The best MTB trails around Marcellaz
4.3
(345)
1,944
riders
147
rides
Mountain biking around Marcellaz-Albanais, located in Haute-Savoie, France, offers a diverse landscape ideal for outdoor activities. The region features an extensive trail network with varied topography, including significant elevation changes. Riders can explore routes winding through river valleys and forests, with views of the Jura, Bornes, Aravis, and Bauges mountain ranges. This area is part of the Site VTT-FFC de l'Albanais, providing well-maintained routes for all skill levels.
Best mountain bike trails around Marcellaz
- The most popular mountain bike trail…
Last updated: June 28, 2026
4.0
(2)
7
riders
19.3km
02:27
950m
950m
Hard mountain bike ride. Very good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary.
5.0
(4)
21
riders
25.7km
03:06
1,040m
1,040m
Hard mountain bike ride. Very good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary. Some portions of the route may require you to push your bike.
Sign up for free
4.5
(13)
38
riders
25.7km
02:17
600m
600m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.1
(7)
32
riders
44.0km
03:20
290m
290m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.7
(3)
20
riders
24.3km
02:23
690m
690m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.
Get access to more routes and recommendations from other explorers.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?
Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
Login or Signup
Tips from the Community
The structure is an asymmetrical cable-stayed bridge made of pre-stressed concrete, approximately 75 metres long. The pylon inclined at 15° to the vertical has the shape of an inverted V; the deck crosses this pylon without resting on it.
1
0
The bridge is an element of the birth of the city, built from 1225. It was initially made of wood resting on the islands of the Arve to connect the two banks. In 1661, the Regent Marie-Jeanne-Baptiste of Savoy-Nemours had a stone bridge with five arches built. Between 1862 and 1866, it was replaced by the current bridge, built by the engineers Deglin and Vivenot. It was named "Pont de l'Europe" when Valérie Giscard d'Estaing passed through Bonneville in 1989, during the campaign for the European elections. Downstream, it was doubled in 2010 by a second asymmetrical cable-stayed bridge whose elegant silhouette is already part of Bonneville's architectural heritage.
1
0
The Charles-Félix Column is a commemorative column erected in Bonneville (Haute-Savoie), France1, in honor of Charles-Félix of Savoy, on the occasion of his work to dam the Arve Until the 19th century, the Arve regularly caused significant damage during its floods, flooding fields, villages and towns in the Arve Valley. During his visit to the region, King Charles-Félix of Savoy decided to grant a subsidy of 60,000 pounds to carry out damming work to protect Bonneville and the middle Arve Valley2,3. On this occasion, a wooden column was erected in August 1824 by the inhabitants of the valley in thanks for this work. It was replaced two years later by the current column and inaugurated in July 18264. The building was listed as a historical monument in 1942 The column, 21.44 m high, rests on a pedestal and is topped by a statue. The column is supposed to highlight the traditional functions of the sovereign2. It is haughty and kept at a distance because of its height but also enhances the paternalistic role of the sovereign by being built near the dikes. The 3 m high statue depicts the "beloved Charles-Félix". It is made of Carrara marble by the Cacciatori brothers, who were behind the restoration of the Hautecombe Abbey The column and the statue rest on a pedestal decorated with a bas-relief. The latter represents the goddess Arve personified in the form of a nymph chained and dressed in the antique style, half-lying in the reeds2. The other sides bear Latin inscriptions explaining its purpose: "Arvam agros effuse vastantem Rex Karolus Felix descripto alveo oppositis aggeribus corecuit. Anno MDCCCXXIIII [...]" which translates to: The Arve, with its floods, devastated the countryside. King Charles Felix contained it in a dammed bed, in the year 1824. [...]4 The original bas-relief is preserved and exhibited at the Bonneville town hall2. It was replaced by a copy made in blue marble by Béatrice Sassone Bouvet in 2012
1
0
Point of intersection Le Pelloux Altitude 427m
1
0
Point of intersection The Islands of Clermont Altitude 436m
1
0
Point of intersection Passerelle de Saint Pierre Altitude 437m on the left bank of the Arve
1
0
Frequently Asked Questions
How many mountain bike trails are there around Marcellaz?
