Col de la Colombière - A cyclist's view

The Col de la Colombière (1,613m) is one of those climbs that feels like a proper Alpine experience—never the longest, never the steepest, but full of character and variation that keeps you on your toes.

• Approach from Scionzier (north side):

This is the harder, more famous side. The road eases you in through the forest with steady gradients around 6–7%, but as you climb higher the trees thin out and the slopes become harsher. The last 3 km are where it bites: the road pitches up above 9%, the hairpins tighten, and the landscape turns rugged and exposed. You can see the pass ahead, which is both motivating and slightly cruel, because it feels closer than it is.

• Approach from Le Grand-Bornand (south side):

This side is more gradual and often used in the Tour de France. The gradients hover between 5–7% most of the way, so it’s manageable, but it can still sting if ridden hard. You climb through alpine pastures, with wide views of the Aravis range opening up. It has a more open, airy feel than the forested Scionzier side.

• Road surface and atmosphere:

The tarmac is generally good, narrow in places but smooth, with classic French mountain charm. There’s little traffic outside of peak summer, and cows grazing nearby add to the alpine soundtrack. On a race day or in summer cycling season, it’s buzzing with riders testing themselves on a Tour classic.

• Summit reward:

The top is narrow, marked by a simple sign, but the views make up for it—steep limestone cliffs on one side, rolling green pastures on the other. There’s a real sense of crossing into a different landscape. And the descent is thrilling: fast, technical, and rewarding after the grind.

Overall, the Col de la Colombière is a climb that demands respect. It’s not monstrously long like the Tourmalet, but it forces you to dig deep, especially in its final stretch, and gives you that unmistakable Alpine satisfaction at the top.

© davidt 2025