Every summer, several mountain roads around Annecy close to motor traffic and become reserved for cyclists only — the famous car-free cycling passes (“cols réservés”). Climbing the Semnoz or the Glières plateau without a single car, with the whole road to yourself, is one of the finest road-cycling experiences in the Alps. Here is the 2026 calendar of car-free cycling passes around Lake Annecy, the details of each climb, and our tips to make the most of them.

What is a “car-free cycling pass”?

A car-free cycling pass is a mountain road closed to motor vehicles for a few hours, usually a morning, so it can be enjoyed exclusively by cyclists (and often walkers and scooters too). Around Annecy, these days are organised as part of the “La Haute-Savoie au Sommet” programme, run by the Haute-Savoie Department.

The concept is simple and completely free: no registration, no timing, no ranking. You climb at your own pace, with family, in a club or solo, on a regular bike or an electric bike. Roads are generally closed from 9am to 12pm. It’s the perfect chance to discover a climb in complete safety, without the stress of traffic.

2026 calendar of car-free passes around Annecy

Here are the five climbs closest to Annecy on the 2026 programme, in date order. Add them to your calendar!

ℹ️ Important: these dates and times are provided by the “La Haute-Savoie au Sommet 2026” programme. A closure may be changed or cancelled (weather, roadworks). Always check the official Haute-Savoie Department website before travelling.

Other car-free passes in Haute-Savoie in 2026

If you’re willing to ride a little further, the programme covers the whole department. Here are the other 2026 dates:

Indicative list — dates to be confirmed on the official programme. More car-free passes exist in neighbouring Savoie (Grand Colombier, Mont Cenis, Petit Saint-Bernard…).

Legendary climbs to ride all year round around Annecy

Outside the “car-free” days, the passes stay open to bikes throughout the season. Here are the must-do climbs from the lake (approximate figures):

• Col de la Forclaz de Montmin (1,157 m) — the lake’s balcony. From the Vesonne side, approx. 3.4 km at ~10%: short but steep, with THE view over Annecy and the paragliders.
• Le Semnoz (1,655 m) — approx. 17 km at ~7% from Annecy. The benchmark climb, long and steady.
• Glières Plateau (1,440 m) — approx. 6 km at ~9-11% from Thorens. Steep and historic.
• Col de la Croix-Fry (1,477 m) and Col des Aravis (1,486 m) — the classic combo towards Manigod and La Clusaz.
• Col de la Colombière (1,613 m) — a great Alpine pass, a Tour de France regular, on the Grand-Bornand side.
• Col du Marais (843 m) and Col de Bluffy (631 m) — small, accessible passes to link the valleys gently.

Which bike for the passes? (multi-day rental available)

To string the passes together in good conditions, a light, well-equipped road bike makes all the difference. No need to bring your own from the other side of the country: we rent it on site in Annecy, ready to ride.

Prefer to climb without suffering? Go for an electric bike: the car-free passes are open to e-bikes and it’s a brilliant way to enjoy the scenery without blowing up. For more relaxed rides, also see our Annecy cycling guide.

Our tips for a successful climb

• Arrive early: roads often close from 9am, so plan parking and your warm-up beforehand.
• Adapt your gearing: a setup with a large cassette (up to 30-34 teeth) makes the gradients far more manageable.
• Carry water and a windproof: it can be 15°C colder at the top, and descents are chilly.
• Pace your effort: start below your threshold, especially on long climbs like the Semnoz.
• Respect the mountain: these days are a privilege — leave no litter behind.

FAQ — Car-free cycling passes around Annecy

Ready to climb? Book your road bike in Annecy and come and experience the 2026 car-free passes on the finest roads in Haute-Savoie.