Is there a better-known stopover for cyclists than Megève? If Megève has been three times a stage town for the Tour de France in 6 years and has also been a stage town for the Haute Route for many years, it is because it has assets that cannot be found anywhere else.
After having hosted the arrival of the Haute Route Alps 2022, the alpine resort will be the host of the grand departure of the 2023 edition and its first two stages.
Megève, one of the world's most popular tourist destinations
Wedged between the Aravis mountain range and the Mont Blanc massif, the resort of Megève enjoys a privileged position in the heart of the wild Alps. If Megève is very popular with winter sports fans when it dons its white coat, it is all the more dazzling under the summer sun for cyclists and hikers looking for unique landscapes.
A location and a diversity of activities that allows Megève to be ranked 15th in the Forbes ranking of the best destinations to travel to in 2023. There is no doubt that you will appreciate the charm and luxury of the village of Megève, its unique natural landscapes and its roads full of history during your Haute Route adventure...
A cycling paradise at your fingertips
It´s certainly not by coincidence that Megève has been chosen as the starting point for the Haute Route Alps 2023. Directly located in the heart of the Alps, Megève is surrounded by mythical roads famous for cycling and most of all, the Tour de France. Within a radius of about 20 kilometers from the resort, there are no less than 4 legendary passes that have been climbed by the Tour de France more than 91 times: the Aravis pass, the Colombière pass, the Saisies pass and the Cormet de Roseland. Not forgetting the famous Domancy hill located between Sallanches and Megève, when Bernard Hinault won his world champion title in 1980.
An iconic start for the Haute Route Alps 2023
The first stage of the Haute Route Alps 2023 takes full advantage of the Mégevan playground as it is one of the most beautiful of this 2023 edition and the only one that shares its route with a stage of the Tour 2023 (read here). The first challenge will be the Col de Romme - Col de la Colombière before descending to Grand Bornand before climbing the last difficulty of the day, the legendary Col des Aravis which has seen no less than 40 passages of the Tour. If they are neither the longest nor the highest passes in the Alps, they are exceptional because of their small, winding and silent roads that allow us to appreciate the wild nature of the Aravis range.
After this appetizer, the riders of the Haute Route Alps 2023 will leave Megève for the second stage in direction of Alpe d'Huez by the Glandon pass for the longest stage of this edition..
See you in Megève!
Are you ready to take on the iconic roads of Megeve and its beautiful landscapes? Register for the Haute Route Alps on August 20th 2023.
Your great adventure awaits.
Discover all the stages of the Haute Route Alps 2023