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Semnoz from Col de Leschaux

4.0
19 reviews | Elevation profile | 17 photos
Semnoz from Col de Leschaux
Semnoz from Col de Leschaux
Semnoz from Col de Leschaux
Semnoz from Col de Leschaux
Semnoz from Col de Leschaux
Semnoz from Col de Leschaux
Elevation profile Semnoz from Col de Leschaux

Statistics

Difficulty points 506
Length 13.6 km
Average gradient 5.7%
Steepest 100 meters 9.4%
Total ascent 778m

Short recap

Beautiful scenery
Hidden gem
9 hairpin turns
#76 toughest climb of Haute Savoie
#35 most elevation gain of Haute Savoie
#26 longest climb of Haute Savoie
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Semnoz from Col de Leschaux is a climb in the region Annecy. It is 13.6km long and bridges 778 vertical meters with an average gradient of 5.7%, resulting in a difficulty score of 506. The top of the ascent is located at 1668 meters above sea level. Climbfinder users shared 19 reviews of this climb and uploaded 17 photos.

Road names: D110 & D41

Photos (17)

Semnoz from Col de Leschaux
Semnoz from Col de Leschaux
Semnoz from Col de Leschaux
Semnoz from Col de Leschaux
Semnoz from Col de Leschaux
Semnoz from Col de Leschaux
Semnoz from Col de Leschaux
Semnoz from Col de Leschaux
Semnoz from Col de Leschaux
Semnoz from Col de Leschaux
Semnoz from Col de Leschaux
Semnoz from Col de Leschaux
Semnoz from Col de Leschaux
Semnoz from Col de Leschaux
Semnoz from Col de Leschaux
Semnoz from Col de Leschaux
Semnoz from Col de Leschaux
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Reviews (19)

5.0
4.0
3.0
2.0
1.0
mat76230
2 Mo 4.0
This is an automatic translation, the original language is: French. Show original

20 kilometres of ascent with very little traffic 👌

20 kilomètres d’ascension avec tres peu de circulation 👌

Semnoz from Col de Leschaux
Dashboard
Faz
1 y 5.0 01:04:00 (12.7km/h)
This is an automatic translation, the original language is: French. Show original

Assembled on 26/07/23

An unmissable climb in the region. From this side or the other (via Vieugy and Quintal), the climb is physically and psychologically demanding, but once you're out of the forest after swallowing just ten kilometres or so, the trees give way and you can see the Baujus, Savoyard and Haute-Savoyard summits until you're thirsty.
To talk in more detail about the climb from Leschaux (which I recommend doing as an aperitif, from Lescheraines - more difficult from Saint-Jorioz), it is divided into two parts that I find very distinct: the first, made up of the four switchbacks that can be seen from below through the forest, is very regular. It's a pleasure, because once you find the right rhythm, your legs go on autopilot and you have as much time as you want to admire the view of the peaks to the north of the Bauges and around Lake Annecy.
The second part (a little after the halfway point of the climb) is, I find, much less pleasant: your eyes can only concentrate on the road, its breaks in gradient and its relaunches. The irregularity of the gradient as much as that of the asphalt will make you regret the first 7 kilometres.
But a kilometre and a half from the summit, the trees open up again, and this time for good. The summit is visible, and so is the last kilometre. Two blows to morale, the first positive, the second harder to take. But the slope keeps the promise of the signs (between 5 and 7%), and the finish is worth the physical effort. A 360° panorama (you have to climb to the actual summit of Semnoz on foot, along a wide dirt track) which, in fine weather, can prove to be one of the finest in the department.

In short, this is a climb not to be underestimated, as it will take advantage of your biases to bring you to your knees; but stay on your feet and twist your legs, and the final reward will be all the sweeter! The descent to Quintal is also a treat, with its polished trajectories and rolling tarmac.

