29.8
PDI
9 mi
DISTANCE
4,011 ft
GAINED
8.4 %
AVG. GRADE
FULL CLIMB STATS
Page Contributor(s): Ard Oostra, Switzerland.
INTRO
Mont Bisanne - officially Signal de Bisanne, at 1,929 m (6,330 ft) - is one of the two "mythical" climbs of the Beaufortain, alongside Cormet de Roselend. From Villard-sur-Doron, the south side climbs 14.5 km (9.0 mi), gaining 1,223 m (4,011 ft) at an 8.4% average grade. It's rated Hors Categorie, and the Tour de France climbed this exact side for the first time in 2016, on Stage 19.
The road shares its first several kilometers with the Col des Saisies climb, winding through forest on a wide, well-surfaced road with occasional pitches near 9%. At Col des Saisies itself, most traffic continues down into the Saisies ski station - the Bisanne route instead forks right and climbs on through rolling 5-8% terrain before a final, brutal 2 km section at a sustained 11% through open alpine meadow to the Signal.
The Signal de Bisanne is also one of the Beaufortain's best-known paragliding launch sites, and the payoff for the climb is the same: a 360-degree panorama that takes in Mont Blanc, the Aravis range, Pierra Menta, and the ski stations of the Beaufortain below.
Like the rest of the high Beaufortain roads, the upper section above Col des Saisies typically closes under snow each winter - confirm current conditions before an early- or late-season ride.
PLAN YOUR ROUTE
We've partnered with Sherpa-Map.com to bring you the best route planning tool. With a PRO Membership you can use this climb as a reference when creating your route. The climb averages 8.4% over 14.5 km (9.0 mi), gaining 1,223 m (4,011 ft) from Villard-sur-Doron (708 m/2,323 ft) to the Signal de Bisanne (1,929 m/6,330 ft). It's hardest at both ends: the opening quarter-mile averages 11.3% and the first mile holds 10.9%, before a genuinely rolling middle section through Col des Saisies eases the average to around 10.1% by 2.5 miles and 9.5% by 5 miles - only for the final two kilometers past the Saisies fork to kick back up to a sustained 11% through open meadow to the summit. Expect one of the more physically demanding profiles in the Beaufortain, with real recovery only in the mid-section near Col des Saisies.
Roadway: Paved and in good condition for the entire climb - the lower and middle sections through Col des Saisies are a wide, well-maintained road, and the final push to the Signal, while narrower, has held up well on recent visits and rider reports through 2026. Like the rest of the high Beaufortain, the upper road typically closes under snow each winter and reopens in late spring - confirm current status before an early- or late-season ride.
Traffic: Light to moderate through the forested lower kilometers, which are shared with traffic heading to Col des Saisies and the Saisies ski station; noticeably lighter past the fork toward the Signal, since most drivers continue into the ski station rather than climbing the final, steeper stretch.
Parking: Villard-sur-Doron is a small village with roadside parking near the village center - a practical, low-key base for the climb. There's also parking at Col des Saisies itself if you'd rather split the climb or start partway up.
Provisions: Villard-sur-Doron has a village bakery (Boulangerie des Croes) for a pre-ride coffee and pastry; beyond that, the Col des Saisies ski station roughly two-thirds of the way up has cafes and shops open in summer - the last realistic stop before the steep, exposed final push to the Signal.
Gear: This is a Hors Categorie climb, with two genuinely steep sections bookending a rolling middle, so a compact crank paired with a wide-range cassette (a 34-tooth chainring with a 30-32-34 low cog is typical) makes both the opening ramps and the brutal final 2 km manageable. The Signal de Bisanne is an exposed, treeless summit and a well-known paragliding launch site, so wind and quick weather changes are common even on a clear day - pack a light jacket for the descent.
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.
Villard-sur-Doron sits in the heart of the Beaufortain, within easy reach of the region's other big climbs - Cormet de Roselend, Col du Pre, and Col des Saisies are all short drives away, making this a strong base for a multi-day Beaufortain trip.
The Signal de Bisanne joined the Tour de France for the first time in 2016 (Stage 19), climbed from this same Villard-sur-Doron side - a point of pride for a climb that's otherwise far quieter than its Beaufortain neighbors. See other climbs nearby with our Routes in the Area tool if you're planning a longer stay in the region.
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