Where is Mont du Chat?

Where is Mont du Chat?

France, europe

Length

14.4 km

Elevation

1,504 m

Difficulty

hard

Best Season

Year-round

Okay, picture this: you're in the Savoie department of France, ready to tackle Mont du Chat, aka Cat's Mountain. Trust me, this climb is NO joke! We're talking serious bragging rights here.

This beast of a road is tucked away in the Rhône-Alpes region, and the D42 road is your paved path to glory. And the road is in great shape! You'll be cruising (or struggling!) on smooth asphalt with hardly any other cars around.

So, how steep is it REALLY? Let's just say the Tour de France riders know this climb intimately. It averages around 9% for a whopping 14.4 km, and once you're 2 km in, there's no mercy. Expect ramps hitting a brutal 15%! You'll be starting near the stunning Lac du Bourget at a measly 250 meters, only to finish up around 1,500 meters. Prepare your legs (and your lungs).

The total length is 22.2 km (13.79 miles), winding east to west from Le Bourget-du-Lac to Cremaire. Keep in mind this road is closed from November to March due to snow.

The reward for your pain? A parking lot, a bar-restaurant, and the Belvédère du Mont du Chat at the summit. Get ready for insane panoramic views of Lac du Bourget! Seriously, the views are worth every ounce of effort.

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Road Details

Country
France
Continent
europe
Length
14.4 km
Max Elevation
1,504 m
Difficulty
hard

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