Col ou Golet de la Biche

On the slopes of "Petit" Colombier

Plan your bike ascent of the Col de la Biche pass

The Golet de la Biche, is a discreet pass in the Bugey region, located near the col du Grand Colombier. Culminating at 1,320 meters (according to the sign), it links Gignez to Artemare in the Valromey heights. Less well known and frequented than its terrible neighbor, it is no less demanding. The climb from Gignez offers a sustained profile, with over 13 kilometers of effort, regular passages at over 10% and a narrow road, often in forest. The Col de la Biche has a seductive character: little traffic, total immersion in nature and a marked sense of isolation. The panorama at the summit is more intimate, opening out onto the Bugey crests and, on a clear day, the Alps. Located in the immediate vicinity of the P'tites Routes du Soleil® itineraries, it offers an authentic detour for cyclists in search of more confidential routes.

Cycling up the Col de la Biche from Gignez (east side)

Time to climb (rounded) Col de la Biche by bike from Gignez (east side)

• At 7 km/h : 2h
• At 11 km/h : 1h 30
• At 15 km/h : 1h 55'
• At 19 km/h: 45'

Map of the route up Col de la Biche by bike from Gignez (east side)

Map to be integrated via Drupal / Openrunner map module.

Description of the ascent of Col de la Biche by bike from Gignez (east side)

The ascent of Col de la Biche from Gignez immediately begins with sustained slopes. Unlike the Artemare side, there is no gradual approach phase: the effort is engaged from the very first kilometers, with high percentages.

The profile is irregular throughout the climb. The first few kilometers alternate between sustained sections and slightly less steep passages, allowing for occasional restarts. However, these recovery phases remain limited and short-lived.

The gradient gradually hardens on the second part, with frequent link-ups above 10%. The climb has little continuity of effort, making it difficult to establish a steady rhythm. This irregularity, combined with its duration, makes it a physically demanding climb.

In the upper part, the road leads into areas of alpine pasture, opening up the landscape and giving greater visibility over the rest of the route. This reading of the terrain highlights the final kilometers to be covered.

The finale features a special feature: a short downhill section, followed by a not too steep ascent to the pass.

This slope is generally considered the most difficult on the Col de la Biche, due to its sustained start, irregular profile and lack of any real recovery phases.

Bicycling up the Col de la Biche from Artemare (south-west side)

Climb time (rounded) of Col de la Biche by bike from Artemare (south-west side).ouest)

• At 7 km/h : 3h
• At 11 km/h : 1h 50'
• At 15 km/h : 1h 20'
• At 19 km/h: 1h 05'

Map of the route up the Col de la Biche by bike from Artemare (south-west side)

Map to be integrated via Drupal / Openrunner map module.

Description of the ascent of the Col de la Biche by bike from Artemare (south-west facing)

The ascent of the Col de la Biche from Artemare begins with a relatively easy section. The first few kilometers feature a moderate gradient, generally between 4 and 6%, with some variations. The climb then continues towards Brénaz, with a slightly irregular profile. The effort remains sustained but without any major difficulties up to this point, despite alternating more or less steep sections that make the pace unsteady.

From Brénaz, the profile changes markedly. The gradient becomes steeper, with sections above 10%. These sections follow one another over several kilometers, with no real recovery phase. The road gradually narrows, the surface can become rougher and the environment closes in, often in forest, with very little traffic.

The climb is characterized by this gradual progression in difficulty: an accessible start, followed by a more demanding second part, where the effort becomes continuous. The absence of long rolling sections and the succession of sustained sections make effort management essential.

The arrival at the summit comes after a climb that doesn't present any abrupt breaks, but which demands you steadily over the duration. More than 20 km nonetheless!

Tips for preparing the ascent of the Col de la Biche

The basic remark is the same as for the col du Grand Colombier. Even if the altitude remains very reasonable, the ascent of the Col de la Biche is difficult, especially from Gignez. Go well prepared and with suitable equipment.

Our advice:

• Adapt your effort. The average percentage may seem reasonable, but the climb is irregular, with frequent passages of over 10%.
• Anticipating isolation. The climb takes place in an environment with little traffic: no refuelling, little traffic, sometimes limited network. Be self-sufficient (water, food).
• Stay focused on the descent. The road is narrow, winding and sometimes rough, with possible gravel. Adapt your speed and keep margins, especially in the forest where visibility is reduced.

Weather conditions for the Col de la Biche

Like the Grand Colombier, the Biche is generally open from mid-April to November. Even if the summit is quite low, check the weather forecast before setting off and take at least one windbreaker with you.

Weather conditions on the Col de la Biche

Recommended equipment for the Col de la Biche

Same advice as for the Grand Colombier. A suitable gear ratio, a windproof jacket for the summit and the descent, two water bottles, bars or bananas in your pockets... And of course a repair kit, because if anything goes wrong, you could be very lonely on the slopes of the Biche.

Routes via the Col de la Biche

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Services next to the Col de la Biche

No cafés or inns on the slopes or at the summit of the pass. On the other hand, all services at the start of the 2 slopes, especially on the Gignez side which is only a few kilometers from Seyssel.

Seyssel is a pleasant little town straddling two départements (01 and 74), on either side of the Rhône. It is located on the ViaRhôna.

Access to Col de la Biche

Rail access

• Culoz SNCF station (TER)
• Gare TGV de Bellegarde-sur-Valserine

Accès routiers

• Autoroute : A40 (Bellegarde exit) or A43 (Aix-les-Bains exit)
• D123

Those who have done it speak best of it!

FAQ

Other passes near the Col de la Biche

Les plus beaux cols de Route des Grandes Alpes ®

• Col de Joux-Plane
• Cormet de Roselend
• Col de la Loze
• Col de la Croix de Fer
• Col de la Madeleine
• Col de l'Iseran
• Alpe d'Huez ascent
• Col du Granon
• Col du Galibier
• Col de la Cayolle
• Col et Cime de la Bonette

Places to visit near Col du Grand Colombier

• Destination Haut-Rhône
• Monts du Genevois