Col des Champs from Colmars

Difficulty points	645
Length	7.2 mi
Average gradient	7.1%
Steepest segment	11.9%
Total ascent	2694 ft

Reviews (17)

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WernerVanSteen ^premium

8 Mo 3.0

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

Just as several reviews on Climbfinder tell us, this was the second climb for me from the classic "Les 3 Cols" which I rode counterclockwise from Barcelonnette. After descending the Col d'Allos, the start of this Col des Champs turns left. The road is so narrow that at first I thought I had landed on a private driveway of a residence :-)
The climb is steady through a forest at a 6-7％ average. Never steep to heavy pushing. Only in the last kilometres when you finally ride out of the forest do you get the feeling of climbing a mountain pass. You do get that mountain pass feeling when, in my case, you descend towards St Martin d'Entraunes where the landscape is very open and the percentages are also firmer. If I were to do the Col des Champs again, I would definitely start from St Martin d'Entraunes.

Admirateurdecromagnon

9 Mo 5.0 01:02:00 (6.9 mph)

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

A great experience. Beautiful views during the last few kilometres.
Don't underestimate this climb, as it's steep and exhausting. Lots of flies in the forest section.

Teo ^premium

9 Mo 4.0 via the Climbfinder app

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With me, the first ascent of the Trois Cols. I found it a tough climb. Steep percentages and really flat at the end. In terms of views, at first it is quite a bit through the forest, but at the end there are beautiful views. All in all a nice climb

bramleij ^premium

10 Mo 3.0 via the Climbfinder app

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Done the second of the round trip Allos-Champs-Cayolle; mean 'intermediate mountain'... Quite a steep, never easy mountain. Lots of between trees though which is nice in summer. I personally had a lot of trouble with flies around 1800-2000m altitude. There is little provisioning available, so start with plenty of water in your water bottles (refills are possible in the village at the bottom of the Champs though). The sign for the col was just a bit further than I thought, I was probably hoping I was already there. Worthwhile, but more because it's there and not to travel especially for it. Great road surface, relatively narrow but also little traffic.

SSCHOONEN ^premium

10 Mo 3.0 via the Climbfinder app

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Done as the 2nd climb of the 3 cols route. Steeper climb than the Allos, though nice and gradual, mostly in the shade of the forest.

LuukH ^premium

10 Mo 5.0 via the Climbfinder app

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The first part is biting through and unspectacular (in a forest). However, the last part of 3 km more than makes up for this. What insane views! See photos

Cromagnon ^premium

1 y 5.0

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Cyclists and bikers from the south of France often recommended the Col des Champs to me.
It's a climb that rewards you for your efforts!
It takes a while to get to the top, but once you're out of the beautiful forest, you'll be amazed. 9 kilometres of forest and then 3 kilometres of spectacular mountains.
The road is very narrow and in good condition. It's better on the Alpes Maritimes side...
It climbs regularly. Some sections are quite tough, but it's never violent.
At the top, it's majestic! A picture postcard of the Alps.
The descent to Saint Martin is fabulous!
A must-do! Without a doubt.

Pino ^premium

1 y 5.0

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

Very nice, gentle climb with an even percentage. Starts through the forest and ends among the rocks. Plenty of catering in Colmars and a cafe at two/thirds.
The geographical col is a bit lower.

JMenger

2 y 5.0 00:52:48 (8.1 mph)

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Great climb, from Colmars first over narrow good roads steeply through the forest. Nice and shady so fine on a hot day. Only at the top does it open down and the views are stunning.

F11ACE ^premium

3 y 3.0 00:45:44 (9.4 mph)

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Caught in the classic 'Les 3 Cols', sharp turn to the left after which the climb immediately shoots up. Make sure you are well geared. In the beginning some meandering through the woods and then a beautiful piece through a true Alps painting.

Agostinho53

4 y 4.0 01:09:53 (6.1 mph)

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At the bend at the "fort de Savoie" you have to go up on the left. When I came down it from the Col d' Allos, I initially thought it was the driveway to a house. The first kilometer is a runner, but then it gets spicy. 6 to 7 km of sustained reasonable effort to get to the top. It's a matter of dosing well to make it to the top unscathed. The climb is not in very good condition, winding, very narrow and there is little or nothing to see, because until about 1.5 km from the top you sit between the trees. 't does provide some cooling on hot days, but then you 've had it. When I finally emerged from the forest, I was literally attacked by a horde of flies. But then a beautiful spectacle unfolds with an almost 360° view of the surroundings. To escape the increasingly aggressive flies, I quickly stopped at the top for the usual photo and immediately drove on. In contrast to the climb, the other side is an open book. Slightly less steep than the climb, but a lightning-fast side-stage descent with nice clear hairpin bends, which you can take in the perfect line. And then the view, those majestic rock formations that are in no way inferior to the equally beautiful Dolomites. Unknown is often unloved. I would like it to stay that way for a while.... until the next opportunity. Tip: If you would stop in Colmars for a terrace: in the rue St.-Joseph you will find "Le rétro" . The patron is a native of Genk who joined us at the table during a visit to the town of Colmars and its Fort.

