Road · France
Signal de Bisanne from Villard-sur-Doron
A mountainous 12 km road cycling route from Villard-sur-Doron through Les Chabonnes, La Nuaz and Les Rosières, with 1,196 m of climbing over Mont Bisanne.
At a glance
- Best for
- Short, climbing-heavy rides
- Distance
- 11.9 km
- Elevation gain
- 1,196 m
- Riding time
- 51 min
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Bike
- Road bike
- Surface
- Paved
- Best months
- May to Oct
- Navigation
- GPX download
- Start → finish
- Villard-sur-Doron
Map and elevation profile
Elevation profile
- 1,196 m
- 12 km
Route description
- Villard-sur-Doron
- Mont Bisanne
- Les Chabonnes
- La Nuaz
- Les Rosières
- Bisanne 1500
- Les Drabons
The route starts at Villard-sur-Doron at 731 m and climbs steadily for 11.9 km to the summit of Signal de Bisanne at 1927 m. The average gradient is 10.1%, with a maximum of 20.4%, making this a very steep ascent throughout. Almost the entire climb is uphill (99%), with 11.5 km above 5% gradient and 5.5 km above 10% gradient. The latter half contains most of the elevation gain as only 43% of the climbing occurs in the first half.
The road surface is mainly paved (95%) with a minor 5% gravel or unpaved section. Most of the ride (94%) is on minor roads, including riding 6.5 km on the D 123. From 0.4 km to 7.7 km there is a long 7.3 km stretch without any cafés, shops, or water points. A supermarket and petrol station named Intermarché lie near the start at 0.4 km. There are toilets available at 7.7 km and a restaurant called Le Panoramique 2000 near the finish.
Mont Bisanne is a significant peak just 15 m off the route at the summit. Riders can find places to stay and refuel along the climb but should plan carefully due to the long section without amenities.
Why ride this route?
- Climbs Mont Bisanne (11.9 km at 10.1 %).
- Tops out at 1,927 m, 11.9 km in.
Highlights
- Climb to Signal de Bisanne summit at 1927 m
- Steep average gradient of 10.1% with max 20.4%
- Long 7.3 km stretch without cafés or water
- Route mainly on minor roads including D 123
Along the route
Places passed
On the road
Climbs
| Climb | Starts at | On this ride | Full ascent | Top on this ride |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mont Bisanne | 0 km | 11.9 km · 1195 m · 10.1 % · max 20.4 % | 11.9 km · 1195 m · 10.1 % | 1927 m |
Mont Bisanne · full ascent, starts at 0 km
< 4%4 – 7%7 – 10%> 10%
Know before you go
- 7.3 km stretch without café, shop or water from km 0.4 to km 7.7
- 5% gravel or unpaved surface
- Steep gradients up to 20.4%
- 6.5 km on D 123 minor road
