Sitting at 1,000m altitude, the French mountain village of Morzine, part of the Portes du Soleil, has a wide range of activities and experiences on offer throughout summer. Not only is it a sporting hub, with the Tour de France returning for the 22nd time, but it’s also a place where visitors can enjoy nature and the great outdoors.
Unlike many other skiing destinations, Morzine has 3,000 permanent residents, meaning it remains a vibrant hub during the warmer months. Guests can make the most of 52 bars and restaurants, 34 hotels, 80 retailers, 21 chairlifts and cable cars across Morzine and Portes du Soleil, 200km of signed cycling trails, and 15 mapped mountain bike routes. Visitors can also spot 132 cows, 50 goats and 20 pigs, plus more than 1,000 species of flora.
Here we take a look at the cycling and biking attractions in Morzine, plus the big events taking place in the summer of 2023.
Tour de France, Étape du Tour and more
In 2023, the 110th Tour de France will return to Morzine for the 22nd time. Last year, the peloton spent a well-earned rest day in Morzine on 11 July 2022, before departing on 12 July 2022 to complete the 10th stage, towards Megève.
On 15 July 2023, Morzine will host a stage finish after the riders have completed a gruelling route from Annemasse that comprises climbing two passes around the resort: the col de la Ramaz and the renowned col de Joux Plane.
In addition, just six days before the tour arrives in Morzine, amateur cyclists will have the chance to ride the exact same stage as the professionals in the Étape du Tour event. They can enjoy same stage towns, the same roads, the same mythical climbs, and the same conditions as the Tour de France (the roads are entirely closed to traffic). Morzine last hosted an Étape du Tour in 2016 and is now preparing for 16,000 cyclists to attempt this challenge on 9 July 2023.
Morzine Bike Week and other events
To celebrate these two prestigious events taking place, Morzine will host its first Bike Week between the Étape du Tour (9 July) and the arrival of the Tour de France (15 July). During this experience, one or two cols will be closed to cars each day; guests can safely sample different routes of up to 50km. Plus, don’t miss the bike related entertainment in the village.
Hybrid cyclists and mountain-bike riders can also make use of a new two-day gravel circuit during the Pass’Portes du Soleil event from 23-24 June 2023. Departing from Morzine, discover the unmissable landscapes of the Portes du Soleil including the Col du Corbier, Vallée d’Abondance, famous for its cheese, and the Lac de Montriond (price from €95pp). Plus, the Mountain Bike World Cup will take place in Morzine and the Portes du Soleil from 7-17 September 2023. Home to 600km of runs, it’s no wonder this region has been chosen to host the cup, with the Marathon taking place in Morzine on 15 September 2023.
Bikes welcome
The resort is also home to the “Accueil Velo” (bikes welcome) certification. Morzine has put several services in place – specifically adapted to biking clients – which includes “Hébergement Cyclo” (cycling accommodation) that is particularly attentive to the needs of cyclists, sports shops with specialised services for bikes, and plenty of signs in the area with key information (altitude, distance, gradient) for those navigating on two wheels.
Images: Office de Tourisme de Morzine