An iconic road to Col du Grand Colombier in the western Alps
France, europe
30 km
1,501 m
hard
Year-round
# Col du Grand Colombier
Hidden in the Jura Mountains of eastern France, just north of the Alps, Col du Grand Colombier sits at a pretty impressive 1,501 meters (4,925 feet). This scenic pass is tucked away in the Ain department, part of the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region.
The fully paved D120 road stretches for 30 kilometers (19 miles) running north-south from Culoz, and honestly, you'll barely see another soul out here. The isolation is part of its charm. But here's the thing — this pass is *intense*. We're talking brutal 19% gradients in sections, with relentless hairpin turns that'll keep your hands gripped on the wheel. The toughest stretch? The infamous Lacets du Grand Colombier will test your driving (or cycling) skills big time. It's no wonder the Tour de France made this a Stage 10 feature back in 2012.
Push through to the summit and you'll find a generous parking area with absolutely killer views. From up there, you can gaze across the Rhône valley, catch sight of Lac du Bourget, peer into the dramatic Val-de-Fier gorges, and on a clear day, see the distant Alps stretching across the horizon. Completely worth the white-knuckle drive.
Where is it?
An iconic road to Col du Grand Colombier in the western Alps is located in France (europe). Coordinates: 47.2457, 1.6146
Road Details
- Country
- France
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 30 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,501 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 47.2457, 1.6146
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