Three lesser known climbs to ride near Bourg d’Oisans

This route takes in three lesser-known climbs close to Bourg d’Oisans. These include the Col d’Ornon, the Col de Malissol and the Col de la Morte.

This loop is a circuit starting and finishing in Bourg d’Oisans. As such you can choose to ride it in either direction. You will take in three climbs all up, and whilst none of these may be very famous; altogether the total elevation and distance will make for a challenging but memorable day in the saddle.

Suggested route

Food and water

There are numerous villages along this route where you will be able to replenish both food and water. As always, we recommend leaving from Bourg-d’Oisans with two bottles of water and some riding snacks as well.

The climbs

Col d’Ornon

Length: 11.2km / 7mi

Average gradient: 5.7%

Start point: D526 turnoff

Elevation at top: 1,371m / 4,498ft

Col de Malissol

Length: 8.5km / 5.3mi

Average gradient: 4.2%

Start point: Le Bas Roizon

Elevation at top: 1,153m / 3,738ft

Col de la Morte

Length: 11.4km / 7.1mi

Average gradient: 3.5%

Start point: La Valette

Elevation at top: 1,368m / 4,488ft

Col de la Morte

Length: 15.4km / 9.6mi

Average gradient: 6.5%

Start point: Séchilienne

Elevation at top: 1,368m / 4,488ft

Col de Malissol

Length: 3.5km / 2.2mi

Average gradient: 5.7%

Start point: La Valette

Elevation at top: 1,153m / 3,738ft

Col d’Ornon

Length: 16.9km / 10.5mi

Average gradient: 5.7%

Start point: D212F intersection

Elevation at top: 1,371m / 4,498ft

Discover our comprehensive guide to Cycling in the French Alps

The ride a is just one of many great cycling routes near the village of Bourg d’Oisans which you can enjoy. This area of the French Alps is very popular with cyclists year-round owing to the great weather and variety of terrain on offer.

If you are not familiar with this region then, our comprehensive guide will help you plan everything you need for your cycling holiday. The guide includes information such as:

• a map of the French Alps with climbs and towns marked
• where to base yourself whist on your cycling holiday
• cycling hotels and lodges
• bike hire outlets
• overview of transport links to the main areas in the Alps
• non-cycling attractions and activities in the region

Click here to see a list of cycling routes in the French Alps.

Author

Stephen

Stephen is an avid cycling enthusiast who enjoys various forms of cycling, including road cycling, cycle touring, mountain biking, and gravel riding. For more than a decade, he has been travelling to France for cycling holidays and has recently settled in the French Pyrenees. Having extensive experience in travelling with his bike, Stephen has learned how to navigate the logistics of transporting bikes via planes, trains, cars, and shipping methods.