Col des Champs from Colmars

This route is considered a difficult, even 'Hors Catégorie' (HC) climb, requiring very good fitness. It features a consistent incline, often above 7.5%, with a total ascent of around 870 meters over approximately 12 kilometers.

The average duration for this touring bicycle route is approximately 2 hours and 6 minutes (7565 seconds), but this can vary significantly based on your fitness level and how often you stop to enjoy the scenery.

The road was resurfaced from kilometer 2 to the summit by summer 2018, providing a new surface. However, be aware of multiple rainwater drainage trenches near the summit. The road is generally narrow, so exercise caution with passing vehicles.

The route offers beautiful and spectacular scenery. Much of the ascent is under impressive pine forest cover, providing welcome shade. After about 9 kilometers, the landscape opens up into an alpine environment with stunning views of surrounding peaks, mountain pastures, and, when in season, meadows covered with flowers. The finale offers breathtaking panoramas at the foot of the Aiguilles de Pelens.

The best time to cycle this route is typically during the warmer months when the pass is clear of snow, usually from late spring to early autumn. The forest sections offer welcome shade on hot days, and the meadows are vibrant with flowers in season.

You can typically find parking in the village of Colmars, which serves as the starting point for the climb.

While there are no specific cycling permits or entrance fees required for the Col des Champs from Colmars route, it is located within the Mercantour National Park. Always respect park regulations, such as staying on marked paths and not disturbing wildlife or vegetation.

The climb features mountain pass cycling milestones approximately every kilometer, indicating your current height, distance to the summit, and the average slope of the upcoming section. Use these to help pace yourself. There's a short, flatter section around the 5-kilometer mark near Chalet de Ratery that can offer a brief respite from the consistent incline.

Yes, the route intersects with several other paths. Notably, it covers a significant portion of the 'Col des Champs (2090 m) depuis Colmars' route (94%) and also includes sections of 'La Traversée des Baussées' (68%) and 'TransVerdon' (62%). It's also part of a popular multi-col cycling route in the French Alps, often ridden with the Col d'Allos and Col de la Cayolle as part of the 'Trois Cols' loop.

The climb starts from Colmars, where you can find amenities like cafes and restaurants. However, once you begin the ascent, there are limited options for food or water directly on the route itself, so it's advisable to carry sufficient supplies.

The Col des Champs from Colmars route described is an out-and-back climb to the pass. However, the Col des Champs is often incorporated into larger loop routes, such as the 'Trois Cols' loop with Col d'Allos and Col de la Cayolle, which can be around 117 km with 3200 meters of elevation gain.