The semnoz by its 3 sides

If there's one word to describe the Semnoz, it would surely be underrated. It must be said that it doesn't even have the right to use the word "pass," which would give it any real appeal, and its 1,660m summit isn't as dreamy as the 2,642m Galibier pass. But the reason lies elsewhere: famous passes in the Alps and other mountain ranges often have a symbolic connection with the Tour. However, the Semnoz has only once been the finish of a Tour, in 2013.

That said, any cyclist who has ever climbed the Semnoz can tell you that it was not an easy climb.

This mountain, just outside Annecy, has many surprises in store; it's a must-see for us, and we wanted to highlight it. Few people know this, but you can reach the summit from three different sides.

Looking for a challenge? Climb all 3 slopes in the same outing!

The Semnoz via Annecy

The most classic and most "accessible" climb. By accessible, I mean that you won't have time to leave Annecy before you're on the first slopes of the pass. From there, it's a little under 18km to the summit.

With an average gradient of 7% and a maximum of 10%, nothing seems insurmountable on paper.

The first few kilometers range between 7 and 8%, enough to get your legs moving and test the limits of your derailleur. This section is pleasant, you're in the shade of the forest and the road winds, enough to get you in the mood. After 5 km of climbing, you arrive near Les Puisots, and the flat area which feels good (unless you're looking to take less than an hour to climb). Count on a good 3 km of "easier" roads before arriving at the last part of the climb.

You quickly understand this when you see the 9km sign and the long straight ahead. From then on, you never drop below 8% until you reach the summit, often staying between 9 and 10%. A regular pass certainly but without really much rest while the first few kilometers are still in the legs.

Less than 3km from the summit, you emerge from the forest and can see the top of the chairlift in the distance. It's also nice to be able to find yourself a little more in the sun. The hardest part remains the last km, because you thought you'd arrived a long time ago and, in addition to being steep, it's uneven. But take the opportunity to turn around and look around. You'll soon be able to enjoy the view of the lake, the Tournette, and Mont Blanc!

The small photo above, and you're ready to head back down the same route. An express return trip that allows you to cover 1,200m of elevation gain in 40km, just a stone's throw from Annecy and with memories galore.

The Semnoz by Quintal

An option that takes part of the traditional route, but is shorter. This side is the hardest, for climbers who like double-digit percentages!

The climb is a little over 11km, but don't forget the 8km between Annecy and Quintal, which aren't the most relaxing. Once you arrive in Quintal, cross the village and turn left. That's when you'll see the first official sign for the climb. Until the intersection that connects with the main road, you'll have to tame the 3.5km at an average gradient of 10%. The bends are close to 13-14%, which is brutal.

You arrive at a short flat area just before reaching the intersection with the main road. It doesn't hurt because after that, it's off again for another 7.5 km, with gradients never falling below 8%. An average of 9% to the summit.Less than 3km from the summit, you finally emerge from the forest and can begin to enjoy the different views that are offered to you.

Once at the top, take the time to admire the view of Mont Blanc and the Bauges massif. For the return trip, we suggest taking the shortest route back to Annecy. An 18-km descent takes you directly to the city center.

The Semnoz via Leschaux

Saving the best for last? As locals, we've been lucky enough to try all three sides often enough to inevitably have a slight preference. But why this one?

Quiet, less difficult, wilder, it's the slightly more "forgotten" side but which for us has a lot of charm. This map will also allow you to make a loop which is always nicer than a round trip (at least for the track on Strava).

Climbing the Semnoz via Leschaux means climbing the Col de Leschaux. THE perfect warm-up pass. Perfectly consistent, 10km at an average gradient of 4%. Of course, if you combine the two passes, it's almost a 24km climb, but with manageable gradients.

Once at the top of the Col de Leschaux, the start of the Semnoz awaits you, you turn right, the first sign is there: “Montée du Semnoz - 13.5kms”.

The climb is done in different stages, first a linear climb around 7% in a long straight line which allows you to admire the view of the Bauges. Then you enter the forest where you will soon benefit from much more lenient percentages, but still keep some in reserve. The forest can seem long, because the road rises again with quite hard percentages around 10%, then you leave it 2kms from the end. You will be able to enjoy the view on the right of the Tournette and Mont Blanc if you are lucky with the weather.
The final stretch is even quite smooth! Enjoy it.

All that's left is to descend to Annecy, 18km of pleasure to reminisce about your wonderful climb!