Every summer, when the road cycling season is in full swing, many riders dream of climbing the Alpe d'Huez, Galibier or Mont Ventoux. In this respect, the Alps are the most imaginative mountain area for the Dutch cyclist. But even though the Tour de France manages to add another climb every year, there are still many unknown, but stunning climbs to be found. We give you 5 climbs in the (French and Swiss) Alps that you probably don't know about, for on your new bucket list. That will be enjoyment on the bike!
Col de Parquetout
The association with a green bird is easily made, but this calving biter near Grenoble will make many a person whistle themselves. 'Only 1424m' in altitude, but with 686m of elevation gain in 7.1km, it's definitely going to hurt. On and hot summer day, you sometimes have some help from the trees, which protect from the sun. The road also winds nicely and from the southern direction you can also see one of the (snow-covered) Alpine peaks passing by in the distance each time. The most difficult variation, however, is the one from the north, from Les Angelas. The trees block the view a bit, but with a challenge like this, you're probably happy if you can see straight ahead.
This climb has never been in a grand tour before, we wonder why
Col du Parpaillon
This really is a monster climb. Just Google on Col du Parpaillon and you will understand what we mean. Only 6.8% average, but that's mainly because of the last 10km, when the percentages don't go below 8%. In total, you're climbing 26.7km if you start from Le Pont Neuf. You cover almost 1850 altimeters, if you ride all the way to the summit at 2637m. The views are breathtaking. With a graceful pattern of mountain roads. Beware though, the climb contains sections of unpaved road! Probably also the reason it has not yet been ridden in the Tour de France (although they are trying to 'cycle' more and more 'strade bianche' strips into it).
Col du Mont-Cenis
Technically, the best variant of this climb is the one starting in Susa, just across the border with Italy. But going forward, the Agnello/Col d'Agnell is also in France. This crack of a climb is almost 30km long measured from the start. And is for the most part nice and gradual, but at 7 to 8%. After you pass the border with France, the climb flattens out and you ride along the lake for another bit, almost false flat uphill. Pretty nice to have some relaxation after more than 20km of pounding and also to enjoy a nice view. The lake of Mont Cenis is a beautiful clear blue. Like out of a magazine.
Millefonts
This unknown giant lies in the Alpes-Maritimes, right above Monaco. Isola 2000's little brother starts at the junction of the M2205 and the M2565. From there, this is a real runner. Very gradual, with only 1 single outlier, at 5km before the summit. Then the climb briefly rises above 10%, but soon after that it rises again. Make no mistake, it is 6.4% average and that for 24km. You pass through all sorts of nice villages and the route is well maintained the first part. As soon as you turn left near saint Dalmas onto the Route de Millefonds, it looks as if the French taxpayers' money had run out. The road surface gets worse, but you can look around nicely and enjoy the scenery. There are also the requisite hairpin bends to contend with. You end at the 'car park'. The view is a bit moonscape, but worth the climb. Tip: go up again by car and hiking boots and walk to Lac de Millefonts. !
Col de la Croisette
Think pain, more painful, most painful. Then you come to the Col de la Croisette in Savoie Mont Blanc It is 'only' a climb of 6600 metres in length. But the fact that you also pick up 698 altimeters in those 6600 metres will still make you think. From Salève, it's a bit of an Angliru-light version. Slightly shorter and less steep at some points, but definitely not for the 'faint hearted'. This beater was last in the Tour in 1992 and many will hope that 2022 will not be used as an 'anniversary year' to bring it back.
Also read the article on this Geneva house mountain.
Any more tips?
These were our tips for 5 climbs in the (French and Swiss) Alps that you might not know yet. Do you know more gems we absolutely must have ridden? Let us know in the comments!
