Tour de France on Grand Colombier Pass in 2016
Protected natural land for miles all around
Lynxes, chamois, woodlarks, orchids, narcissus and globeflowers… Here you can expect to see a wide range of wildlife and vegetation in a natural setting now protected by the Sensitive Natural Areas classification (ENS in French). The site offers a 360° panoramic view of:
- Mont Blanc and the Alps,
- 3 alpine lakes: Lake Bourget, Lake Annecy and Lake Geneva,
- the Rhone River.
You can visit the pass by car, along a road promising spectacular views from Culoz or Anglefort on the east side, or from Virieu-le-Petit.
On foot, over 100km of hiking trails lead up to the summit and continue along the ridge where the views will really blow you away!
The Tour de France is back on 9th July 2017!
For the 4th time in 6 years, the 9th stage of the competition will run from Nantua to Chambéry. But it’s no mean feat, covering a distance of 18km and with slopes ranging from 14% in gradient to 22% in the toughest parts, the climb is classed hors catégorie (beyond classification)! Nonetheless, athletes still meet here every Saturday, ready to take on the ascent.