When the 2022 Tour de France schedule was unveiled, it suddenly became clear that the Tour would have a beautiful loop through Haute Savoie. Savoie-Mont Blanc Region makes it happen. If there is a beautiful destination for a cycling holiday, then it is here. Of course, you can fill your bike with adrenaline with climbs like the Joux Plane, the Col de la Croisette and the Colombiere. All of these are well-known names from (recent) Tours de France. This year, this region has several starting and finishing points. Not only is there a finish in Chatel Portes de Soleil, but one at a nice altitude in Mégève. We take a look at a few beautiful climbs where you can enjoy cycling in Haute Savoie!
Altiport Mégève
It’s probably not the most beautiful climb, but this challenge will wake up the Tour riders. After the rest day, they will ride via Lake Geneva to the foot of this 19-kilometer climb that goes up at an average of 4.1%. The height of this climb is only 1400 meters. For the real pros, it’s a ‘makkie’, but for the average tourist it’s a long climb. The trick lies in kilometers 14 to 16. The percentages there are 6.5 to 7% on average.
Col de la Colombiere
This is perhaps the most beautiful climb in this region. The 17-kilometer version from Scionzier (from the north) is definitely a challenge at an average of 6.5%. It is a beautiful climb. The trick of this col lies in the last seven kilometers. There is no meter below 7%, and with a long stretch of almost 9%, it is really hard work. A challenge nonetheless. Unfortunately, this year it is not in the Tour, but if you are in this region, this should not be missing from your list.
Col de la Colombière, Marnaz, France
• Distance: 14.2 km, Elevation: 997 m, Average grade: 7.1 %
Solaison
If you’re in Scionzier anyway, you can also cycle to the Plateau de Solaison. If you haven’t found enough challenge in the Colombier yet, this is one to get stuck into. Thuet is the starting point for the most difficult variant, where you have to cover an average of almost 9% kilometers, with peaks reaching 12% and that for more than 12 kilometers. The views are stunning, but this is truly a monster. It’s not until the last 1.5 kilometers that you get some respite from this climb. At 1509 meters, the finish line is finally in sight.
Questions & tips
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