The road from La Chambre rises in an elegant series of switchbacks, and then continues past the “fairy chimneys” of Montgellafrey (car park and sign on the left before a hairpin). The road to Saint-François-Longchamp is mostly lined with trees, which provide welcome protection from the summer sun. Saint-François 1650 can be reached in two ways – either keep going along the D213, or turn right to go through Saint-François 1450. In contrast to the leafy surroundings on the first part of the climb, the road from Saint-François to the Col runs through open pastures, home to sheep and marmots. Once at the summit you can soak up the wonderful views of the Lauzière Mountains, the Cheval-Noir and Mont-Blanc (in good weather), while enjoying a restorative drink on the café terrace.
Balisage : Cette ascension cycliste est équipée de bornes kilométriques qui indiques, tous les kilomètres, votre altitude, le nombre de kilomètres restants ainsi que le pourcentage de pente moyen du prochain kilomètre.
