Region: French Alps
Climbing effort: 768 cep
Elevation meters: 1042
Steepest kilometer: 9.0%

Steepest 250 m: 11%
Foot: 230 m    Top: 1267 m
Mean slope: 6.6%
Length: 15.8 km

From: Pont-en-Royans
Road conditions (2020): moderate
Other race bikers: 5-10 per hour
Motor vehicles: 10-30 per hour
Scenerie and road: (4/5)
Restaurant or bar near top: no

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Other climbs French Alps

The ascent from the west to the Col de Pra l'Étang largely follows the same road as the ascent to the Col du Mont Noir from the southwest. The part of the route that both climbs have in common is utterly scenic. The start lies along the road from Pont-en-Royans to the Gorges de la Baume (D531), at the turnoff to Presles. Over the first 7.5 kilometers the slope of the 500 meter segments varies between 7 and 9%. Here the cyclist may enjoy beautiful views of green mountains, the highest part of which are crowned by colorful vertical limestone faces. These are passed at the end of this first part of the ascent, which I actually found the nicest part of the whole ride. Immediately after passing these cliffs, the narrow street runs almost horizontally (1-3%) through green pasture, near the village of Presles. Turn right here towards Le Charmeil, which is reached 2.5 kilometers further on. From there to the pass the road runs constantly through the forest, while it gets even narrower and its surface miserable. Keep right at a fork (keep left to continue to the Col du Mont Noir). The Col de Pra l'Étang is about 140 meters higher and is reached on a moderately sloping road (5-8%). The pass lies in the middle of the forest and is only recognizable by an information board.