Jura, France · from Culoz
Grand Colombier
The Grand Colombier from Culoz is the hardest of the climb's four faces: a famous wall of tight lacets etched into the hillside above the Rhône, sections beyond 10%, and deceptive flatter stretches that break the climb into brutal steps. The summit ridge looks across to Mont Blanc and down to Lake Bourget.
Summit elevation: 1501 m
How fast would you climb Grand Colombier?
Enter your power and weight. A physics engine calculates your estimated time against the gradient profile.
Predict your
performance.
See how power and weight affect your time on a real climb.
*Demo simulation uses standard road bike physics (CdA 0.32, Crr 0.004).
Grand Colombier and the Tour
Ignored by the Tour until 2012, the Grand Colombier quickly became a modern favourite, with the race returning repeatedly as the Jura's answer to the high Alps.
The first Tour summit finish here came in 2020, won by Tadej Pogačar days before he seized the yellow jersey; the race finished atop it again in 2023.
Get a km-by-km pacing guideRiding it yourself
When to go
Open April to November in most years — a genuinely big climb that is rideable when the high Alps are still snowbound. South-facing and hot in summer; the Culoz lacets bake in the afternoon.
Base & logistics
Culoz on the Rhône is the base for this side; Belley and Seyssel are close. Four distinct roads reach the summit, so loops are easy — the Anglefort or Artemare sides make good descents. No water above Culoz.
FAQ
How long is the Grand Colombier climb?
From Culoz, the climb is about 16.6 km with roughly 1198 m of elevation gain at 7.2% average gradient (based on the simplified profile used by this simulator; published figures vary slightly by source).
How long does it take to cycle up Grand Colombier?
It depends almost entirely on your power-to-weight ratio. Use the simulator on this page: enter your FTP and weight, and a physics model (air resistance, rolling resistance, gravity) estimates your time on the gradient profile.
How accurate is the time simulation?
The simulator uses a simplified segment profile and standard road bike assumptions (CdA 0.32, Crr 0.004, 8 kg bike). It does not model wind, drafting, altitude, surface or pacing errors, so treat the result as a realistic estimate, not a guarantee.
How should I train for Grand Colombier?
Sustained climbs reward steady threshold and sweet spot work plus a power-to-weight improvement over weeks, not days. TrainCraft builds structured cycling training plans and adapts them when you miss sessions, using fatigue science (CTL/ATL/TSB).
More famous climbs
Preparing for this climb?
A climb like this is won weeks in advance. TrainCraft builds a structured plan around your FTP and available hours, and adapts it when you miss a workout.
Start Training FreeThe profile is simplified into 14 segments for simulation; real gradients vary metre by metre. Stats shown are derived from this simulated profile and closely match commonly published figures. Time estimates assume standard road bike physics and no wind.
Training for a climb like this?
TrainCraft builds structured training plans and adapts them when life gets in the way — real fatigue science (CTL/ATL/TSB), visual workout builder, Strava & Garmin sync. Free to start.