20.6
PDI
7.5 mi
DISTANCE
3,069 ft
GAINED
7.7 %
AVG. GRADE
FULL CLIMB STATS
INTRO
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. Montsapey gains 935 m (3,069 ft) over 12.1 km (7.5 mi), climbing from 337 m (1,105 ft) in Aiguebelle to about 1,265 m (4,150 ft) at the Relais du Lac Noir, a 7.7% average grade.
The steepest mile averages 9.4%, the steepest 2 km average 9.4%, and the steepest kilometer 10.0%. The steepest half kilometer is 11.6%, and the steepest 100 yards reach 17.1%. Across the whole climb the steepest 5 km average 8.6% and the steepest 10 km average 7.9%, so there is little letup anywhere, and the final two kilometers are the hardest of the day.
Roadway: The road is paved all the way to the car park at the Relais du Lac Noir. Riders describe the asphalt as perfect to good, with a regular series of hairpins that shorten as you approach Montsapey, where the grade eases briefly before the final steeper pitches.
Traffic: Very light. A 2023 rider reported very little traffic, and the D72b mostly serves the village, the hamlets above it and walkers headed to the Lac Noir. The road is shaded in the morning, so an afternoon start gives more sun.
Parking: The start is in Aiguebelle on the valley floor, so park in town and ride out. At the top there is a large parking area at the Relais du Lac Noir, which doubles as the hiking trailhead.
Provisions: There is a fresh-water tap and toilets at the car park at the finish, and a restaurant (the Relais du Lac Noir) next to it, though hours should be checked before you rely on it. Carry water for the climb itself since there is no village stop beyond tiny Montsapey.
Gear: The climb is shaded for much of its length, which keeps it cool. A light jacket is worthwhile for the descent, which drops 928 m (3,045 ft) over 12.1 km (7.5 mi).
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.
Montsapey is worth a look on the way up. The Église Saint-Barthélemy, built in the 1860s, has trompe-l'oeil interior paintings by Pierre Moretti that have been fully restored, and a local listing says it is open free of charge on afternoons (3-6 pm, not Mondays) in July and August - check locally before planning a stop. The Chapelle de l'Immaculée Conception, built between 1897 and 1900 and restored in 2012, sits on a rocky promontory with a panoramic view over the Combe de Savoie. The village also hosts the Les Arts jaillissants classical and baroque music festival each July.
The correct spelling of the village is Montsapey, and it is the access point for the Lauzière walks, including the Lac Noir, the Char de la Turche and the Grand Arc. The Relais du Lac Noir at the top is a small inn and restaurant at the end of the road. From Aiguebelle there are plenty of other rides: Komoot lists a 76.3 km (47.4 mi) loop through La Chambre and the Lacets de Montvernier with about 950 m (3,117 ft) of climbing, and the Col du Grand Cucheron is also nearby. To see other climbs nearby, or build a custom route from here, try our Routes in the Area tool.
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