Col de Novel (FRA) – Legendary Mountain Passes Velo in St-Gingolph

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!
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.
Arrive in St.Gingolph by train by using the regional trains running on the Simplon line.
Coming from Lausanne or Sion: A9 motorway, take exit 16-Villeneuve and continue on the cantonal street (Number 21) to St. Gingolph.
Parking at the village of St-Gingolph. Follow the car-park routeing in St-Gingolph.
We recommend: bike in excellent working order, helmet, gloves and bell, clothing suitable for the weather (always carry a waterproof), food and drink.
Use marked bike trails and routes only, and observe all signposting. Please close gates after passing through. Please be considerate to walkers and to plants and animals. As a rule, walkers have priority. When planning, take into account participants’ fitness level and ability. All riding is at one’s own risk.
Use marked bike trails and routes only, and observe all signposting. Please close gates after passing through. Please be considerate to walkers and to plants and animals. As a rule, walkers have priority. When planning, take into account participants’ fitness level and ability. All riding is at one’s own risk.