From Samoëns (2,300 ft / 701 m) to the Col de Joux Plane (5,548 ft / 1,691 m) it’s 7.2 miles (11.6 km) at an average of 8.5% with 3,248 ft (990 m) of climbing. It’s short for an alpine climb, but it never lets up: that’s why it’s one of the most feared climbs in the Tour de France when it comes at the end of a stage.
What the climb is like
- The first 1.9 miles (3 km). You leave Samoëns with a kilometer at 6.5%, and ramps of 9.5-12% soon appear at the D354 junction and Plan Praz.
- Km 3 to 5 (miles 1.9-3.1). A slightly gentler section, at 6-7.5%, through the Combe aux Fiès and Cessonex. It’s the closest thing to a rest you’ll get.
- Km 5 to 7 (miles 3.1-4.3). The grade rises again: 8, 9 and a kilometer at 11%, with 13% ramps, toward La Combe Émeru.
- The last 3.1 miles (5 km). Very steady grades of 8 to 9.5%, with the second-to-last kilometer at 11%.
A note on the numbers
CyclingCols gives 7.2 miles (11.6 km) and 3,248 ft (990 m) (8.5%); Climbfinder, 7.2 miles (11.6 km) and 3,248 ft (990 m) (8.6%), and cols-cyclisme, 7.1 miles (11.5 km) and 3,241 ft (988 m). Wikipedia lists 7.3 miles (11.7 km) at 8.5%. The steepest ramp is between 11.6 and 14% depending on the source.
History
According to Wikipedia, the Tour de France has climbed it 13 times since 1978, almost always on the way to Morzine. Riders first over the top include Marco Pantani (1997), Richard Virenque (2000), Jarlinson Pantano (2016) and Jonas Vingegaard (2023). In 2006 Floyd Landis led over it, on the stage of his famous comeback, which was later voided after his positive test.
When to go, water and traffic
Closed in winter because of snow. There’s little traffic, but the road is narrow and the pavement rough in places; the descent to Morzine is fast and technical. Fill your bottles in Samoëns: there are very few services on the climb.
What gearing to use
Fit a 34x30 or 34x32. At 3 W/kg and 159 lb (72 kg), you’ll ride about 6.2 mph (10 km/h) on 9%: 69 rpm in a 34x30. On the 11-13% ramps you drop to 4.3-5 mph (7-8 km/h), about 53-62 rpm in a 34x32. Check your drivetrain in the gear calculator.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to climb the Joux Plane from Samoëns?
A 159 lb (72 kg) rider on a 21 lb (9.5 kg) bike takes about 1 h 07 min at 3 W/kg (216 W), 1 h 19 min at 2.5 W/kg and 51 min at 4 W/kg. Work out your own time with your weight and power in the calculator on this page.
Is the Joux Plane harder from Samoëns or from Morzine?
From Samoëns, by far: 7.2 miles (11.6 km) at 8.5%. From Morzine it's about 6.7 miles (10.8 km) at 6.5%, with gentler sections.
Where is the hardest part of the Joux Plane?
There's no easy section. The hardest kilometers are around halfway, at La Combe Émeru, with ramps of 11-13%, and the second-to-last kilometer, also at 11%.