Cycle touring

In cycling circles, the Joux-Plane pass is recognised as one of the six most difficult passes in the French mountains, with the Galibier, Izoard, Alpe d'Huez, Mont Ventoux and Tourmalet. The pass has often constituted a decisive stage for cyclists in the Tour de France© and Dauphiné Libéré© cycle races. Climbing it on a bike from Samoëns, quite apart from a physical performance that requires a good level of training, provides an opportunity for some wonderful views of the valley, followed by the Mont-Blanc range from its most majestic angle... The road is closed to heavy goods vehicles, and it is not a main road; this is another plus for cyclists.
Here is some technical data:
The route shown here starts from Samoëns and follows the D 354 road.
Start altitude: 721 m
Altitude at the top of the pass: 1,691 m
Height climbed: 970 m over a distance of 13.1 km, i.e. an average gradient of 7.4%, but with stretches at more than 10%.
Difficulty: very difficult.