The Grand Colombier

13-08-2026

Col du Grand Colombier from Culoz

Distance from Culoz train station

Maximum altitude

Length and gradient of the Col

Tour de France Categorie

0

1 498 m

18.3 km at 6.9%

Hors Categorie

Col du Grand Colombier from Culoz

 

Often called the "giant of the Jura", this Hors Categorie climb is a formidable challenge that demands respect from even the most seasoned riders. It offers varying, unpredictable terrain and brutal gradients that test every ounce of strength, while the summit rewards you with panoramic vistas of the Alps, the Rhône valley, and even the Geneva lake.

 

This pass used to be lesser known than the great Alpine passes and wasn’t selected by the Tour de France until 2012, finally, it is the only Jura pass to be Hors Categorie. Since then, it has seen 5 times the race. 

 

Also, other famous French races climb this pass, such as the Tour de l’ain and the Tour Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes (formerly Critérium du Dauphiné). It is also really accessible from the Culoz train station and attracts riders from all over the region.

 

To get to Culoz train station, near the start of the climb, a 1 hour and 30 minutes train trip from Annemasse with a connection in Bellegarde-sur-Valserine is needed.



© Christian Martelet/Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes Tourisme

Vignette : © Christian Martelet/Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes Tourisme 

 

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