Col Bayard
Col Bayard
A "link" pass on the Route Napoléon
Plan your ascent of the Col Bayard by bike
The Col Bayard (1,248 m) is crossed by the mythical Route Napoléon (N85), the main route between Grenoble and Gap. It marks the transition between the Champsaur to the north and the Gap basin to the south. On both sides, the ascent is relatively short but can be surprisingly steep, especially on the Gap side. As the road is quite busy, particularly with holidaymakers and heavy goods vehicles, it's best to choose a quiet moment to tackle it by bike.
Cycling up Col Bayard from Les Barraques (north side)
- Start: Les Barraques N85 (956 m)
- Distance: 7.1 km
- Altitude: 1248 m
- Elevation : 292 m
- Average gradient: 4%
- Maximum gradient: 9% over 935 m
- Cotation Tour de France®: category 3
Description of the ascent of Col Bayard from Les Barraques (north side)
The start is moderate, allowing you to quickly find a good rhythm. The only difficulty is before the hamlet of Laye with almost a kilometer at 9% followed by 750 m at 6.5%. The last three kilometers, before plunging into Gap (8 kilometers and 500 meters of D-), are very easy.
The road is wide, well-maintained, very bikeable, devoid of curves throughout the climb. Unfortunately, this makes for a monotonous route, encouraging cars and trucks to drive a little too fast. Fortunately, the incredible Dévoluy peaks on your right give the climb a little appeal.
A suggestion to reward you: the ascent of the col de Gleize (1696 m), which starts virtually at the top of the Col Bayard, is an out-and-back. An opportunity to discover the Plateau de Bayard, the Champsaur and surrounding peaks, but you'll need to be fit: 4.7 km at 9.5% average.
Ascent time (rounded) of the Col Bayard by bike from Les Barraques (north side)
- At 7 km/h : 1 h
- At 11 km/h : 45'
- At 15 km/h : 25'
- At 19 km/h : 25'
Cycling up Col Bayard from Gap (south side)
- Start: Gap (741 m) Distance: 8 kmAltitude: 1248 m
- Height : 507 m
- Average gradient: 6.5%
- Maximum gradient: 9% over 1425 m
- Tour de France® rating: category 2
Description of the ascent of Col Bayard from Gap (south side)
It's an 8 km ride on Route Nationale 85 (Route Napoléon) with, depending on the time of day, a fair amount of traffic including trucks. The carriageway is wide, typical of a national road, which gives the impression of a "straight" climb despite some wide switchbacks present at intervals.
The start is fairly gentle, with moderate gradients around 5% in the first two kilometers. The next five, up to the hamlet of Chauvet, are much steeper. We go from 6.5 to 9% until the very easy final kilometer at 2% to the summit.
As you can see, this is not the most interesting climb in the Alps, but rather a "liaison pass", where you don't want to linger. You put your head down, squeeze your buttocks and push on the pedals. And at the end, on the plateau, you regain a little calm. Not forgetting the serious little digression of the col de Gleize (1696 m) still possible from col Bayard.
Ascent time (rounded) of col Bayard by bike from Gap (south side)
- At 7 km/h : 1 h 10
- At 11 km/h : 45'
- At 15 km/h : 35'
- At 19 km/h : 25'
Tips for preparing the ascent of Col Bayard
Our 3 simple tips for preparing the ascent of Col Bayard:
- Prefer an early start to avoid heavy traffic, especially on the N85, a major route between Grenoble and Gap.
- Be conspicuous: tail lights, vests or flashy jerseys are highly recommended to stay spotted by motorists.
- Ride at a steady but regular pace: it's a short climb, so you might as well not dawdle on it unnecessarily if the road is busy.
Weather conditions for Col Bayard
The road is open to traffic all year round. In winter, it is regularly cleared of snow, particularly for access to Nordic activities on the Bayard plateau.
Cyclists venturing to the Col Bayard have to contend with a local weather phenomenon. The famous "Champsaur bar" can cover the Drac valley in a persistent cloudy blanket, nibbling away at the heights of Champsaur and skimming the Col Bayard, or even the Col de Manse a little further on, while Gap bathes quietly under a big blue sky. A striking... and sometimes frustrating contrast!
Recommended equipment for Col Bayard
Lionel
Services at the Bayard pass
Gap, capital and Prefecture of the Hautes-Alpes department, offers every imaginable range of services. At the other end of the scale, the villages of Champsaur offer accommodation and restaurants.
Fancy a 100% cheese meal? Head to the Col Bayard dairy near Laye for a unique experience. The accelerated recitation of all the cheeses on the tray is a spectacle in itself. Best planned for the end of the stage!
Access to Col Bayard
Rail access: Gap SNCF station.
Road access: From Grenoble and Gap: N85, better known as Route Napoléon.
Those who have done it say it best!
"It's not a monster, but you shouldn't take it lightly either. It climbs steeply at times, especially before Laye. I go over it every time I'm in the area. And I always leave with a piece of tomme in my pannier."
Marc, 61, Toulon.
"I climbed it in the morning during off-peak hours to avoid the traffic, and it was a good idea. It's a steady climb, with a couple of good sections to get your legs going. Perfect for testing yourself before a nice ride to Orcières-Merlette."
Élodie, Grenoble.
"We're not going to lie, we weren't overly thrilled with the idea of climbing a pass on a national highway ... It's not the pass we dreamed of, but we had to go through it. In the end, we found it nice: a quiet climb, clear views, and some nice surprises at the top."
Julie and Antoine, 34 and 36, bikepackers from Lille.
FAQ
Is the Col Bayard difficult by bike?
Both sides are relatively short (7 to 8 km), with a few steep sections, notably before Laye on the north side, or when arriving at Chauvet on the south side. It's not a major Alpine pass, but it can be surprising if you start out too fast.
Can we do a nice loop around the Col Bayard?
Yes! Follow it up with the col du Noyer or the col de Gleize will spice up your outing and allow you to discover much wilder landscapes than the simple road climb.
Is there a lot of traffic on the Col Bayard?
It's a major road axis as it's part of the N85, the famous Route Napoléon, which links Grenoble to Gap. For a more pleasant ascent by bike, it's advisable to choose off-peak times (early mornings or weekdays).
Why did Napoleon use this pass?
On his return from Elba in 1815, Napoleon chose to march to Paris via a strategic route through the Southern Alps, which would become the legendary Route Napoléon. At the time, the Col Bayard was still just a mule track.
Can you eat at the Col Bayard?
Yes, at the golf course for example. To replenish your calcium levels, don't miss the Col Bayard dairy, renowned for its 100% cheese meals: tasty tommes and local specialities...