
An awe-inspiring drive to Col d'Ornon
France, europe
14.42 km
1,360 m
moderate
Year-round
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through the French Dauphiné Alps in Isère, heading for the Col d'Ornon. This baby sits pretty at 1,360m (4,462ft) above sea level and the road, the D526, is a dream. It connects Le Bourg-d'Oisans with La Mure. Think stunning mountain views on a smooth, quiet road that's never too challenging.
Cyclists, take note! This beauty has even featured in the Tour de France. You've got two main ways to tackle it. From Entraigues, it's a 14.42km climb, gaining 563 meters at an average of 3.9%. Or, if you're feeling a bit more spicy, start from La Paute – it's 11.11km, but you'll gain 643 meters at an average of 5.8%. Either way, you’re in for some seriously breathtaking scenery.
Road Details
- Country
- France
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 14.42 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,360 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
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