Road · France
Orcières-Merlette from Saint-Jean-Saint-Nicolas
A mountainous 14 km road cycling route from Saint-Jean-Saint-Nicolas through Pont-du-Fossé, Les Foulons and Les Garnauds, with 702 m of climbing over the Les Garnauds climb.
At a glance
- Best for
- Short, climbing-heavy rides
- Distance
- 14.3 km
- Elevation gain
- 702 m
- Riding time
- 1 h 01 min
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Bike
- Road bike
- Surface
- Paved
- Best months
- Jul to Sep
- Navigation
- GPX download
- Start → finish
- Saint-Jean-Saint-Nicolas
Map and elevation profile
Elevation profile
- 702 m
- 14 km
Route description
- Saint-Jean-Saint-Nicolas
- Pont-du-Fossé
- Les Foulons
- Les Garnauds climb
- Les Garnauds
- Les Tourengs
- Les Roussins
- Pont Peyron
- Montcheny
Starting from Saint-Jean-Saint-Nicolas at 1122 m, the route quickly climbs through a 2 km section gaining 45 m at an average 2.4% gradient. The main part of the ride is a steep 8.7 km climb averaging 7.3% with a max gradient of 20.1%, rising past 1820 m to Orcières-Merlette. The highest point is reached at the 14.3 km finish at 1824 m.
The surface is mostly paved (91%) with some 8% gravel or unpaved from km 12. Most of the route (73%) is on main roads, including 8.7 km on the D 944, with 10.4 km on main roads lacking cycle lanes and 6.8 km posted at 80 km/h or more. There is a 5.3 km stretch from km 3.9 to 9.2 without cafés, shops or water. Facilities at the start include a bakery, bar and restaurants, plus drinking water, and near the finish there are cafés, restaurants, a pharmacy, a convenience store and toilets.
The climb gains most height in the second half (57%) after a modest start. The gradient profile includes 5.3 km above 5%, 2.7 km above 8%, and 1.8 km above 10%. The route crosses minor roads, quiet streets and paths along the way. Toilets are available at km 1.5, 9.2, and 14.3, with convenience stores near km 1.4 and 10.6 and a petrol station at 9.2 km for resupply if needed.
Why ride this route?
- Climbs the Les Garnauds climb (8.7 km at 7.3 %).
- Tops out at 1,824 m, 14.3 km in.
Highlights
- Steep 8.7 km climb averaging 7.3%
- Finish at 1824 m altitude
- Located on the D 944 main road
Along the route
Places passed
On the road
Climbs
| Climb | Starts at | On this ride | Full ascent | Top on this ride |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Unnamed climb | 2.8 km | 1.9 km · 45 m · 2.4 % · max 4.1 % | — | 1189 m |
| Les Garnauds climb | 5.5 km | 8.7 km · 639 m · 7.3 % | 8.7 km · 639 m · 7.3 % | 1824 m |
Les Garnauds climb · full ascent, starts at 5.5 km
< 4%4 – 7%7 – 10%> 10%
Know before you go
- 10.4 km on main roads without cycle lanes
- 6.8 km on roads with 80 km/h speed limit
- 5.3 km without café, shop or water from km 3.9 to 9.2
- 8% gravel or unpaved surface from km 12
