pace, our weeks strike the ideal balance between challenge and comfort.

If you’re dreaming of an unforgettable, hassle-free road cycling holiday in the Alps, join us in Morzine. Check upcoming dates and book your Slipstream Adventures week directly here. We’ll handle the rest.