Cycling routes
Petite Forclaz – Valais Velo tour
Martigny
5/16°
With a length of four kilometers, an average gradient of 11 percent, and about 400 meters of elevation gain, the ascent to Petite Forclaz is quite a challenge.
Difficulty
IntermediateLength
4.01 kmDuration
45 m
Description
Set off on this marked ascent with several signs indicating the elevation difference and the gradient percentage of your route. Discover the steep section from Martigny-Croix through the vineyards and the villages Les Rappes and La Fontaine. The four-kilometer ascent to Petite Forclaz with over 400 meters of elevation and an average gradient of 11 percent—at some points even more than 14 percent—is a huge challenge. Challenge your calves on the many switchbacks of this section. Once you reach the Route de la Forclaz, you can make an extra effort by including the Tour de France climb over the Col de la Forclaz to the Emosson dam or return on the main road to Martigny.
Turn-by-turn directions
The route starts at the red stele of the Valais cycle route marking on the Place Centrale in Martigny-Croix. Wind your way through the narrow streets of the town and then take the bridge over the road to the Great St Bernard. You ride up the vineyards, pass through the villages of Les Rappes and La Fontaine, and then reach the Route de la Forclaz. The ascent gradually becomes steeper. With many curves, an average gradient of 11 and in some places 14 percent, your calves will soon be burning. After about four kilometers of sweating and 400 meters of elevation gain, you finally reach the main road of La Forclaz, where you can continue your ascent to the Col de la Forclaz and perhaps even up to the Emosson dam or descend to Martigny via the main road.
Start
Martigny-Croix (503m)
Destination
Route de la Forclaz (906m)
Author's recommendation
Try delicious local products and excellent Valais wines during a gourmet pause at the Fromathèque at the exit of Martigny-Croix.
Technical information
Altitude
906m
499m
Ascent
+403m
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
By SBB line Lausanne–Brig or with the Mont-Blanc Express and the St-Bernard Express to Martigny-Croix.
Approach
E27 motorway exit Martigny/Grand St-Bernard, then turn at the roundabout towards Col de la Forclaz/Chamonix.
Parking
Follow the parking guidance system in Martigny.
Source
This activity is brought to you by Valais/Wallis Promotion
