Lac Tanay Climb from Vouvry, Switzerland

Switzerland Lac Tanay

26.2

PDI

6.8 mi

DISTANCE

3,340 ft

GAINED

ELEVATION GAINED

9.4 %

AVG. GRADE

AVG. GRADIENT

FULL CLIMB STATS

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

INTRO

Lac Tanay climbs 10.9 km (6.8 mi) out of Vouvry in the Rhône Valley, gaining 1,018 m (3,340 ft) at an average grade of 9.4% - one of the steeper approaches in this part of the Valais. The first 9 km (5.6 mi) are paved at a manageable 7.8%, but the final stretch to Col de Tanay switches to gravel and kicks up to an average of roughly 17%, with the steepest kilometer holding 18.0%. A road bike with wider tires (28mm or more) can make it up the gravel section, but a gravel or mountain bike is a much better tool for the job. We've ridden this one ourselves: from Vouvry, the road climbs past views back down to the Rhône Valley, through the village of Miex, to a parking area at Flon where the pavement runs out. From there it's a short, brutally steep push on gravel to Col de Tanay, just below Lac de Tanay, where there are hotels and restaurants right at the lake. The riding doesn't have to stop at the lake. From Lac de Tanay, a trail continues 5.3 km and 707 m further up to the summit of Le Grammont (2,172 m), in the Chablias Alps - about 4 km of that is manageable on a mountain bike, but the final 1.1 km has to be hiked on foot. The payoff at the top is one of the best views of Lake Geneva anywhere in the region.

PLAN YOUR ROUTE

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Lac Tanay climbs 10.9 km (6.8 mi) from Vouvry to Col de Tanay, gaining 1,018 m (3,340 ft) at an average grade of 9.4%. The road starts around 392 m (1,286 ft) in the valley and finishes near 1,409 m (4,623 ft). The two halves of this climb ride very differently. The first 9 km (5.6 mi), paved, average a reasonable 7.8%. The remaining stretch is unpaved and averages roughly 17%, with the steepest kilometer measured at 18.0% and the steepest quarter-mile spiking to 20.8% - genuinely difficult grades made harder by the loose gravel surface.

Roadway: The first 9 km (5.6 mi) out of Vouvry, through Miex to the parking area at Flon, are fully paved and in good condition. From Flon to Col de Tanay, the road turns to steep gravel - manageable on a road bike with at least 28mm tires, but a gravel or mountain bike is a much better choice for this section. We found no reports of a 2026 closure on either surface, though the upper gravel stretch is seasonal in practice since it's only rideable once snow clears. Traffic: Traffic is light on the paved section and minimal to nonexistent on the gravel above Flon - this road serves Miex, the Flon parking area, and Lac de Tanay's small hotel community, not through-traffic. Parking: There's a parking area at Flon, right where the pavement ends, a sensible spot to start the gravel section on foot or a different bike if you're not equipped for it. Access above Flon is otherwise restricted to residents, so most visitors treat Flon as the effective end of the drivable road.

Gear: Bring your lowest available gearing. The paved lower section at 7.8% is straightforward, but the gravel finish averages near 17% with ramps over 20% - genuinely difficult even before accounting for the loose surface. A gravel or mountain bike with a wide-range cassette is the right tool; a road bike needs at least 28mm tires to have a reasonable shot at it. Provisions: Vouvry and Miex have services at the base. There are hotels and restaurants at Lac de Tanay itself, right at the top of the ridable climb, so you can restock before continuing on foot toward Le Grammont if you're extending the day into a hike.

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.

This is a climb in two very different parts: a normal, well-paved Alpine ascent for 9 km, then a short, genuinely hard gravel push most riders will remember. If you have the legs and the right bike, don't stop at Col de Tanay - Lac de Tanay itself is worth the visit, and the trail continuing toward Le Grammont (2,172 m) offers some of the best views of Lake Geneva in the Valais, though the final 1.1 km has to be walked. Vouvry and nearby Monthey anchor several other climbs in this part of the Rhône Valley - our Routes in the Area tool is a good way to see what else is nearby if you're building out a multi-climb day in the Chablais.