Oisans mountain passes · Cycling
Col de Sarenne
A wild mountain pass in the Oisans at 1,999 m, far from the 21 hairpins of Alpe d'Huez: from Lac du Chambon via Mizoën.
Live weather
Real-time · Open-Meteo. The mountain top weather often differs from the valley.
Profile of the climb — Lac du Chambon (Mizoën)
Calculated from our GPX track (IGN altitude). Segments coloured according to the gradient.
Gradient kilometre by kilometre view details
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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.
Cycling the Col de Sarenne from Lac du Chambon
Quiet neighbour of Alpe d'Huez, the Col de Sarenne (1,999 m) is one of the most beautiful mountain passes savages of Oisans. Since the Lake Chambon, you climb by Mizoën and the hamlets of Clavans: 12.3 km and 969 m elevation gain at an average of 7.7 %, on a narrow country road where you come across more marmots than cars. A world away from the 21 bends of the Alpe d’Huez, just opposite.
Difficulty
The beginning is the steepest: after the dam, the road rears up above Mizoën with sections at 13,5 %. Next comes a more rolling section through the villages, before the final few kilometres that climb along the hillside towards the col. Watch out for the gradient coating at the top (loose gravel, narrow sections): that is the price to pay for peace and quiet and an exceptional view of the Meije, the Râteau and the Emparis plateau.
The wild mountain pass of the Oisans
Borrowed by the 2013 Tour de France, the Col de Sarenne connects the Alpe d’Huez plateau to the Romanche Valley. It’s the perfect route for escaping the crowds whilst remaining in the heart of the Oisans: you can combine it with Alpe d’Huez for an unforgettable loop, or enjoy a peaceful round trip from Bourg-d’Oisans.
Frequently asked questions
What is the altitude of the Col de Sarenne?
The peak reaches a height of 1,999 m, right opposite L'Alpe d'Huez.
Is the Col de Sarenne difficult by bike?
12.3 km An average of 7.7 %, starting at 13.5 % and with deteriorating surface conditions higher up: a challenging climb but without the crowds.
Can you link Sarenne and Alpe d'Huez?
Yes: the pass links the Alpe d’Huez plateau with the Romanche. It’s a classic loop in the Oisans.
Neighbouring cols — Alpe d’Huez & its balconies
Route © OpenStreetMap contributors · Altitude © IGN RGE ALTI · Max gradient over 100 m : climbfinder.