The ascent of the Grand Colombier by Virieu-le-Petit
Discover the Ain by bike from the campsite
From our 3-star campsite near Savoie, cycling enthusiasts and mountain bikers will find a multitude of routes to explore this wild and unspoilt region. Pass through authentic villages, ovens and wash houses, and tackle mythical passes such as Colombier (1647m), Col de la Cheminée, Col de la Biche and Col de la Lèbe. For a more leisurely outing, opt for a family outing along the river, on a flat path that will lead you to the via-Rhôna, a secure cycle path to discover the region at your own pace.
Discover hiking around the Ain lakes, with mountain bike and road trails for all levels. Enjoy five hilly mountain bike routes from 20 to 100 km, with gradients ranging from 310 to 2400 m, offering a diversity of landscapes between ridges, streams and small wild lakes.
For road cyclists, four circuits from 40 to 120 km will take you through winding roads, bordered by lakes and picturesque villages, with gradients from 400 to 2100 m. The more ambitious can take on the Défi Bugiste with 208 km and 7043 m of ascent, including 4 climbs of the Grand Colombier.
For cyclists looking for a challenge, tackle the Grand Colombier climb from Artemare via Virieu-le-Petit, one of France’s most dreaded climbs. Over a distance of 15.90 km, you’ll have to overcome a vertical drop of 1245 meters, with gradients sometimes reaching over 20%.
This demanding climb will test your endurance and technical skills.
Once you’ve reached the summit, at an altitude of 1534 metres, you can congratulate yourself on having conquered this legendary climb. Don’t forget to capture the moment with a photo in front of the “Grand Colombier” sign to immortalize your achievement!
