24.9
PDI
7.2 mi
DISTANCE
3,339 ft
GAINED
8.8 %
AVG. GRADE
FULL CLIMB STATS
Page Contributor(s): Ard Oostra, Montreux, Switzerland
INTRO
Les Agites climbs 11.6 km (7.2 mi) out of Yvorne, a wine village in the Rhône valley near Aigle, gaining 1,018 m (3,339 ft) at an 8.8% average grade on its way toward the 1,569 m (5,148 ft) pass connecting the Rhône valley with La Lécherette and the Col des Mosses road beyond.
Unlike its higher-traffic neighbors in the Alpes Vaudoises, this is a quiet, little-used road - it climbs through the small village of Corbeyrier partway up, then narrows for a roughly 300 m single-lane tunnel blasted through the mountain, with alternating traffic controlled by posted time signs at each end. Past the tunnel, the road continues toward the pass with views opening up over Lake Geneva and, on a clear day, as far as the Jura mountains.
The Yvorne-to-pass road is only open seasonally, typically from late May to early November; the tunnel and the section beyond it toward the Lac de l'Hongrin have their own separate access rules, so this is one to check current conditions on rather than assume is open exactly like a standard alpine pass.
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. Les Agites gains 1,018 m (3,339 ft) over 11.6 km (7.2 mi) at an 8.8% average grade, with the effort spread fairly evenly rather than concentrated in one brutal section - even the mellowest 5-mile (8 km) window still averages 8.8%.
The steepest kilometer averages 12.9%, and the steepest short pitches near the tunnel and upper switchbacks push past 14%, so there's no real flat or downhill stretch to recover on - this is a sustained effort from Yvorne to the top.
Roadway: Paved the entire way from Yvorne through Corbeyrier to the pass, in generally good condition since it's the only road serving Corbeyrier. The defining feature is the roughly 300 m Tunnel des Agites above Corbeyrier - single-lane, unlit apart from a few openings cut into the rock, with alternating traffic controlled by posted times at each portal (traditionally the first quarter of each hour for ascending traffic, the third quarter for descending). Bring a light regardless of time of day. The Yvorne-to-pass road is open seasonally, typically late May through early November - it's gated and closed by snow in winter.
Traffic: Very light. This is a secondary, dead-end-feeling road compared to the major passes nearby, used mainly by residents of Corbeyrier and cyclists rather than through-traffic.
Parking: Yvorne, in the Rhône valley near Aigle, has parking near the village center at the base of the climb. There's also informal roadside parking in Corbeyrier itself if you'd rather split the climb and start partway up.
A front and rear light are worth carrying for the unlit Tunnel des Agites, even for a short single-lane passage. Since the road is sustained double-digit grade with no real flat sections, a wide-range cassette or compact crankset makes the climb considerably more manageable. There are no services above Corbeyrier, so carry enough water and food for the full climb.
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.
Yvorne is a small wine village in the Chablais appellation, known for the steep vineyard terraces on the slopes above the Rhône valley - a good spot to pick up local wine before or after the ride. It sits close to Aigle, home to the UCI's World Cycling Centre and a well-known medieval castle, both worth a visit if you have extra time in the area.
The road beyond the pass continues past the Lac de l'Hongrin toward La Lécherette, where it meets the Col des Mosses road - a good option for a longer loop if the Tunnel des Agites schedule and season align. This is a quieter alternative to the more heavily-touristed Col de la Croix approaches out of nearby Ollon and Bex, so it's worth the detour if you'd rather avoid resort traffic.
The Alpes Vaudoises are dense with climbing options nearby - see our Routes in the Area tool for other climbs around Aigle and the Rhône valley if you're building out a multi-day trip.
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