Le Grand Bornand

There’s an old Chinese proverb that goes along the lines of “simply printing a mountain bike route map does not a mountain bike mecca make”. Or at least if there isn’t one, there should be. And the good folk of Le Grand Bornand in the Aravis Region should take note.

Camping L'escale, LGB

Uplift!

Moving on from Annecy, a trip back through the Aravis seemed like a good idea; a good scenic route on the way back to Argentiere, with plenty to see and do along the way. Finding some good biking was high on the list of priorities, as was a good camp site with a pool, hence we landed in Le Grand Bornand for a few days.

Jodie with the Col de la Columbiere in her sights

Some of the better "green" sections above Chinaillon

We reported to the tourist office, bought the VTT map, and set off up the gondola to tackle a green route. Don’t get me wrong, it was pleasant enough. Contouring round above Chinaillon and towards the Col de la Columbiere and then back down towards the village again. However, I think we bikers have been spoilt with dedicated and even purpose built trails. We’re just not used to large portions of a green route taking in the tarmac road.

Sam & Jodie on the descent from Le Lachat

Undeterred, we also had a go at a blue route. The first problem was that to get to the start of the blue we had to descend a red, from the top of Le Lachat chair lift. No flowing single track here. The red route follows the access track to the top of the piste, and is little more than a vehicle track covered in loose gravel. Fairly daunting for Sam and Jodie, but no fun for me either. Lovely views, though!

And the blue? With one very short exception, the blue route is a winding road which leads up from LGB through the hillside farms. I was expecting a little more in the way of singletrack, or at least some more ‘off road’.

So, not a high score for the quality of the mountain bike trails in LGB based on this experience. But this was a mere blip on an otherwise unblemished record. The camp site is very pleasant and conveniently close to the village. The pool is both indoor and outdoor, and a great spot to catch some rays at the end of the afternoon.

And the village itself is a lovely spot. Focussed around a very attractive square with plenty of useful shops – bakeries, bars and a Casino mini market. By the river you’ll find lots of leisure activities, from mini golf and beach volleyball to archery and a fitness trail. Close by at the Maison de Patrimonie is a newly constructed bike skills area.

And at the patinoire the kids were playing rollerblade hockey. – the day before they’d been shooting , in the style of the winter biathlon discipline. Unsurprising to hear that if the Winter Olympics bid by Annecy for 2018 is successful, the Nordic Combined events will be held in LGB.