Col de la Machine from Saint-Jean-en-Royans

Difficulty points	565
Length	7.6 mi
Average gradient	6.3%
Steepest segment	11.6%
Total ascent	2543 ft

Reviews (13)

5.0

4.0

3.0

2.0

1.0

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LouisCa ^premium

9 Mo 4.0

This is an automatic translation, the original language is: French. Show original

After 4km from the summit, the hardest part is over and you arrive at Combe Laval where the road is spectacular.
The day I went up (a sunny Sunday), there were a lot of motorbikes which made the climb less pleasant.

aaabbb ^premium

10 Mo 3.0 via the Climbfinder app

This is an automatic translation, the original language is: French. Show original

There's a small fountain just before kilometre marker 16 and one in the hotel car park at the top. Apart from the view over the last 2 km, the climb isn't particularly exciting because it starts in the forest and follows the cliff (not the precipice) when you get to the top. I'd advise you to do the Col de la Machine from St Laurent and then descend this track.

YordiZ ^premium

11 Mo 5.0 via the Climbfinder app

This is an automatic translation, the original language is: Dutch. Show original

I found the first few kilometres very tough. You cycle through the forest, it is continuously 8 a 9％, and when I rode there it was very hot. After the turn to the Col de l'Echarasson, it flattens out and comes the boning, the Combe Laval. That part doesn't climb much anymore. The views are stunning and cycling through the rocks like that was very special.

TeijevdB ^premium

1 y 5.0 via the Climbfinder app

This is an automatic translation, the original language is: Dutch. Show original

Not the easiest start, pedalling hard to keep up some speed, but you get something in return. The view from the "balcony" is beautiful, with the many tunnels and rocks delightful. When you go to Spring you won't really get a descent, unfortunately.

aaabbb ^premium

1 y 5.0 via the Climbfinder app

This is an automatic translation, the original language is: French. Show original

It can be a real handful but it's worth it, the view from the top is magnificent.

FrostyRemo ^premium

1 y 4.0

Located in the Vercors region A great climb that starts as soon as you leave Saint-Jean-en-Royans. We started in Saint-Laurent-en-Royans to make a loop, and enjoyed a few warm up km through the walnut groves between the 2 towns. After about 7 km of climbing the road forms a balcony with excellent views of the Cirque de Combe Laval.

Col de la Machine from Saint-Jean-en-Royans

christine ^premium

2 y 4.0

This is an automatic translation, the original language is: French. Show original

a steady climb for 1st 6-7km of around 8％ leading to the magnificent cirque de combe laval where it's flat so you can stop and enjoy the views. i rode today 25/5/2024- a Saturday and there were lots motorbikes (groups of 10+) cars and other cyclists.

Renep ^premium

2 y 5.0

This is an automatic translation, the original language is: Dutch. Show original

First part goes through forest, lots of 8％, nowhere more than 10％. The stretch of balcony route from Combe Laval after that is spectacularly beautiful. That part is flatter.
On a Sunday morning in April, it was pretty quiet with traffic.

Cromagnon ^premium

3 y 5.0

This is an automatic translation, the original language is: French. Show original

I recommend 200％. Even more beautiful by Saint Jean than by Saint Laurent. The last few kilometres are sublime. The road is beautiful and good. One of the most beautiful roads in the Vercors. The climb is not very difficult, but the scenery is magical. At the finish, the view of La Combe Laval is splendid.

mcompaan

3 y 5.0

This is an automatic translation, the original language is: Dutch. Show original

It was great, I did it twice. Actually, you can extend the climb towards Col de Carri, then you have another 200 hm.

InfinitY

4 y 4.0 01:10:00 (6.5 mph)

This is an automatic translation, the original language is: French. Show original

Nice pass, starting in the woods and ending on Combe Laval, a beautiful landscape worth a stop
Quite steep in the first half

Dolomietenjan

4 y 3.0

This is an automatic translation, the original language is: Dutch. Show original

Nice climb with wide road up. Bike computer often shows more percentages than indicated by signs.

Franck_Pastor ^premium

5 y 4.0

This is an automatic translation, the original language is: French. Show original

Shortly before arriving at the pass, we follow the Combe Laval. It is the most vertiginous road passage in the Vercors, and perhaps in all the Alps: It overhangs a 600 m deep ravine, even wider than it is deep... We strongly advise cyclists prone to vertigo to make a detour via the nearby Echarasson pass, from the Gaudissart pass, which is on the way, or to reach the Machine pass via the access from Saint-Laurent, which runs along the other side of the ravine and offers almost no notable viewpoints (the disadvantage of not being vertiginous! :-)).

Climbing times

5 mph	01:32:03
7 mph	01:05:10
9 mph	00:50:47
12 mph	00:38:09

Road surface condition

89% 11% 0%

Based on 9 votes

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Traffic

33% 56% 11%

Based on 9 votes

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Frequently Asked Questions

Col de la Machine can be cycled from 2 sides. Col de la Machine from Saint-Jean-en-Royans is the most popular side, but the summit can also be reached via Col de la Machine from Saint-Laurent-en-Royans.

Col de la Machine from Saint-Jean-en-Royans is a challenging ascent. For this type of climbing, we recommend mountain gearing, specifically a compact system. This means a small front chainring of 34 teeth, combined with a rear cassette where, depending on your level, strength, and experience, you choose a sprocket with 30, 32, or even 34 teeth. Remember that a smooth cadence is always more efficient!

Col de la Machine from Saint-Jean-en-Royans is a serious climb and falls into the 2nd category. With a good basic fitness level, even without much cycling experience, you can complete this climb just fine. However, a bike with climbing gears is a must. Without experience or training, it will be really tough – but that’s part of the challenge!

Col de la Machine from Saint-Jean-en-Royans is 7.6 mi long.

The average gradient of Col de la Machine from Saint-Jean-en-Royans is 6.3%.

Col de la Machine from Saint-Jean-en-Royans has a steepest segment with an average gradient of 11.6%.

The summit of Col de la Machine from Saint-Jean-en-Royans is at 3366 ft.

At a slow pace of 5 mph, it takes about 01:32:03 to climb Col de la Machine from Saint-Jean-en-Royans. At 7 mph the time is 01:05:10, and at 9 mph 00:50:47. For the fastest cyclists, 00:38:09 is an achievable time.

Col de la Machine from Saint-Jean-en-Royans is located in the region Drôme in France.

Col de la Machine from Saint-Jean-en-Royans

Statistics

Short recap

Photos (20)

Reviews (13)

Climbing times

Road surface condition

Traffic

Frequently Asked Questions

Col de la Machine from Saint-Jean-en-Royans

Statistics

Short recap

Photos (20)

Reviews (13)

Climbing times

Road surface condition

Traffic

Frequently Asked Questions

Which sides of the Col de la Machine can be cycled up?

What gearing is needed for Col de la Machine from Saint-Jean-en-Royans?

How difficult is the Col de la Machine from Saint-Jean-en-Royans?

How long is the climb up Col de la Machine from Saint-Jean-en-Royans?

What is the gradient of Col de la Machine from Saint-Jean-en-Royans?

What is the steepest part of Col de la Machine from Saint-Jean-en-Royans?

How high is Col de la Machine from Saint-Jean-en-Royans?

How long does it take to cycle up Col de la Machine from Saint-Jean-en-Royans?

Where is Col de la Machine from Saint-Jean-en-Royans located?