Lacets du Grand Colombier au dessus de Culoz
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The Grand Colombier and Col de la Biche roads are opened since April 17th, 2026.
Update June/July 2026: due to rockfalls, safety work is underway, and the pass road from Culoz is closed. The other three roads remain accessible (Anglefort, Virieu-le-Petit, and Lochieu).
A memorable stage of the 2012, 2016, 2017, 2020 and 2023 Tour de France, the Grand Colombier climb and its 4 sides is a legendary pass and a real challenge for cyclists with 18 km from Culoz (southern side of the Grand-Colombier), 1,262 m of elevation gain and steepest parts at 14%.
Located 30 min from Aix-les-Bains, 1h from Annecy and Geneva and 1h30 from Lyon, the Grand Colombier and its twists and turns are an mandatory climb for all cyclists wishing to take on a very difficult pass offering an incomparable view of the surroundings.
Dreaming of challenge yourself on one of the hardest climb in France?
Not afraid to ride 2, 3 or 4 climbs of the Grand Colombier by different sides in the same day?
You are ready to join the brotherhood of the Fêlés du Grand Colombier.
Cyclistes au sommet du col du Grand Colombier lors d'une journée cyclo
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Lacets du Grand Colombier surplombant Culoz, le Rhône et le lac du Bourget
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From Culoz: 18.3 km. D+: 1262 m.
Without a doubt the most beautiful road with these spectacular laces and a remarkable panorama that can be discovered over the first few kilometers above the town. This road is rather irregular and promises important heat in the first 7 kilometers between vineyards and cliffs especially in the afternoon. Halfway along the trail, the slope getseasier in the forest, allowing you to rest a little in the sun before attacking the second part, which is just as difficult as the first. An advice, save some strength for the end.
From Artemare, via Virieu-le-Petit: 15,9 km. D+: 1251 m.
The ascent of the Grand Colombier from Artemare (via Virieu-Le-Petit) is the most direct one. The road can be very straight with an horrendous part at 22% above Virieu-le-Petit…
From Anglefort: 15.7 km. D+ : 1251 m.
The ascent of the Grand Colombier by Anglefort is perhaps the least known but remains nevertheless formidable !
From Champagne-en-Valromey by Lochieu: 12,3 km. D+: 900 m.
This ascent of the Grand Colombier is known to be the least difficult of the four roads. The ascent is composed of several flat parts between its climbs at more than 10% all the same. The last two km, however, offer no rest; the final ramp is steep and often windy.
Grand Colombier is only for cyclists on one Saturday per month of June, July, August and September! In 2026, these carfree cycling days will be held on 20 June, 11 July, 8 August and 12 September from 7 AM to 3 PM.
Enjoy the climb with friends with the pleasure of not having to share the climb from Culoz and Anglefort with any cars at all!
The four events are free and no registration are required.
Snacks and food are offered by Ain Department, in collaboration with the brotherhood Fêlés du Grand Colombier at the top of the climb, a coffee is also offered by the Tourist Office at the bottom of the climb in Culoz.
Cyclistes dans les pentes du Grand Colombier lors d'une journée cyclo
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