How to reach the tourist office?
In cycling circles, the Joux-Plane pass is reputed as being one of the six most challenging passes in the French mountains, along with the Galibier, Izoard, Alpe d'Huez, Mont Ventoux and Tourmalet ascents.
The pass has often constituted a decisive stage for competitors in the Tour de France© and Dauphiné Libéré© cycle races. Cycling from Samoëns to the summit, quite apart from being a physical challenge that requires a good level of fitness, 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 is not a major route for traffic, much to the delight of cyclists.
A few key facts:
The route described here starts from Samoëns and follows the D354 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.
For beginners, there is a road halfway up that takes you back to Samoëns along another route (via Les Turches and Les Combes).
After your walk, you can come and drink our hot chocolates, coffees, producer juices and taste our tarts and farm products. All the while enjoying the view of the valley and Mont-Blanc.
Summer is Samoëns means a holiday in a small town full of old chalets and flower-decked balcones or in the renovated wooden farmhouses in the nearby hamlets. It means a whole range of leisure activities.
