Where is Col du Grand Colombier?
France, europe
30 km
1,501 m
moderate
Year-round
Okay, road trip enthusiasts, let's talk about the Col du Grand Colombier! This stunner of a mountain pass sits pretty at 1,501m (4,925ft) in the Ain department of France, nestled in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region.
You'll find this paved beauty, also known as the D120, tucked away in the Jura mountains, just north of the Alps. It's a 30 km (19 miles) stretch of near-deserted road that winds from the D69 down to Culoz.
Cyclists, take note! This climb is no joke, with sections hitting a brutal 19% gradient and hairpin turns galore. The Lacets du Grand Colombier, in particular, will test your legs.
But trust me, it's all worth it for the views from the top. There's a big parking lot where you can soak in the scenery – we're talking panoramic vistas of the Rhône valley, Lac du Bourget, the Gorges de Val-de-Fier, and even the distant Alps. Prepare to be wowed!
Road Details
- Country
- France
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 30 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,501 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
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