Are you planning to take a bike tour in France? Do you follow the Tour de France on television every July? Are you looking forward to following in the footsteps of the pros, as you ride your bike up some of the same slopes that they do? Sure, you've heard of Alpe d'Huez and Mont Ventoux, but what about these lesser known climbs listed below? All of them have been included in the Tour de France, so take a look at them and their stats. When you're in France conquering some of the famous routes, why not venture onto lesser known roads as well? They are sure to delight and challenge you and as an added bonus, they'll show you something that many cycling visitors to France never get to see.
Here are 5 fantastic climbs that you may never have heard of:
1. La Hourquette d'Ancizan: In the lead up to two legendary climbs (the Col du Tourmalet & Luz Ardiden), Stage 12 of the 2011 Tour de France also featured the Hourquette d'Ancizan for the first time in Tour history. While not quite as grueling as the following two climbs, it still should not be underestimated at 10.3 km long with an average gradient of 7.8%.
2. Col de la Core: This Pyrenean climb has been used frequently in past Tours but is often overshadowed by its more famous neighbors. Nevertheless, it's a fantastic ascent. Topping out at a solid 8%, this 14 kilometer climb averages just under 6%.
3. Col d'Agnes: Another Pyrenean climb. Sandwiched between two famous climbs (Portet d'Aspet & Plateau du Beille), this more minor col might frequently get overlooked. However, this is a beautiful little climb, starting out in a small river valley and ascending to a few small lakes.
4. Col de Montgenèvre: Connecting the Alpine border of France and Italy, this road has been used numerous times for both the Tour and the Giro d'Italia. At 4% over 14 kilometers, it is not the most difficult of passes, but a beautiful alternative to pass from one country to another.
5. Col Agnel: A top choice to cross the Franco-Italian border, this small mountain road typically sees little vehicular traffic and is one of the highest passes in the French Alps at 2744 meters (9000 feet). From the eastern slope, this climb is a real beast at 22km with extended sections at 12%.
Jace Gifford is the founder of In Situ Travel, LLC. In Situ offers bike tours in Europe for the avid cyclist.
Have you always wanted to challenge yourself on some of Europe's most famous cycling routes in France, Italy, Spain and Germany? Jace invites you to explore In Situ's European Bike Tours to find the trip that's right for you.
Here are 5 fantastic climbs that you may never have heard of:
1. La Hourquette d'Ancizan: In the lead up to two legendary climbs (the Col du Tourmalet & Luz Ardiden), Stage 12 of the 2011 Tour de France also featured the Hourquette d'Ancizan for the first time in Tour history. While not quite as grueling as the following two climbs, it still should not be underestimated at 10.3 km long with an average gradient of 7.8%.
2. Col de la Core: This Pyrenean climb has been used frequently in past Tours but is often overshadowed by its more famous neighbors. Nevertheless, it's a fantastic ascent. Topping out at a solid 8%, this 14 kilometer climb averages just under 6%.
3. Col d'Agnes: Another Pyrenean climb. Sandwiched between two famous climbs (Portet d'Aspet & Plateau du Beille), this more minor col might frequently get overlooked. However, this is a beautiful little climb, starting out in a small river valley and ascending to a few small lakes.
4. Col de Montgenèvre: Connecting the Alpine border of France and Italy, this road has been used numerous times for both the Tour and the Giro d'Italia. At 4% over 14 kilometers, it is not the most difficult of passes, but a beautiful alternative to pass from one country to another.
5. Col Agnel: A top choice to cross the Franco-Italian border, this small mountain road typically sees little vehicular traffic and is one of the highest passes in the French Alps at 2744 meters (9000 feet). From the eastern slope, this climb is a real beast at 22km with extended sections at 12%.
Jace Gifford is the founder of In Situ Travel, LLC. In Situ offers bike tours in Europe for the avid cyclist.
Have you always wanted to challenge yourself on some of Europe's most famous cycling routes in France, Italy, Spain and Germany? Jace invites you to explore In Situ's European Bike Tours to find the trip that's right for you.
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