Col du Chat

And its panoramic view of Lac du Bourget

Altitude 633 m

Massifs du Jura

Département Savoie

North side topo

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The Col du Chat - 633 m - belongs to the Jura Massif but is located in Savoie near Chambéry. It is often confused with the Relais du Mont du Chat. However, its ascent is a nearby alternative that shouldn't be missed if you want to cross the Mont du Chat much more quietly! However, this pass, with its modest altitude, won't hesitate to get its claws out a little on this ascent with its very irregular profile.
Starting from Portout, at the northern end of Lac du Bourget, it's a long ascent of 16.9 km. It's a rather special climb, with easy sections, difficult sections often at 7/7.5% (4.4 km in total) and descents. Don't miss the Belvédère d'Ontex for a magnificent panoramic view of Lac du Bourget.

Topo west side

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From Chevelu, the western slope is fairly short at 4.7 km, but quite steady at 6% average, where you can enjoy a beautiful panorama of the Petit-Bugey. Note that from Chevelu, you'll also have a good view of the whole of the more rugged western side of Mont du Chat.
And the Mont du Chat Tunnel. And the Mont du Chat Tunnel? Opened in 1932 and 1486 m long, safety work completed in 2017 now allows cyclists to cross via the service gallery! But watch out for the trap: the exit leads to the shores of Lac du Bourget... but to join the Petites Routes du Soleil route, you'll have to climb its equally challenging eastern side!

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Entrelacs / Saint-Jean-de-Chevelu

5 Entrelacs / Saint-Jean-de-Chevelu

37 km
2 h 27 min
Medium
Climbing to the Montagne de l’Épine, make the most of views from on high over France’s largest natural lake, 18km in length, created by the melting of glaciers in the distant past. The Tour du Lac du Bourget à Vélo is one of the classic cycling circuits to enjoy in the French département, or county, of Savoie. Sticking to the P’tites Routes du Soleil®, you’ll only do half of this Tour, riding above the unspoilt side of the lake, a refuge for fish and birds. Having scaled the Col de la Chambotte (a pass at 650m in altitude) and the Col du Chat (633m), you leave Lac du Bourget behind as you head for the Avant-Pays Savoyard area.

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Joris Lesueur

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