Escapade dans la campagne Suisse

This itinerary winds its way through the Geneva countryside, past several castles and strongholds on the left bank of Lake Geneva. Between fields and orchards, and picturesque villages, you'll follow part of the signposted route n°171 (SwissMobile). Departing from the Maison de la Mobilité et du Tourisme (MMT) in Annemasse, ride towards the Étoile-Gare car park, which you need to cycle past to get to Rue des Frères Tassile. Go left at the mini-roundabout. You will pass the Villeventus complex and then get to a roundabout. At the roundabout, turn left, then left again under the arch. Cross the town centre of Ville-la-Grand with its cobbled streets. Go straight ahead at the crossroads where you’ll see the Clown sculpture. Heading in the direction of the Parc des Écureuils, you will go under another arch before turning left, then right into the Impasse du Stade, where you will take the gravel path. Follow this track along the Foron River to the end. You’ll see a small road, turn left. Continue until you join the main road (Route de Juvigny). Turn right, then take the first left on a track (Route de la Louvière). At the end of this track, continue straight on until the crossroads with a fountain, then turn right to join the signposted cycle route (171). Continue on this route through the Swiss countryside, past castles and strongholds: first of all, you’ll pass the Château du Crest, a 13th century castle that is today a wine estate and B&B, then you’ll pass the ruins of the medieval castle, Château de Rouelbeau. For more information about the castle and its history, see: batie-rouelbeau.ch. Arriving in Vésenaz, you may want to make a detour to the lake (Pointe-à-la-Bise or Plage de la Savonnière), but beware, there’s an uphill climb on the way back! Next, take the cycle 171 route again, which will take you past the Château de Vésenaz . Continue on the Chemin des Princes, until the crossroads with the Route de Pressy, where you’ll leave the signposted route and go straight ahead. Continue straight ahead until Choulex, Chemin de la Gouile-Noire, where you’ll find route 171 again. Follow route 171 to Présinge. At the crossroads with the fountain you passed on the outward journey, leave the signposted route and turn right (Route des Champs-de-Jus). Continue along this road to the end, then turn left. At the end of the road, just before the gravel path, get off your bike to take the very small path on the right and cross the small wood (a few metres). You’ll arrive at the edge of the Route de Juvigny, which you need to cross to get to the hamlet of Marsaz with its Château (caution, busy road, be careful!). Scan this QR code to follow the route in real time! Next, head in the direction of the Moulin de Carra, and you will pass in front of the mill. Don’t hesitate to stop and look around the gardens or visit the mill when it’s open. Continue until you get to the Lycée Saint-François le Juvénat, turn left. Cross the level crossing and turn right onto Rue du Révérend Père Favre. Follow the road, then turn left into Rue Edouard Thouvenel, then right into Rue de la République, and right again at the roundabout. At the end of this street (just before the entrance to the station car park), turn left onto the bus lane until you reach the Maison de la Mobilité et du Tourisme.