Cycling in the Alps: Chamonix - Col de Joux Plane

 

For cyclists, the Col de Joux-Plane is renowned as one of the six major passes of the French massif, along with the Galibier, Izoard, L’Alpe d’Huez, Mont Ventoux and the Tourmalet. This pass has often been a challenge for the riders of the Tour de France and the Dauphiné Libéré.

Cycling Col de Joux
Col de Joux Tour de France
Col de Joux Plane 1700m
Col de Joux Plane in Winter

Climbing Col de Joux, requires a very good training. The effort is worth it as the view over the Mont-Blanc is majestic.

Some technical data:

  North Side South Slope Direct South Side Indirect South Side via Chantemerle South Side via Villard (D907)
Depart Morzine Samoens (Giffre Valley) Samoens (Giffre Valley) Samoens (Giffre Valley) Samoens (Giffre Valley)
Distance 10.9 km 11.6 km 13.3 km 11.9 km 12.4 km
Elevation 708 m 989 m 989 m 989 m 1015m
Average% 7,5 % 8.5 % 7.5% 8.5% 8%
max% 11% on 700 m 11% of 200 m 11% of 200 m 11% of 200 m 12% on 500 m

For beginners, a road leads up the hillside and down to Samoens by another route via Turches and Combes.