Col de la Biche

Col de la Biche

France, europe

Length

19.17 km

Elevation

1,310 m

Difficulty

hard

Best Season

Year-round

Okay, buckle up for Col de la Biche, a crazy-steep mountain pass in eastern France's Ain department! This baby hits an elevation of 1,310m (that's 4,297ft for my American friends).

You'll be cruising the D123, a narrow ribbon of asphalt winding through the stunning Massif du Jura. Watch out, though, because some sections of this climb are seriously steep, reaching up to 13.6%! Even the Tour de France has tackled this beast.

You've got three ways to conquer Col de la Biche:

* **From Talissieu:** A 19.17 km climb with 1,070 meters of elevation gain, averaging 5.5%.

* **From Artemare:** A slightly longer 20.5 km ascent, gaining 1,065 meters at an average of 5.2%.

* **From Gigniez:** The shortest but perhaps most intense route, stretching 13.8 km with 958 meters of climbing and a 6.9% average grade.

No matter which way you go, get ready for some breathtaking scenery and a serious workout for your legs (or your car's engine!).

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Road Details

Country
France
Continent
europe
Length
19.17 km
Max Elevation
1,310 m
Difficulty
hard

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