John Doe

4 y 5.0

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

Superb climbing with a lot of percentage and a succession of magnificent hairpins with a view of the peaks around 3000 m👍

patrickbaert ^premium

5 y 4.0

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

Not to be underestimated hidden beauty as 2nd col in the cycling tour "Les 3 Cols"
(Allos/Champs/Cayolle) which started in Barcelonnette.
Before the start of the climb, pay attention if you come from Allos in a steep descent because suddenly you have to turn left from the main road into a small street just before entering Colmars.
The almost traffic free narrow road climbs steeply (8％) the first 4 km. with dozens of hairpin turns, completely through an uninhabited pine forest (Foret du Haute Verdun) that you only cycle out of just before the pass height when you get above the tree line. Last part to the top is almost flat. Apart from the view over the fields (=champs) with in the distance the high peaks of the National Park vd. Mercantour the plateau is desolate.

There are bike information signs every kilometer (distance to summit/altitude/percentage of next km.) but nowhere is there any provision. The asphalt is impeccable!!!!
Unknown solitary climb, hopefully it stays that way because it is blissfully quiet.

Martino

6 y 5.0

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The road is indeed perfectly paved. Halfway the climb you cycle through a beautiful open larch forest. Nice in the shade and with hardly any traffic, it is the ideal cyclecol. Good to combine with d'Allos and Cayolle, but then you must have some training rounds in the legs before you start.
- Tip: In Colmars, on the main road opposite the city wall, is a fine tent for a fresh smoothie with a crepe.

patrick

7 y

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In August 2018, climbed as second col in the 3 col cycle route (counterclockwise) from Colmars.
I would like to report that there is NEW ASFALT up until the top!
Beautiful climb.
Friendly mountain bike greetings

de baets

8 y

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the road surface is reasonable, there has been much improvement to the road surface and there is little traffic compared to the other cols in the area

Greetings

kristof

Tom

10 y

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

Nice climb, bad road from Colmars
So do not do this as a descent, because you get guaranteed a flat tire, or worse.......
The view at the top is magnificent, and the area is beautiful for cyclists.

Climbing times

5 mph	01:26:21
7 mph	01:01:08
9 mph	00:47:38
12 mph	00:35:47

Road surface condition

83% 17% 0%

Based on 12 votes

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Traffic

92% 8% 0%

Based on 12 votes

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Frequently Asked Questions

Col des Champs can be cycled from 2 sides. Col des Champs from Colmars is the most popular side, but the summit can also be reached via Col des Champs from Saint Martin.

Col des Champs from Colmars 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 des Champs from Colmars is a first-category climb: long and tough. Do not underestimate this climb. Many famous Tour de France cols fall into this category. Prepare for a long, challenging ride. Only well-trained riders will reach the top smoothly. Make sure you have a road bike with climbing gears and enough training; otherwise, it will be a struggle.

Col des Champs from Colmars is 7.2 mi long.

The average gradient of Col des Champs from Colmars is 7.1%.

Col des Champs from Colmars has a steepest segment with an average gradient of 11.9%.

The summit of Col des Champs from Colmars is at 6854 ft.

At a slow pace of 5 mph, it takes about 01:26:21 to climb Col des Champs from Colmars. At 7 mph the time is 01:01:08, and at 9 mph 00:47:38. For the fastest cyclists, 00:35:47 is an achievable time.

Col des Champs from Colmars is located in the region Alpes-de-Haute-Provence in France.

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Photos (56)

Reviews (17)

Climbing times

Road surface condition

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Frequently Asked Questions

Col des Champs from Colmars

Statistics

Short recap

Photos (56)

Reviews (17)

Climbing times

Road surface condition

Traffic

Frequently Asked Questions

Which sides of the Col des Champs can be cycled up?

What gearing is needed for Col des Champs from Colmars?

How difficult is the Col des Champs from Colmars?

How long is the climb up Col des Champs from Colmars?

What is the gradient of Col des Champs from Colmars?

What is the steepest part of Col des Champs from Colmars?

How high is Col des Champs from Colmars?

How long does it take to cycle up Col des Champs from Colmars?

Where is Col des Champs from Colmars located?