Semnoz from Col de Leschaux

Difficulty points	506
Length	8.4 mi
Average gradient	5.7%
Steepest segment	9.4%
Total ascent	2552 ft

Reviews (33)

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NIM

1 w 4.0 via the Climbfinder app

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

The "easy" face of the Semnoz: a steady climb, not too steep and fairly uniform overall, with alternating forest and alpine meadows. Long switchbacks. Moderate traffic, provided you climb early.

Cromagnon ^premium

1 w 3.0

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As I haven't climbed anything really serious since October, the 2 kilometers at 8％ (yes, the road markers display it anyway) seemed more painful than usual.
Objectively speaking, though, it's not a formidable pass.
The surface is uneven, but still very acceptable.
The gradients are even more uneven than the tarmac. It's hard to find your rhythm.
Combined with the Col de Leschaux, this side of Mont Semnoz makes for a fine climb.
The views over the Massif des Bauges are quite elegant. The 360-degree panorama is a real reward.

PAVallee

7 Mo 4.0

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A very nice climb with the Col de Leschaux as a warm-up. No major difficulties on this slope and beautiful scenery at the summit.

BigSur707

9 Mo 5.0 via the Climbfinder app

A difficult but wonderful climb. Difficult front the point of view of being long at relatively steep gradients. Most of the ascent is at 7％, with the last two kilometers being at an average of 8％. Hard work at the end. There is a flatfish bit at about 5km from the summit, which was very helpful to recharge a bit. Amazing views from the top, including Mt Blanc. Nice cafe and restaurant just after the summit heading down the Annecy side

Seb38 ^premium

9 Mo 5.0

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A superb climb, much used by cyclists. The views from the summit are magnificent, as are the views along the way. Quite a steady slope, on a good quality road, with regular shade in the forest. Having noticed a few stones on the road and sometimes gravel, I was careful on the descent, also being vigilant when passing cars as the road is sometimes a little narrow.

Roro31

9 Mo 4.0 via the Climbfinder app

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The climb up to Semnoz is an "easy" one, with a pleasant road to ride on. Various landscapes and views will brighten up the route before you have to push a little harder on the last few kilometres of the climb.

Kokot032

9 Mo 3.0 via the Climbfinder app

A hard climb but wiev at the top is worthy. The fact its after another climb without downhill makes it harder

Alda007

10 Mo 4.0 via the Climbfinder app

Beutiful trip from Annecy via Sevrier. Road is good, early in the morning nearly no traffic. On the top, nice view over the Alps eith Mont Blanc

julienv43

10 Mo 3.0 via the Climbfinder app

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Steeper gradients than Leschaux, but still a pleasant 13 km! The last 2 km are the most difficult

Cultercyclist ^premium

10 Mo 4.0 via the Climbfinder app

A really enjoyable climb on generally good surface. Ramps up a bit nearer the top and your mind can play tricks on you for the last kilometre.

gusvelo

11 Mo 5.0

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The climb up this slope is more accessible than the one via Annecy. To reach the Col de Leschaux, the slope is not steep, which means you're in a good state of freshness for the start of the climb. After that, the switchbacks are long and a little steeper than the Col de Leschaux, but nothing insurmountable. The gradient is less regular after the hairpin bends and the last kilometre is steeper than the previous ones, making it more complicated. In fine weather, the view from the top of the climb is magnificent.

kickhere ^premium

1 y 5.0 via the Climbfinder app

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I'm a beginner when it comes to climbing. As a result, I had only planned to do the Col de Leschaux from St-jorioz. Having got to Leschaux relatively quickly, I still had some juice left and was keen to get to the Semnoz when I saw that there was a climb on that side. It turned out to be brilliant, over the last 2-3km, 8-10％ of gradient, after 20km of climbing you start to feel it. Road in very good condition at 80％ I'd say. Hardly any cars (Thursday mid-May). Incredible views. No regrets about going up this way, seeing the comments from the one from Annecy.

Lucien08 ^premium

1 y 4.0

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The climb is usually done after Leschaux, so there are plenty of miles in the legs. The first few kilometres are almost all downhill, then it's fairly regular during the lace-up period. At times you can get a good view of the west side of the Semnoz. Then you leave this view behind and it becomes a little more irregular. The last two kilometres are really nice on this plain. Be careful, the 7 and 8 km signs are swapped!

aaabbb ^premium

1 y 5.0 via the Climbfinder app

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One of the great passes in the region to come and do. The climb up from Leschaux isn't all that hard.

mat76230

1 y 4.0

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20 kilometres of ascent with very little traffic 👌

Faz

2 y 5.0 01:04:00 (7.9 mph)

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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.

tomvdvreken ^premium

2 y 3.0

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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.

MaxiKata

3 y 4.0 00:55:00 (9.2 mph)

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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.

Himmelsbla ^premium

4 y 4.0

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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.

KuuKen1981

4 y 4.0

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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.

FRW

4 y 4.0

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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.

gaugau7

4 y 4.0

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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

Tomaskrak

5 y 3.0

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Stefanofiets

5 y 5.0

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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.

Raymond

6 y

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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.

Thimo Petri

6 y

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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.

bas

6 y

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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.

Bram

7 y

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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...

Ricardo

8 y

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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...

Hans Kruijt

9 y

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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.

Bram Bouwman

9 y

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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.

Jan Huizenga

9 y

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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

Van Dessel Jos

11 y

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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

Climbing times

5 mph	01:41:49
7 mph	01:12:05
9 mph	00:56:10
12 mph	00:42:12

Road surface condition

32% 48% 20%

Based on 25 votes

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Traffic

68% 32% 0%

Based on 25 votes

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Frequently Asked Questions

Semnoz can be cycled from 3 sides. Semnoz from Annecy is the most popular side, but the summit can also be reached via Semnoz from Vieugy & Semnoz from Col de Leschaux.

You don't need special gearing for Semnoz from Col de Leschaux. The slope isn't long or steep enough to require much shifting down. You can conquer this climb on power alone. However, a compact gearing system with a smallest front chainring of 34 and largest rear sprocket of 28 or 30 is always nice if you enjoy cycling uphill. This helps maintain a smooth cadence.

Semnoz from Col de Leschaux 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!

Semnoz from Col de Leschaux is 8.4 mi long.

The average gradient of Semnoz from Col de Leschaux is 5.7%.

Semnoz from Col de Leschaux has a steepest segment with an average gradient of 9.4%.

The summit of Semnoz from Col de Leschaux is at 5472 ft.

At a slow pace of 5 mph, it takes about 01:41:49 to climb Semnoz from Col de Leschaux. At 7 mph the time is 01:12:05, and at 9 mph 00:56:10. For the fastest cyclists, 00:42:12 is an achievable time.

Semnoz from Col de Leschaux is located in the region Haute Savoie in France.

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Reviews (33)

Climbing times

Road surface condition

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Frequently Asked Questions

Semnoz from Col de Leschaux

Statistics

Short recap

Photos (46)

Reviews (33)

Climbing times

Road surface condition

Traffic

Frequently Asked Questions

Which sides of the Semnoz can be cycled up?

What gearing is needed for Semnoz from Col de Leschaux?

How difficult is the Semnoz from Col de Leschaux?

How long is the climb up Semnoz from Col de Leschaux?

What is the gradient of Semnoz from Col de Leschaux?

What is the steepest part of Semnoz from Col de Leschaux?

How high is Semnoz from Col de Leschaux?

How long does it take to cycle up Semnoz from Col de Leschaux?

Where is Semnoz from Col de Leschaux located?