Col du Parquetout (1382m)

This climb is used in the Granfondo Les Deux Alpes and is a grueling testament to a rider’s stamina. It can be attempted from two directions from Vaujany and involves one of the steepest gradients in the area at 16%. It can be accessed after the Col d’Ornon from Bourg d’Oisans and consists of lush scenery and narrow roads where few cars venture.

The other way to tackle this route is to stay on the valley floor and head towards Grenoble as if you were about to try the Col de la Morte, from here carry on towards Valbonnais where the route begins.

It is only a 7km climb once you get to the base of it but with the average gradient being well over 10% it is a grueling testament to a rider’s stamina. The Tour de France will never use it due its narrow roads winding up the forests. The local bicycle hill climb event have thoughtfully painted the percent of the road grade every 100 yards or so on the pavement so you can look down and read 16% or 12.5%!