Cycling route - Ascent of Plaine Joux

The climb up to Plaine Joux from Onnion is a beautiful, typically Alpine ascent, demanding but steady, which puts the legs of experienced cyclists to the test.

From the town hall parking lot, head up in front of the church and Maison des Douceurs before turning left on the Route des Plaines Joux : the first few kilometers already have a solid 7-8% gradient, which is enough to get you into your stride quickly.

The slope hardly ever lets up. You alternate between wooded sections and open clearings offering superb views of the Risse valley and, higher up, the Chablais mountains. The road surface is generally good, and the road remains quiet, ideal for climbing with full concentration.

Halfway up, a short flat section allows you to catch your breath before the slope picks up again with a series of tight bends. The effort becomes more intense, but the reward is approaching: at the top, the Plaine Joux plateau offers superb views of Le Môle, the Aravis mountains, and sometimes even Mont Blanc when the sky is clear.

It's a relentless climb, perfect for trained cyclists looking to test themselves on a constant, sustained slope. A real test of endurance and effort management, but also a great pleasure for mountain and cycling enthusiasts.