In today’s ride, we’re in Bonneville, southern France, just 30 miles from Mont Blanc, tackling the stunning but deceptively tough Col de la Colombière. This Alpine classic is officially listed at 12 km with a 6% average gradient, but the reality is quite different — with signs on the road claiming a 16 km climb and gradients that spike to 14%.
This video features the full climb and descent, filmed on a loop starting and ending in Bonneville. I rode this col last year in better shape, so this time I’m carrying a few extra kilos and plenty of excuses — but that’s real-life cycling, and that’s exactly what you’ll see here.
🔥 Expect:
Honest commentary, steep gradients & real sweat
A surprisingly long and tough ascent through the French Alps
Scenic Alpine roads, switchbacks, and a fast descent back to Bonneville
Tips on choosing the clockwise direction for a better riding experience
🚴♂️ Climb Details:
Name: Col de la Colombière
Length: 16 km (actual)
Average gradient: ~6%
Max gradient: ~14%
Elevation: ~1,600 m
Route: Clockwise loop from Bonneville
🎯 Best For:
Cyclists planning to ride Col de la Colombière
Viewers interested in Alpine climbs in France
Anyone wanting to compare climb profile data to real-world riding
Fans of long-form, immersive ride videos with personality
📍 Route link is in the description — feel free to follow it, ride it, and let me know how it compares to your expectations.
👍 Like the video if you enjoyed the ride, subscribe for more European cycling adventures, and drop a comment if you’ve tackled this climb yourself — or if it’s now on your bucket list.
Ride the route yourself: https://www.strava.com/routes/3379159513908685454
Follow me on Strava: https://www.strava.com/athletes/driftergrifter
Join me on instagram https://www.instagram.com/driftergrifter/
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[Music] Today’s ride we got something a little bit different cuz I’m in Bonvil in southern France. Bonval is about 30 mi from Mont Blanc and today’s loop is going to take in the Cole de la Colombier which is a 12 km climb average of 6% peaking at 10.4. before in places. Actually rode this climb last year and now I’m coming back to have another go at it and I am considerably heavier, considerably unfitter. And in fact, I could barely get here. My suitcase was so full of excuses. But uh let’s get on the let’s get on the route and see what you think of it. Heat. [Music] Heat. Climbinder has this climb down at 11.9K, but I can’t help noticing the fact that the first sign I saw for the kilometer countdown said 16k, which means it’s not a six mile climb. It’s just over a 9 mile climb. You know, call me fussy, but three miles extra on a climb, that counts. Well, I’m here now, so I’m just going to have to get it done with my bag of excuses and my 10 kilos of extra weight and my British complexion. [Music] Heat. Heat. [Applause] Heat. Heat. [Music] [Applause] into the fourth K now and uh the la the steepest parts of this climb are the last 3k which are all according to climb pro 9 to 10%. We’ve already learned though that you can’t rely on these websites after quoting a 12k climb. It’s actually 16 and it also quoted a high point of 10.4, but I’ve just hit a 14%. So, always take these sites with a pinch of salt would be my advice. But yeah, broke the back of it. Just a few K to go. [Music] [Music] [Applause] That was the Cola Colombia ascent. Trying to use my best French pronunciation there. Not easy when you’re a Janna from Devon. Of course, like any uh good ascent, we’ve now got a descent, which I’m really looking forward to cuz got up to 30° there and I’m melting. Uh the height on this one’s only 16 just over 1600 m. Don’t actually know. Let’s get down it. [Music] [Applause] [Applause] Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. [Applause] [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] [Music] [Applause] Heat. Heat. [Music] arrived back in Bonville. That’s the end of the loop. I would definitely recommend the clockwise version of that loop. The descent’s a lot of fun, but about a third of the way down it, you join a main road. And you know, it’s beautiful, but I think I’d much rather be coming down it than going up it. So, clockwise is definitely the way to go. Hopefully, uh, you enjoyed that loop and, uh, join us again for the next one. If you liked it, give it the thumbs up. If you want to subscribe, link to the route in the description down below. See you next time.
2 Comments
Looks awesome bud .
Did you fix your steerer tube then?