Oisans mountain passes · Cycling
Besse-en-Oisans
An authentic Oisans mountain pasture village, via the wild Ferrand valley from the Chambon lake.
Live weather
Real-time · Open-Meteo. The mountain top weather often differs from the valley.
Climb Profile – Lac du Chambon (Ferrand)
Calculated from our GPX track (IGN altitude). Segments coloured according to the gradient.
Gradient kilometre by kilometre view details
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Your exact-scale 3D raised relief map — Besse-en-Oisans engraved on an oak base, customisable with your name and your time.
From 49,90 €
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How long does it take to go up?
Estimate based on your power-to-weight ratio (physical model, validated against real times). Indicative only.
Besse-en-Oisans by bike from Lac du Chambon
Perched at 1,550 m above the Romanche valley, Besse-en-Oisans is one of the most unspoilt alpine pasture villages in Oisans. Since the Lake Chambon, you climb up the wild valley of the Ferrand : 6.9 km and 534 m of elevation gain at an average gradient of 7.2 %. A short, authentic climb, with stone and slate-roofed houses frozen in time.
Difficulty
The slope is regular and sustained (around 7–8 %, up to 10 %), on a quiet road that winds its way up through meadows and hamlets. It’s not a very long ride, but it’s a proper climb: a lovely little ascent to discover the Haut Oisans off the beaten track.
Gateway to the Emparis plateau and the Alpe
Stage village for hikes to the Emparis Plateau and the wide open spaces of the Grandes Rousses massif, Besse-en-Oisans captivated by its unspoilt setting. An ideal outing for lovers of mountain villages, to be combined with the Lac du Chambon loop.
Frequently asked questions
What is the altitude of Besse-en-Oisans?
The mountain pasture village is located at approximately 1,550 m, above Lake Chambon.
Is the climb up Besse difficult?
Brief but sustained: 6.9 km an average of 7.2 %, with peaks of up to 10 %.
Where is the way up?
Through the valley of Ferrand, from Lake Chambon, via a quiet little road.
Neighbouring cols — Romanche, Lautaret & Écrins
Route © OpenStreetMap contributors · Altitude © IGN RGE ALTI · Max gradient over 100 m : climbfinder.