Monté le 26/07/23

Ascension inratable de la région. De ce côté ou de l'autre (par Vieugy et Quintal), la montée est éprouvante physiquement et psychologiquement, mais une fois sorti de la forêt après une petite dizaine de kilomètres d'avalés, les arbres s'écartent pour vous laisser apercevoir les sommets baujus, savoyards et haut-savoyards jusqu'à plus soif.
Pour parler plus en détail de la montée depuis Leschaux (que je conseille de faire en tant qu'apéritif, depuis Lescheraines -plus difficile depuis Saint-Jorioz), elle se divise en deux parties que je trouve très distinctes : la première, composée des quatre lacets que l'on aperçoit d'en bas à travers la forêt, très régulière. Un plaisir, car une fois le rythme trouvé, les jambes se mettent en pilotage automatique et vous avez le temps que vous voulez pour admirer la vue qui se dégage un bon nombre de fois sur les sommets du nord des Bauges et du tour du lac d'Annecy.
La deuxième partie (un peu après la moitié de l'ascension) est, je trouve, bien moins agréable : vos yeux ne peuvent se concentrer que sur la route, ses ruptures de pente et ses relances. L'irrégularité de l'inclinaison autant que celle de l'asphalte vous ferons regretter les 7 premiers kilomètres.
Mais à un kilomètre et demi du sommet, les arbres se dégagent à nouveau et cette fois-ci pour de bon. le sommet est visible, le dernier kilomètre aussi. Deux coups au moral, le premier positif, le second plus dur à encaisser. Mais la pente garde les promesses des panneaux indicatifs (entre 5 et 7%), et l'arrivée vaut la débauche physique. Un panorama à 360° (il faut monter au réel sommet du Semnoz à pied, par un large chemin de terre) qui, par beau temps, peut s'avérer être l'un des plus beaux du département.

Bref, une montée à ne pas sous-estimer, car elle profitera de vos biais pour vous mettre à genoux ; mais restez debout et tournez les jambes, la récompense finale n'en sera que plus belle ! La descente jusqu'à Quintal est également un régal de trajectoires léchées et de goudron roulant.

Dashboard
tomvdvreken
1 y 3.0
This is an automatic translation, the original language is: Dutch. Show original

Combined with the Lescaux from Saint-Jorioz. That one is slightly steeper, as it also has a few descending sections. In one of the villages (halfway, I think) you could take water from a fountain. I didn't come across any other water points. The top of the Lescaux is not where you would expect it to be, but after a good kilometre of descending. There you start the Semnoz almost immediately. Reasonable climb, although the signs along the road (on the stretches between the hairpins) indicated a higher percentage (6-7%) than here. Afterwards, it becomes a bit less, only to hit 8% a few times (and then you're already over 20 km). The end station looks like a chalet where you have to clean your toes after a left turn, but that is deceptive: the summit sign is a few hundred metres after the chalet (to the right). Then a long descent on nice tarmac to the lake.

Gecombineerd met de Lescaux vanuit Saint-Jorioz. Die is iets steiler, doordat er ook een paar dalende stukken in zitten. In een van de dorpjes (halfweg, denk ik) kon je water nemen van een fontein. Andere waterpunten ben ik niet tegengekomen. De top van de Lescaux ligt niet waar je hem zou verwachten, maar na een goeie kilometer dalen. Daar begin je vrijwel meteen aan de Semnoz. Redelijk lopende klim, al gaven de bordjes langs de weg (op de stukken tussen de haarspelden) wel een hoger percentage (6-7%) aan dan hier. Nadien wordt het iets minder, om vervolgens toch een paar keer 8% aan te tikken (en dan ben je al dik 20 km bezig). Het eindstation lijkt een chalet waarbij je na een bocht naar links nog even de tenen moet uitkuisen, maar dat is bedrieglijk: het bordje van de top staat nog een paar honderd meter na de chalet (naar rechts. Vervolgens lang afdalen op mooi asfalt naar het meer.

Dashboard
MaxiKata
2 y 4.0 00:55:00 (14.8km/h)
This is an automatic translation, the original language is: French. Show original

From Annecy-Sevrier, the Semnoz climb is the longest in distance (25km) but the time to climb is ultimately the same.
The climb from Annecy (Sevrier) is an average of 5.7%, and more consistent than the climbs from Quintal or Annecy directly (via D41).

The surface is very good up to the Col de Leschaux, then deteriorates on the Semnoz climb although long stretches have been renovated.

The traffic is generally much calmer than on the D41.

Depuis Annecy-Sevrier, l’ascension du Semnoz est la plus longue en distance (25km) mais le temps d’ascension est finalement le même.
L’ascension depuis Annecy (Sevrier) est d’une moyenne de 5.7%, et plus régulière que les montées depuis Quintal ou Annecy directement (via D41).

Le revêtement est très bon jusqu’au col de Leschaux, puis se dégrade dans la montée du Semnoz bien que de longue portion ont été rénovée.

Le trafique est globalement bien plus calme que par la D41.

Semnoz from Col de Leschaux
Semnoz from Col de Leschaux
Semnoz from Col de Leschaux
Dashboard
Himmelsbla
3 y 4.0
This is an automatic translation, the original language is: Dutch. Show original

Beautiful climb. In my opinion the ideal climb to learn how to climb. It is not very steep, and the view is great. Highly recommended. Last time I did it from Annecy, I think my preference would be to take it from the Col de Leschaux, because then you have the (better and more beautiful) descent towards Annecy.

