Famous Cols accesible from Cluses

12-05-2025

Plateau de Solaison

Distance from la Roche-sur-Foron train station	Maximum altitude	Length and gradient of the Col	Tour de France Categorie
13.7 km	1 497 m	11.3 km at 9%	Hors Categorie

Plateau de Solaison from Thuet

A high-altitude plateau that serves as a spectacular, often grueling summit finish. The climb is known for its intensity and the sense of isolation you feel as you approach the top, surrounded by rugged, limestone peaks. The plateau itself is a peaceful haven of alpine grass and traditional farmhouses, rewarding riders with an unmatched feeling of accomplishment at the end of a tough day.

The plateau de Solaison is famous for being the 2026 Tour de France arrival for the 15th stage from Champagnole (Jura). If you want to follow its tracks, La Roche-sur-Foron train station was also on the Tour de France’s track and is only 10km away from the beginning of the ascension.

To get there from Annemasse is only 20 minutes by train and then a 30 minutes ride to Thuet, the start of the ascension.

The road leading to plateau de Solaison leads nowhere else, this is why it’s not a Col and so, it is more difficult to install a race arrival there but it was only waiting for its turn at the Tour de France

Col de Joux Plane

Distance from Cluses train station	Maximum altitude	Length and gradient of the Col	Tour de France Categorie
20 km	1 712 m	11.7 km at 8.5%	Hors Categorie

Col de Joux-Plane from Samoëns

Known as one of the most challenging ascents in the area, it connects the floor of the Arve Valley to the resort town of Morzine.

The climb is steep and demanding, often featuring narrow stretches that require focus, but it rewards those who conquer it with an iconic, direct view of Mont-Blanc, right after the pass.

It is frequently a defining moment in professional cycling stages such as the Tour de France, which passed it 11 times, the last time being in the 14th stage of the 2023 Tour for the Annemasse-Morzine stage. After going through la Vallée Verte, the Tour de France visited le Col de La Ramaz and then the Col de Joux Plane.

To get to Samoëns, the start of the climb, plan for a 50 minutes train to Cluses then a bus or a 2 hour and 30 minutes ride to the resort city.

Attention is needed during the tricky descent because the road has a lot of switchbacks.

Col de la Ramaz

Distance from Cluses train station	Maximum altitude	Length and gradient of the Col	Tour de France Categorie
8.2 km	1 559 m	16 km at 6.1%	Categorie 1

This climb, to be pronounced “La Rama” without a “z”, is a quintessential part of the Chablais cycling experience, often paired with other nearby passes to create strenuous, rewarding loops.

During the ascent, you pass through the beautiful Pras de Lys-Sommand ski resort, which transforms from a winter playground into a sweeping, high-mountain pasture in the summer months. It offers a sustained effort that tests endurance against a stunning backdrop.

In the recent years, it has seen 5 difficult ascensions during the Tour the France the last one being in 2023 for the Annemasse-Morzine stage. In the past, this climb managed to make Armstrong go back in the Peloton.

To get to Taninges, the start of the climb, plan for a 50 minutes train from Annemasse to Cluses and then a small hour of bike to the City.

In the winter, this pass is closed because the road becomes a ski slope.

Bruno Toutain

Col de l'Encrenaz

Distance from Cluses train station	Maximum altitude	Length and gradient of the Col	Tour de France Categorie
8.2 km	1 433 m	16.2 km at 4.9%	Categorie 2

A quieter, narrower pass that provides an intimate riding experience through dense, shaded forests.

It is an excellent climb for those looking to avoid the high traffic of major passes while still gaining significant elevation. The route offers a peaceful, almost meditative atmosphere, making it a perfect contrast to the famous climbs in the nearby area.