Ah, the hidden treasures of the mountains! Perched at 1,691 meters altitude in the Chablais massif, the col de Joux Plane offers a true natural balcony over the nearby peaks and valleys, while remaining surprisingly discreet compared to its illustrious Alpine “cousins.”
A jewel of beauty on the Franco-Swiss border
Imagine a winding road climbed through larch forests and flowery alpine pastures, until reaching a breathtaking panorama: on one side, the Mont-Blanc massif, on the other, Lake Geneva sparkling in the distance. The col de Joux Plane, on the D 354, connects the villages of Samoëns and Morzine, and offers a unique observation spot where Alpine nature reveals itself in all its splendor.
- Altitude : 1,691 m
- Massif : Chablais (Alps)
- Road : D 354, paved and winding
- Orientation : south-facing for golden light at sunset
A legendary road for cyclists and motorists
Far less frequented than Alpe d’Huez or Galibier, the col de Joux Plane remains nonetheless a first-class challenge for cyclists, ranked hors catégorie by the Tour de France.
- From Samoëns : 11.7 km at an average 8.5% slope (max. 10%)
- From Morzine : 10.9 km at an average 6.5% slope (max. 11%)
Its southern side has been climbed fourteen times during the Tour de France, including the last ascent in 2023!
Activities and hikes around the col
Beyond the road, this site is an ideal playground for hikers and lovers of wide-open spaces:
- Loop around Lake Joux Plane: an easy trail circling the small glacial lake nestled at 1,714 m.
- Ascent of Pointe de Nyon: about 3 hours round trip for a 360° panorama over alpine pastures and ridges.
- Crossing to col du Ranfolly: a wild route for experienced walkers, skirting late snowfields.
- Climb to la Bourgeoise: an easy and quick route to enjoy a viewpoint over the Giffre valley and Mont Blanc
Fauna and flora: a preserved paradise
| Fauna | Flora |
|---|---|
| Alpine marmot | Edelweiss |
| Chamois | Rusty-leaved rhododendron |
| Golden eagle | Yellow gentian |
| This high-altitude environment also shelters gentian clusters and Swiss pine forests, where blueberries and saxifrages bloom. |
Practical advice for a successful visit
- Ideal period : from late June to mid-September, when the road is clear and the meadows are in bloom.
- Parking : large parking lot at the summit, near the bar-relay “Le Relais des Vallées.” Take advantage of this stop to go eat at La Rollande (“Le Relais des Vallées”), faithful to its post for many years.
- Equipment : warm mountain clothes, sunglasses and sun protection (the pass is south-facing).
- Respect for the environment : stay on marked trails and carry out your waste to preserve this fragile site.
The col de Joux Plane is more than just a road: it is an invitation to wonder and an immersion in the heart of Alpine nature. Whether you are a cyclist, hiker, or simply curious, let yourself be surprised by this rarely praised panorama, and above all, keep it secret!
