Col de Joux Plane from Samoëns | Legendary Climbs of the Tour de France

France Col de Joux Plane (Samoens)

Col de Joux Plane (Samoens) Bike Climb - PJAMM Cycling

23.2

PDI

7.2 mi

DISTANCE

3,165 ft

GAINED

ELEVATION GAINED

8.4 %

AVG. GRADE

AVG. GRADIENT

FULL CLIMB STATS

Page Contributor(s): Ard Oostra, Montreux, Switzerland.

INTRO

Col de Joux Plane links two Haute-Savoie ski towns, Samoëns and Morzine, and the southern side from Samoëns is the one that has made its reputation. The climb gains 965 m (3,165 ft) in 11.5 km (7.2 mi) at an average grade of 8.4% to the 1691 m (5,548 ft) pass - with no descents or real flats anywhere, 17 hairpins, and a second half that is harder than the first. In French cycling circles it's reckoned among the six hardest passes in the country's mountains, alongside the Galibier, Izoard, Alpe d'Huez, Ventoux, and Tourmalet.

The D354 leaves Samoëns steeply, then settles into a long, irregular 7-8% climb across a balcony road with growing views back down the Giffre valley and out toward the Mont Blanc massif. Beyond the hamlet of Mevoutier the gradient stiffens and stays there: the last 5 km average around 9%, much of it on a narrow road through forest and pasture, before a slightly easier final few hundred meters to the col and the small Lac de Joux Plane just beyond it.

As of 2023, the Tour de France had featured Col de Joux Plane 13 times since 1978, almost always from Samoëns as the last climb before a descent to a Morzine finish. Christian Seznec was the first rider over the top in 1978; Richard Virenque won in Morzine in 2000 on the day Lance Armstrong struggled badly on this climb; and in 2023, Jonas Vingegaard was first over the summit on stage 14. Legend has it that Sean Kelly hit 124 km/h (77 mph) on the descent to Morzine in 1984.

PLAN YOUR ROUTE

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Col de Joux Plane from Samoëns climbs 11.5 km (7.2 mi) from 749 m (2,457 ft) to the 1691 m (5,548 ft) pass, gaining 965 m (3,165 ft) at an average grade of 8.4%.

There's no warm-up: the first kilometer out of Samoëns averages about 9.6%. The next 5 km (3.1 mi) are more irregular, averaging around 7.5% with short steeper ramps and brief easings. The second half is where the climb bites - from roughly 6 km (3.7 mi) in, the road holds about 9% almost without a break for 5 km (3.1 mi), before easing slightly over the final few hundred meters.

The steepest 0.5 km (0.3 mi) averages 11.5%, the steepest kilometer 10.2%, the steepest 2 km (1.2 mi) 9.3%, and the steepest 5 km (3.1 mi) 9.2%. Markers every kilometer show the distance remaining and the gradient ahead.

Roadway: The D354 is paved all the way to the col and rider reports generally describe the surface as sound, though it's narrow for much of the upper half and patched in places - expect some rough sections rather than a smooth resort road. The pass is closed in winter, when the top becomes a Nordic ski area, and the road can also close for works at other times of the year; Samoëns tourist office has current status.

Traffic: Light to moderate. The road is closed to heavy goods vehicles and isn't a major through-route, so it's mostly local cars, summer visitors heading for the lake, and plenty of cyclists. Take care on the narrow upper hairpins, where there's little room for cars to pass.

Parking: Samoëns makes parking easy: there's a free 40-space lot opposite the tourist office, beside a much larger free car park, both a short ride from the start of the climb. There's also a parking area at the col itself, useful if someone is meeting you at the top.

Provisions: Samoëns has bakeries, cafes, and grocery shops in the village center for a stock-up before you start. There's nothing on the road between Samoëns and the col, so carry enough water for the whole climb - with an 8.4% average, you'll be going slower (and drinking more) than on most climbs of this length.

Gear: Gear low. Riders regularly mention needing a 34x26 or easier, and a compact crankset with a 30- or 32-tooth cog is sensible for most - the second half never lets up enough to recover. Pack a wind layer for the top and the descent: the pass is often much colder than Samoëns, even in summer.

Before heading out on any cycling adventure check out our Things to Bring on a Cycling Trip and use our interactive check list to ensure you don't forget anything.

Great, affordable places to stay in Samoëns, as well as down the street in Cluses.

Samoëns is worth more than a quick stop. It's a listed "ville fleurie," and its center is built around the Grenette - the old covered market - and the Gros Tilleul, the great lime tree that has long served as the village meeting place. The town was famous for its stonemasons, and their work is on show in the church of Notre-Dame de l'Assomption, completed in 1555. Just above the center, the Jaÿsinia alpine botanical garden was created in 1906 by Marie-Louise Cognacq-Jaÿ, a Samoëns native who co-founded Paris's La Samaritaine department store.

At the top, the small Lac de Joux Plane is a lovely spot to recover before the descent to Morzine - or back the way you came. With the Col de la Ramaz, Samoëns 1600, Col de Pierre Carée, and Morzine's own climbs all nearby, see other climbs nearby, or build a custom route from here, with our Routes in the Area tool.