Col de la Colombière from Le Grand-Bornand

Route overview

Suitable for cyclists looking for a challenging 10.8 km climb with 686 m of elevation gain.

Climb 10.8 km from Le Grand-Bornand to Col de la Colombière, France, gaining 686 m at an average 6.4%.

Starting in Le Grand-Bornand at 926 m, the route follows a 10.8 km climb to Col de la Colombière, reaching 1612 m. The climb averages 6.4% with a maximum gradient of 10.5%, mostly uphill (99%), with 7.9 km over 5% gradient and 2.3 km over 8%. It passes several places including Les Frasses, La Bouvardière, Le Chinaillon, and Les Bouts. The road surface is 96% paved with a very small portion (3%) gravel. The route mainly follows the D 4 (8.3 km), a main road without a cycle lane, with some quiet streets and minor roads. On this stretch, 2.5 km have posted speed limits of 80 km/h or more. The longest stretch without facilities like cafes, shops, or water runs 3.8 km from 0.7 km to 4.5 km. At the start, Le Grand-Bornand provides cafes, bakeries, a supermarket, bars, and drinking water. Along the route, shops and drinking water are found near 5.9 km, and a bike rental is at 6.2 km. At the summit, the La Colombière restaurant is available. A viewpoint named Cascade mystérieuse is close by at 4.4 km.

Highlights

• Col de la Colombière summit at 1612 m
• Village of Le Grand-Bornand start
• Peak Le Chapeau at 1832 m nearby
• Cascade mystérieuse viewpoint at 4.4 km

Practical information

Surface

Paved

Route shape

Point to point

Riding time

46 min

Best months

Jun to Oct — daily highs of 15–23 °C in those months

Know before you go

• 8.3 km on main roads without cycle lanes
• 2.5 km on roads with 80 km/h+ speed limits
• 3.8 km longest stretch without cafe, shop or water (km 0.7 to 4.5)
• 0.5 km gravel or unpaved sections

Routes are for inspiration. Roads, surfaces and conditions change — check locally and ride within your limits.