Climbing The French Alps' Most Scenic Route!

The French Alps are home to some of the most epic and challenging climbs in the world. Some of which are even included in the Tour de France!

In a quest to find, arguably, the most beautiful climb on the planet, Hank and Manon head out to the Alps and find a gem of a climb - the Lacets de Montvernier!

00:00 A climb that every cyclist needs to do!
00:25 The Lacets de Montvernier
01:04 Facts about the climb and stunning scenery
03:20 Why and how was the road built?
04:06 Reaching the top of Montvernier and final thoughts

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Do you think it is the most beautiful climb in the world? Let us know 👇

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📸 Photos - © Velo Collection (TDW) / Getty Images & © Sirotti Images

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[gcn]

Is this a climb you'd like to ride?

[ChrisGuarraia]

I’ve got to say, when the camera zoomed out in the opening sequence of this video, I got goosebumps. What a gorgeous climb. I’d suffer for that.

[royhamers]

Discovered this climb by chance in 1989 and it was a wonderful experience. We stayed in Saint Jean de Mauriene for a few nights and from there it is a few kilometers to the foot of this climb.

[gmac]

It is an absolute beauty of a climb. One of my favourites and should feature on everyone's bucket list of Alp ascents.

[torymoody]

Im with Manon; not a fan of climbing, but NOW knowing the grades are around 8% and it's not as long as i thought it was i wouldn't mind giving it a go one day. I'd especially like to try it going down!

[AQUPAS]

My goodness look at that view, there's no place like France when it comes to cycling. Thanks for showing us this segment!

[markos]

Climbed it a couple of times. So so beautiful. A must ride for all cyclists.

[wigi]

Will add to the bucket list, most stunning climb I’ve done is Cormet de Roselend, breath taking

[nstrug]

Love that the French put 17 hairpins on a 277m elevation climb. In the UK you would have one (if you were lucky) and it would be a 20% legsnapper. Rosedale Chimney Bank I'm looking at you...

[acegard]

Well done to you both. Hat tip to Manon who says she isn't a climber.

[vosch]

Looks beautiful, haven't heard of it.
When I was driving to Alpe d'Huez, I went over the Col du Glandon and fell in love with this climb. I am glad that I could conquer it on my bike some years later.

[jeremyedwards]

It looks better than it rides, but the last section up to the chaussy makes it worthwhile.

[petinka]

Yes that climb will be on my bucket list now.

[cyclistshub]

I haven't done Alpe du Huez yet, but last year, I did Lacets de Montvernier instead, up to the top (Col du Chaussy), where you can see Galibier on the other side. 😍I then went on to the Col du Sapey. It was amazing! Sometimes, I have to come back here and ride the other side of the valley (Col de la Croix-de-Fer). I can fully recommend this climb. 👌😊

[danm]

It's a lovely climb. I raced some friends up it a couple of days after the 2015 etape as part of a 'recovery ride'... The col du chaussy (also part of that year's etape) is also a lovely climb esp toward the top so I would recommend keep going at the top of the lacets!

[paxundpeace]

This style of climb is quite frequent on Mallorca. The Col de Soller for example not as steep but with 5 kilometers a bit longer.

[Seppster]

Watched this stage on the TDF and now with Hank and Manon doing this for a better peek at this was awesome. So many beautiful places in France. Love. the drone shots. And no traffic?? Wow. Nice.

[WowRixter]

Rode that twice in 2016, before and after 120km/3, 000m of other climbs. What a gem.

[nicmorton]

Great piece of cycling journalism, thanks so much to both of you for sharing the love of cycling.

[rowanridderhof]

Did this epic climb last year. Amazing to ride up. Every corner there is a view worth climbing for. The most fun and beautiful climb i did that week!