Lacets de Montvernier Cycling Guide | 17 Hairpins, Route Tips & Safety Advice

If you love narrow, technical alpine climbs, the Lacets de Montvernier is one of the most unique short ascents in the French Alps. With 17 impossibly tight hairpins carved into a cliff face, this climb became famous after its helicopter shots during the 2015 Tour de France.

But beyond the TV coverage, what is it actually like to ride?

Here’s everything a road cyclist needs to know before tackling Montvernier.

Climb Overview

  • Length: 3.5 km
  • Elevation Gain: ~270 m
  • Number of Hairpins: 17
  • Location: Above St Jean de Maurienne, Savoie, France
  • First Tour de France Appearance: 2015

This is a short but technical climb. It’s not brutally long, but the tight bends and narrow road make it memorable.

Think: twisty, narrow, exposed, dramatic.

Watch the Full Lacets de Montvernier POV Ride

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This onboard ride shows every bend, the perched church above the climb, and what it really feels like to ride these famous hairpins.

What Makes Montvernier Special?

The climb shot to fame when Tour de France helicopters captured all 17 bends stacked perfectly above one another. From above, it looks almost unreal.

On the bike, you experience:

  • Extremely tight switchbacks
  • Narrow carriageway
  • Minimal margin for error
  • Stunning views over the Maurienne valley
  • A small church perched improbably above the road

It’s a hidden gem that feels far more dramatic than its statistics suggest.

How Hard Is Lacets de Montvernier?

Although it’s only 3.5 km, it’s not “easy.”

  • Steady gradient throughout
  • Some tighter bends feel steeper
  • Limited room to swing wide in corners

Because it’s short, you can ride it at tempo — but pacing matters if you’re combining it with bigger Alpine cols such as the Col de Chaussey

For intermediate cyclists, expect roughly:

  • 15–25 minutes depending on fitness

Safety Considerations

This is important.

The road is narrow and technical. Always:

  • Watch for cars climbing and descending
  • Expect other cyclists
  • Be alert for motorcycles (especially in summer)
  • Stay controlled on descents — braking into hairpins is critical

These are tight, blind bends. Ride predictably and stay in your lane.

Best ridden in:

  • Spring
  • Summer
  • Autumn

Winter can be icy and dangerous.

Parking & Access

If driving to the climb:

  • There are parking spaces at the base
  • Easy access from St Jean de Maurienne
  • You can ride Montvernier as a short loop if you don’t want a long Alpine day

Water is available at:

  • The base of the climb
  • The top near the village

Always check availability depending on season.

Route Options After the Climb

One of Montvernier’s strengths is how it fits into bigger Alpine routes.

After reaching the top, you can:

Option 1: Col du Chaussy

  • Quieter
  • More remote
  • Away from the crowds
  • A beautiful, twisty continuation

Option 2: Col de la Croix de Fer (via St Jean de Maurienne)

  • Higher
  • Tougher
  • Busier
  • A true Alpine test

Montvernier pairs perfectly with either.

Where to Stay

Best bases for cycling this area: There are a few places I would recommend in the Maurienne Valley

  • St Jean de Maurienne (not the prettiest of towns)
  • La Chambre

Both give access to:

  • Lacets de Montvernier
  • Col du Chaussy
  • Cold e la Croix de Fer
  • Col du Télégraphe
  • Col du Galibier

This is serious Alpine cycling territory.

Why Cyclists Love It

It’s not the longest nor the hardest.

But it’s one of the most visually striking climbs in France.

Short.
Technical.
Iconic.

A proper Alpine experience in under 4 km.

Next Ride

After Montvernier, I would suggest the the Col d’Albanne (recorded last year). If you enjoy lesser-known Alpine climbs, that’s another hidden gem worth exploring in the Maurienne Valley

Final Thoughts

If you’re planning a cycling trip to the French Alps and want something dramatic but manageable, the Lacets de Montvernier deserves a place on your route.

It’s:

  • A Tour de France climb
  • A technical hairpin challenge
  • A perfect warm-up or add-on to bigger cols

Bike Rental for the Lacets de Montvernier and the Maurienne Valley

If you are looking for good quality carbon road bikes for the Lacets de Montvernier and the rest of the Maurienne – and possibly Oisans valley then complete your details below for more information. Luggage transfers for point to point stops are also available.





    Lacets de Montvernier Cycling Products

    The Lacets de Montvernier feature on the Maurienne Valley and Climbs of the Alps Cycling digital download cycling map