Cycling routes

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Cycling routes

Col de Novel (FRA) – Legendary Mountain Passes

The climb from St-Gingolph to Novel is stunning and allows you to discover the edge of the canton of Valais facing Lake Geneva. This climb is situated on the border with France in this little-known part of the Valais.

Col de Novel - Valais/Wallis Promotion

The village of St-Gingolph is situated at the very end of the canton of Valais on the shores of Lake Geneva at the Swiss-French border. The climb to the Col de Novel is just over five kilometres long, but the road is steep, making this ascent quite demanding despite its reduced distance. All along the route you are taken through the Novel pastures where you can take advantage of a superb view over Lake Geneva and the coastline around Montreux. Novel is undoubtedly a small pass that is worth the effort to discover!

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Turn-by-turn directions

The Col de Novel from St-Gingolph offers the unique opportunity to visit an environment between lake and mountains. You pedal upward for several kilometres above Lake Geneva, the biggest lake in western Europe. At every moment, the climb gives you an extraordinary view over the terraced vineyards of Lavaux – a UNESCO World Heritage Site – and the Riviera Vaudoise. At the summit of the pass, crossing a small bridge will bring you back down on the French side to St-Gingolph, giving you another view all along the descent.

Start: St-Gingolph (395 m)
Destination: Col de Novel (FRA) (878 m)

Technical information

  • Altitude

    914 m 395 m

  • Ascent

    520 m

  • Descent

    36 m

  • Technique

    Bewertung: 3 .0 von 5.0 Punkten

  • Stamina

    Bewertung: 3 .0 von 5.0 Punkten

  • Experience

    Bewertung: 4 von 5.0 Punkten

  • Landscape

    Bewertung: 5 .0 von 5.0 Punkten

Best time of year

  • Jan
  • Feb
  • Mar
  • Apr
  • May
  • Jun
  • Jul
  • Aug
  • Sep
  • Oct
  • Nov
  • Dec
  • Linear route
  • Scenic
  • Refreshment stops available
  • Cultural/historical interest
  • Flora

Public transport

Arrive in St.Gingolph by train by using the regional trains running on the Simplon line.

Approach

Coming from Lausanne or Sion: A9 motorway, take exit 16-Villeneuve and continue on the cantonal street (Number 21) to St. Gingolph.

Parking

Parking at the village of St-Gingolph. Follow the car-park routeing in St-Gingolph.

Equipment

We recommend: bike in excellent working order, helmet, gloves and bell, clothing suitable for the weather (always carry a waterproof), food and drink.

Safety information

Strictly respect the Swiss traffic rules. Please note that you are running the tour at your own risk and all liability is refused. Please be considerate to plants and animals. For your own safety, wear an helmet every time you ride a bike. Emergency numbers: 144 Ambulance / 117 Police / 1414 Helicopter Rescue (Rega).

Literature

SwissTopo Maps 1:25000: 1264 Montreux