Prachtige klim. Wat mij betreft de ideale klim om te leren klimmen. Het is niet bijzonder steil, en het uitzicht is geweldig. Een aanrader. De vorige keer vanuit Annecy gedaan, ik denk dat mijn voorkeur zou hebben om hem vanaf de Col de Leschaux te pakken, omdat je dan de (betere en mooiere) afdaling richting Annecy hebt.

Dashboard
KuuKen1981
3 y 4.0
This is an automatic translation, the original language is: Dutch. Show original

Long climb in combination with Col de Leschaux. Last piece about 5 km are the hardest. View was beautiful but was very cloudy, more fog than view. Descent to Annecy is really nice.

Lange klim i.c.m. met Col de Leschaux. Laatste stuk circa 5 km zijn het lastigst. Uitzicht was mooi maar was zeer bewolkt, meer mist dan uitzicht. Afdaling naar Annecy is echt leuk.

Semnoz from Col de Leschaux
Semnoz from Col de Leschaux
Dashboard
FRW
3 y 4.0
This is an automatic translation, the original language is: Dutch. Show original

Like most we started from the lake via the Col de Leschaux. The road surface has been partly replaced but not in other places. All in all a nice climb to do.

Zoals de meesten begonnen vanaf het meer via de Col de Leschaux. Het wegdek is gedeeltelijk vervangen maar op andere plekken is dit niet het geval. Al met al een leuke klim om te doen.

Dashboard
gaugau7
3 y 4.0
This is an automatic translation, the original language is: French. Show original

Nice climb, and quite long if you do it after having already climbed the col de Leschaux. During the ascent and the arrival, superb view on the lake of Annecy

Montée agréable, et assez longue si on l'enchaîne après avoir déjà onté le col de Leschaux. Lors de la montée et l'arrivée, superbe vue sur le lac d'Annecy

Dashboard
Tomaskrak
4 y 3.0
This is an automatic translation, the original language is: Dutch. Show original

Dashboard
Stefanofiets
4 y 5.0
This is an automatic translation, the original language is: Dutch. Show original

Nice climb, first you cycle the col de Leschaux. And then you start the Semnoz climb. Road surface is probably renewed last year because it looks like new. From this side I found it an easy climb. But long including the col de Leschaux is so'n 23 km climb. From the top you have an insanely beautiful view over the mountains and you can also see Mont Blanc. Also beautiful hiking at the top.

Mooie klim, eerst fiets je de col de Leschaux over. En dan begin je aan de Semnoz klim. Wegdek is denk ik afgelopen jaar vernieuwd want ziet er als nieuw uit. Vanaf deze kant vond ik het een makkelijke klim. Wel lang inclusief de col de Leschaux is het zo'n 23 km klimmen. Vanaf de top heb je een waanzinnig mooi uitzicht over de bergen en zie je ook de Mont Blanc. Ook prachtig wandelen op de top.

Semnoz from Col de Leschaux
Semnoz from Col de Leschaux
Semnoz from Col de Leschaux
Dashboard
Random
Raymond
5 y
This is an automatic translation, the original language is: Dutch. Show original

Today I also did this climb indeed a nice one to start with. Like many say to get to the starting point you just start climbing by the lake. Beautiful panoramas where you can really enjoy.

Vandaag ook deze klim gedaan inderdaad een mooie om mee te beginnen. Zoals velen zeggen om bij het startpunt te komen begin je gewoon lekker bij het meer te klimmen. Prachtige panorama''s waar je echt van kunt genieten.

Dashboard
Random
Thimo Petri
5 y
This is an automatic translation, the original language is: Dutch. Show original

I can agree with the words of Bram, because to get to the start indicated here you start somewhere near the lake. However, there are many roads to get to this point.
My Garmin also sent me in a circle a couple of times. This side of the road is a bit less paved and narrow at the end, and I descended towards Annecy, but halfway I took the D241 towards Quintal and then towards Seynod/Annecy.

Ook deze kant gedaan.Ik kan me heel goed vinden in de woorden van Bram, want om bij deze aangegeven start te komen start je toch ergens bij het meer. Echter zijn er tal van weggetjes om bij dit punt te komen.
Mijn Garmin stuurde me ook een aantal keer in een rondje. Deze kant is qua wegdek wel wat minder en smal op het einde, en ik ben afgedaald richting Annecy, echter heb ik halfverwege de D241 genomen richting Quintal en dan zo richting Seynod/Annecy

Dashboard
Random
bas
5 y
This is an automatic translation, the original language is: Dutch. Show original

Ridden it today. Fantastic climb to warm up. Less difficult than from Annecy, but much more varied and with beautiful panoramas. The descent to Annecy is wonderful.

