Carfree cycling day of the Grand Colombier

PLEASE NOTE: The Grand Colombier road from Culoz will remain closed until September 30, 2026. However, the cycling days scheduled for August and September will still take place via the Anglefort route from 7:00 AM to 3:00 PM. A coffee welcome will be hosted at Anglefort by Haut Rhône Tourisme; the coffee welcome at Culoz and the refreshment station at the summit will also be maintained. Climb the legendary Grand Colombier on a closed road! A free event open to everyone, with no registration required. The road from Anglefort is reserved for cyclists from 7:00 AM to 3:00 PM. (Re)discover one of France's toughest mountain passes during these true celebrations of cycling! A star of the Tour de France in 2012, 2016, 2017, 2020, and 2023, and rising to an altitude of 1,501 meters, the Grand Colombier pass offers exceptional panoramic views: a 360° vista taking in the Alps and Mont Blanc, the Valromey valley, and Lakes Bourget, Annecy, and Geneva (Lac Léman). With four different ascent routes, the climb from Culoz is renowned for being challenging, spectacular, and airy, offering incomparable views of Lake Bourget, the Rhône, the Bugey region, and the Belledonne massif from its famous hairpin bends. Grand Colombier pass from Anglefort: Distance: 16 km Elevation gain: 1,222 m Steepest sections: 14% Coffee welcome provided by the Bugey Sud Grand Colombier Tourist Office at the foot of the climb in Culoz. A welcome at the summit, refreshments, a certificate, and a souvenir gift are offered by the *Confrérie des Fêlés du Grand Colombier* (Brotherhood of Grand Colombier Enthusiasts) on behalf of the Ain Department. For cycling enthusiasts who love a challenge, these cycling days offer the perfect opportunity to try and join the *Confrérie des Fêlés du Grand Colombier* (Brotherhood of Grand Colombier "Cracks")! Becoming a "Fêlé" is simple (in theory): you just need to register in advance with the Brotherhood (see details on their website) and climb the Grand Colombier via at least two different routes in a single day (or climb all four routes in one day to achieve "Grand Master" status!). The inn and the summit remain accessible to vehicles via the roads starting from Lochieu and Virieu-le-Petit, which stay open to traffic. GPX: 3 loop suggestions available for download on this page (from Anglefort as the road will be closed from Culoz). - Loop 1: Ascent of the Grand Colombier starting from Culoz, descent to Lochieu via the Valromey side (47 km – 1,361m elevation gain). - Loop 2: Ascent of the Grand Colombier starting from Port de Massignieu, access to Culoz via the new "Via Grand Colombier" cycle route, descent to Lochieu, and return via the Bugey wine-growing villages and Lake Barterand (66 km – 1,511m elevation gain). - Loop 3: Ascents of the Grand Colombier from Culoz followed by the Col de la Biche (60 km – 2,100m elevation gain). Custom routes can be created upon request by emailing [email protected] and specifying your starting point, as well as your preferred distance and elevation gain. Bike rental: - L'Atelier Cycles Grand Colombier offers road bike or e-mountain bike (VTTAE) rentals from Seyssel. For reservations and details, call 06 16 68 85 73 or email [email protected]. - Road bike and e-bike rentals are also available at Sports 360 in Les Plans d'Hotonnes. Book online at: https://servinature-velo.notresphere.com/location-materiel E-bikes, e-mountain bikes, inline skates, roller skis, etc., are of course welcome! On-site dining options: In Culoz: the Grand Colombier campsite snack bar (by the lake), Le Campagnard Autrement, and Les Epicurieux. In Lavours: L'Auberge de la Paillère. In Artemare: Le Séran and Les Caudalies. In Virieu-le-Petit: Bistrot by Tatahie. In Munet: Ferme Auberge Chez Cuzieu. Accommodation: view the list of local accommodation options at bugeysud-tourisme.fr Points to note: - Of the four roads leading to the Grand Colombier pass, we recommend choosing the descent towards Lochieu rather than the one dropping directly to Virieu-le-Petit from the Selle de Fromentel. The steep gradients—reaching 22% on this narrow road—can be very demanding on brakes and somewhat hazardous. - Please do not ride across the full width of the road during your ascent; leave room for cyclists descending at high speed along the same route. - As the first few kilometers of the climb from Culoz face due south, it is advisable to start before 9:00 AM to avoid the heat. The Grand Colombier Cycling Days are open to everyone and organized by the Ain Departmental Council, the *Confrérie des Fêlés du Grand Colombier* (Brotherhood of Grand Colombier Enthusiasts), and the Bugey Sud Grand Colombier Tourist Office.