Cycling routes
Col des Planches – Legendary Mountain Passes
Martigny
8/15°
The ten kilometres between Martigny-Bourg and the summit of the Col des Planches are among the steepest in the region, with some sections reaching a gradient of 15%!
Difficulty
IntermediateLength
10.35 kmDuration
1:30 h
Description
The first kilometres of climbing from Martigny are merciless: the road launches upward from the start and the slope, which reaches a gradient of 15%, never eases until Chemin-Dessous, the first village along the route. A hairpin curve will offer you a few moments to breathe and shift your attention to the impressive view over the elbow of the Rhône river and the town of Martigny below. The slope then eases up, allowing you to discover the Forclaz valley as the climb continues through larch forests. A brief flat section will give you a moment to save some energy before tackling the final hairpin bends leading to the Col des Planches.
Turn-by-turn directions
Your climb starts on the plains in the town of Martigny. Follow the road to Chemin-Dessous, which features a steep slope with a gradient of up to 15%. A hairpin bend gives you a moment to catch your breath and enjoy the impressive view of the elbow of the Rhône river and the town of Martigny below. The slope then eases up, allowing you to discover the Forclaz valley as the climb continues through larch forests. A brief flat section gives you the chance to save some energy before the final hairpin bends leading to the Col des Planches.
Start
Martigny-Bourg (494m)
Destination
Col des Planches (1408m)
Author's recommendation
Once you’re back in Martigny, visit the Fondation Pierre Gianadda and the Barryland museum dedicated to St Bernard dogs.
Technical information
Altitude
1408m
495m
Ascent
+914m
Descent
-0m
Technique
Stamina
Experience
Landscape
Best time of the year
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Tags
Getting there
Information
Public transport
Travel to Martigny on the SBB Lausanne-Brig line or via the Mont-Blanc Express and St-Bernard Express lines.
Approach
Take the E27 Martigny/Grand St-Bernard motorway exit, then leave the roundabout in the direction of Col de la Forclaz/Chamonix.
Parking
Parking available at La Porte d’Octodure at the motorway exit. Follow the parking directions in Martigny.
Source
This activity is brought to you by Valais/Wallis Promotion
