Mont du Chat is one of the toughest paved climbs in France
France, europe
14.4 km
1,504 m
hard
Year-round
# Mont du Chat: France's Relentless Alpine Beast
If you're looking for a climb that'll test every ounce of your driving (or cycling) skills, Mont du Chat is calling your name. Perched at 1,504 meters in the Savoie department of southeastern France, this monster pass has earned its fearsome reputation fair and square.
The D42 road winds its way up 22.2 km from Le Bourget-du-Lac to Cremaire, gaining over 1,250 meters of elevation along the way. What makes it genuinely brutal? It averages nearly 9% gradient throughout, but here's the kicker—after the first 2 km, it never drops below 8%, and some sections hit a punishing 15% steepness. This isn't a climb you can coast through; it demands your full attention and respect.
Starting from the picturesque shores of Lac du Bourget at just 250 meters elevation, you'll be climbing continuously through stunning Jura Mountain scenery. The good news? The D42 is fully paved in excellent condition, and traffic is minimal on both sides of the col, so you won't be battling other vehicles while battling the gradient.
The pass has earned its stripes on the pro cycling circuit, featured in both the Tour de France and Critérium du Dauphiné races—proof that this is legit hard.
Reach the summit and you'll find a welcoming bar-restaurant and the Belvédère du Mont du Chat observation deck, where panoramic views of the lake below make all that effort worthwhile. Just keep in mind the road closes from November to March, so plan your visit for warmer months.
Where is it?
Mont du Chat is one of the toughest paved climbs in France is located in France (europe). Coordinates: 45.6610, 5.8210
Road Details
- Country
- France
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 14.4 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,504 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 45.6610, 5.8210
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Okay, picture this: you're in the Savoie department of France, ready to tackle Mont du Chat, aka Cat's Mountain. Trust me, this climb is NO joke! We're talking serious bragging rights here. This beast of a road is tucked away in the Rhône-Alpes region, and the D42 road is your paved path to glory. And the road is in great shape! You'll be cruising (or struggling!) on smooth asphalt with hardly any other cars around. So, how steep is it REALLY? Let's just say the Tour de France riders know this climb intimately. It averages around 9% for a whopping 14.4 km, and once you're 2 km in, there's no mercy. Expect ramps hitting a brutal 15%! You'll be starting near the stunning Lac du Bourget at a measly 250 meters, only to finish up around 1,500 meters. Prepare your legs (and your lungs). The total length is 22.2 km (13.79 miles), winding east to west from Le Bourget-du-Lac to Cremaire. Keep in mind this road is closed from November to March due to snow. The reward for your pain? A parking lot, a bar-restaurant, and the Belvédère du Mont du Chat at the summit. Get ready for insane panoramic views of Lac du Bourget! Seriously, the views are worth every ounce of effort.