The Marcellaz area, part of the extensive Site VTT-FFC de l'Albanais, offers a wide network of trails. On komoot, you'll find over 130 mountain bike routes, with 17 easy, 72 moderate, and 42 difficult options, catering to all skill levels.
What is the best time of year for mountain biking in Marcellaz?
The trails in the Site VTT-FFC de l'Albanais, which includes Marcellaz, are generally marked and maintained for year-round use. However, for the most pleasant conditions, spring through autumn typically offers the best weather for mountain biking in Haute-Savoie.
Are there any family-friendly mountain bike trails in Marcellaz?
Yes, the region offers routes suitable for families. The Site VTT-FFC de l'Albanais has circuits designed for various skill levels, including easier paths. While specific family-friendly routes aren't detailed here, you can filter for 'easy' routes on komoot to find suitable options, often traversing forests and river valleys with less challenging terrain.
What kind of terrain can I expect on the mountain bike trails around Marcellaz?
Mountain biking around Marcellaz features varied topography, from routes winding through river valleys and dense forests to paths with significant elevation changes. You can expect a mix of natural surfaces, including dirt tracks and gravel, with views of the Jura, Bornes, Aravis, and Bauges mountain ranges.
What are some notable natural features or landmarks I might see on the trails?
The trails often offer stunning views of the surrounding mountain ranges, including the Jura, Bornes, Aravis, and Bauges. You might also encounter natural features like La Gouille aux Morts, a picturesque lake, or ride through areas near the Col de Réray mountain pass. For a dramatic sight, the Cascade du Dard waterfall is also within the broader region.
Are there any challenging mountain bike routes for experienced riders?
Absolutely. The Marcellaz area offers 42 difficult routes on komoot for experienced mountain bikers. A challenging option is the Col de Réray – Saint-Pierre Church of La Tour loop from Nangy, a 32.9 km trail with notable elevation gains. Another demanding route is the La Gouille aux Morts – Plateau de la Menoge loop from Viuz-en-Sallaz, which covers 46.4 km and features significant climbs.
What do other mountain bikers say about the trails in Marcellaz?
The mountain bike trails around Marcellaz are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.3 stars from over 360 reviews. Riders often praise the varied terrain, the immersive forest sections, and the panoramic views of the surrounding Alpine landscape.
Are there any circular mountain bike routes available?
Yes, many of the mountain bike routes in Marcellaz are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish at the same point. For example, the Col de Réray – Vers Château loop from Contamine-sur-Arve is a popular 24.3 km circular trail, and the Tour de Penouclet loop from Peillonnex offers a moderate 21.1 km circular ride through forests.
Where can I find more information about the Site VTT-FFC de l'Albanais?
Marcellaz is part of the officially recognized 'Site VTT-FFC de l'Albanais,' which boasts 430 kilometers of marked and maintained trails. For more details on the broader network and its offerings, you can visit the local tourism website: rumilly-tourisme.com.
Are there any routes that offer views of Lake Annecy?
While Marcellaz itself is not directly on Lake Annecy, the broader 'Sources of Lake Annecy' area, which is part of this mountain biking hub, provides 120 kilometers of marked routes with views over Lake Annecy, as well as the Bauges and Aravis mountains, and even Mont-Blanc.
Are there any routes that pass by interesting historical or cultural sites?
While the focus of these mountain bike trails is primarily natural scenery, the region of Haute-Savoie is rich in history. Some routes might pass near older villages or churches. For example, the Col de Réray – Saint-Pierre Church of La Tour loop from Nangy includes a notable church. Cultural sites like the Castle of Annecy are also within a short distance, allowing for a blend of active and cultural tourism.
Most popular routes around Marcellaz
Most popular attractions around Marcellaz
Get inspired with the komoot mobile app
Explore more
Browse the best MTB trails in other regions.