Vandaag gereden. Fantastische klim om op te warmen. Minder zwaar dan vanuit Annecy, maar veel afwisselender en met mooie panorama's. De afdaling naar Annecy is heerlijk.

Dashboard
Random
Bram
6 y
This is an automatic translation, the original language is: Dutch. Show original

Too bad the climb to col de leschaux is not counted here. There is nobody who only does the Semnoz from this side. Everyone starts at the lake...

Jammer dat hier de klim naar col de leschaux niet bijgeteld wordt. Er is niemand die alleen de Semnoz doet vanaf deze kant. Iedereen begint bij het meer...

Dashboard
Random
Ricardo
7 y
This is an automatic translation, the original language is: Dutch. Show original

Nice warming-up for the heavier alpine work. From this side is climb nowhere really difficult and because the asphalt on this side is significantly worse than the Annecy side, you can better from this side so you can descend to Annecy on good asphalt.
I did the climb last week with 35 degrees and many people with me...

Mooi opwarmertje voor het zwaardere alpenwerk. Vanaf deze kant is klim nergens echt lastig en omdat het asfalt aan deze kant aanzienlijk slechter is dan aan de Annecy-kant, kun je hem beter vanaf deze kant oprijden zodat je over goed asfalt kunt dalen naar Annecy.
Heb de klim vorige week gereden met 35 graden en velen met mij...

Dashboard
Random
Hans Kruijt
8 y
This is an automatic translation, the original language is: Dutch. Show original

Nice climb in the afternoon mostly in the shade. Boring long pieces, but the signs help you from km to km. Last four km very nice and spicy at the end. Nicest moment was the cowbells. You could hear them in the forest and they sounded louder and louder. A nice distraction from the toiling and another km to go. On top I got myself a coke. Bit of sugar supplement. Before that I had climbed from St. Jorioz so almost 22 km in total.

Mooi klim s middags grotendeels in de schaduw. Wel saaie lange stukken, maar de bordjes helpen je van km naar km. Laatste vier km erg mooi en pittig op te einde. Leukste moment vond ik de koeien bellen. Die hoorde je in het bos steeds harder klinken. Leidt mooi af van het zwoegers en hup weer een km. Bovenop ff een colaatje gescoord. Beetje suikers aanvullen. Had daarvoor al een klim genomen uit St. Jorioz dus bijna 22 km totaal geklommen, best pittig.

Dashboard
Random
Bram Bouwman
8 y
This is an automatic translation, the original language is: Dutch. Show original

First we did the col de Leschaux which after a short descent turns into the semnoz. No heavy climb more nice gradually. The other side is a lot harder. Descent to Annecy is tough, many sharp turns and with heavy rainfall very carefully descended. All in all a beautiful route.

Eerst de col de Leschaux gedaan die na een korte afdaling overloopt in de semnoz. Geen zware klim meer mooi geleidelijk lopend. De andere kant is een stuk zwaarder. Afdaling naar Annecy is pittig, veel scherpe bochten en met zware regenval erg voorzichtig afgedaald. Al bij al mooie route.

Dashboard
Random
Jan Huizenga
8 y
This is an automatic translation, the original language is: Dutch. Show original

This is a very nice route to cycle, but the tarmac is not as good everywhere. The last 3 km below the top is even oppressive because there the road surface has been pounded down and cars can hardly pass each other. (Route from Leschaux)
Last km is really heavy.
Is beautiful mountain to cycle.
08-08-2016

Dit is een hele mooie route om te fietsen, waarbij het asfalt niet overal even mooi is. De laatste 3 km onder de top is zelfs benauwend omdat daar het wegdek is neergekwakt en auto's elkaar nauwelijks kunnen passeren. ( route vanaf Leschaux )
Laatste km is echt zwaar.
Is mooie berg om te fietsen.
08-08-2016

Dashboard
Random
Van Dessel Jos
10 y
This is an automatic translation, the original language is: Dutch. Show original

This was my first climb. Directly from Annecy seemed a bit difficult, via Col de Leschaux it was doable. Hardest kilometres are at the very end. Friday 25th july 2014

Was mijn eerste klim. Direct vanuit Annecy leek me wel wat moeilijk, via Col de Leschaux was het wel te doen. Moeilijkste kilometers liggen helemaal op het einde. Vrijdag 25 juli 2014

Dashboard

Climbing times

7 km/h 01:56:22
11 km/h 01:14:03
15 km/h 00:54:18
19 km/h 00:42:52

Road surface condition

32% 47% 21%
Based on 19 votes
Share your knowledge. What was the road condition during your ascent?

Traffic

68% 32% 0%
Based on 19 votes
Your experience counts. How much traffic did you encounter during the climb?