32
PDI
5.6 mi
DISTANCE
3,430 ft
GAINED
11.7 %
AVG. GRADE
FULL CLIMB STATS
INTRO
This 5.6-mile climb is the paved lower half of the legendary Rionda - one of the hardest climbs in Switzerland, currently ranked #42 in the world in our database. Les Marinaux covers the first switchbacking kilometers out of Lavey-Morcles, gaining 3,430 ft at an average gradient of 11.7% before finishing where Rionda's surface turns to gravel for its brutal final push to the 2,157 m summit.
The road climbs through roughly 29 numbered hairpins through forest above the Avancon de Morcles, gaining height quickly with a few ramps into the low 20% range. It passes directly through the small village of Morcles partway up, with views opening across the Rhone Valley as you climb.
Riders looking for the complete objective - a gravel-capable bike is required beyond this point - can continue past this climb's finish onto Rionda's upper section to the true summit; see our Rionda climb page for that continuation.
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. This climb averages 11.7% over 5.6 miles, with a genuinely brutal opening: the steepest 100 yards spikes to 23.8%, and the steepest quarter mile still averages 15.7%. The steepest continuous kilometer comes in at 15.3%, easing somewhat higher up - the steepest 5-mile stretch, covering nearly the whole climb, still averages 11.75%. Our FIETS difficulty score for this climb is 12.6, in line with its reputation as the warm-up act for one of the hardest climbs in the country.
Expect no flat ground to recover on - gear low from the first pedal stroke.
Roadway: The road is paved the entire way, in fair to good condition, through the roughly 29 hairpins from Lavey-Morcles up through Morcles village to this climb's finish, where Rionda's surface turns to gravel above. Watch for debris on the descent, especially after storms.
Traffic: Minimal - a quiet switchbacking road with little reason for through traffic once you're past the village. The Route de Morcles occasionally sees short military-related disruptions (an open day at the nearby Dailly fortifications is scheduled for September 4, 2026) and was affected by a rockslide-related temporary road and a 3.5-tonne weight limit starting in early 2025 - neither has been reported to affect cyclists, but check current conditions if riding around those dates.
Parking: There are only a couple of informal spots at the start of the climb in Lavey-Morcles, if you're lucky - Map; Street View.
A standard road bike is fine for this climb - it's paved throughout, unlike Rionda's gravel finish above. That said, gear low: with pitches into the low 20s% right from the start, a compact or sub-compact crankset and a wide-range cassette make a real difference here.
If you're planning to continue onto Rionda's upper gravel section beyond this climb's finish, switch to a gravel or cyclocross bike with at least 30mm tires before you do.
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.
Lavey-Morcles is a small spa town in the Rhone Valley, a short drive or train ride from Martigny, Bex, and Aigle, and about 45 minutes from Lake Geneva. St-Maurice and Bex both have rail stations if arriving by train, and Lavey-les-Bains' thermal baths are a good way to soak sore legs after the climb.
See this climb's tougher big sibling, or plan other rides nearby, with our Routes in the Area tool.
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thall1
Enjoyability: 71/100
