The final stage of the Panorama Bike is nothing less than spectacular: From the tiny ski area of Les Paccots, the route climbs continually to the Col de Soladier, on along an attractive high-level route to Col de Jaman, above Montreux. Then follows a thrilling 1200 metre descent to the shores of Lac Léman.
We quickly leave Les Paccots in the morning to get the 500-meter climb up to Col de Soladier behind us. The modest pass is the starting point for the long downhill ride to Montreux.
The deep-blue lake is visible from time to time, but there is no clear view on this section. You pedal through a rough, isolated mountain area – but the vibrant towns of Vevey and Montreux are just a short distance away.
And suddenly you have an unobstructed view of Lake Geneva – awesome! Near Caux the entire lake is at your feet – there is no question that the Panorama route lives up to its name. It later ends, quite befittingly, at the lake promenade in Montreux.