France - TdF Cat 1 climbs

[tuffer]

OK, so I am heading to Macon in September and intending to do some cycling in the local area along with eating Cheese and drinking a lot of wine. Would really love to have a crack at a Cat 1 climb, something from a TdF route would be great. I have seen that l'Alpe d'Huez is about 240km away, does anyone know of a closer climb that would be within an hours drive?
I am intending on dragging the missus along so I am expecting some serious winging and may need to buy her an 11-32 cassette....mine is already on order

[Gruffy]

You can use Strava to find routes. Choose the location and then filter by category.

Linky

[matt-ITR]

Forget Cat 1, go for a HC.

From Macon, you could do AdH (which is HC), Croix der Fer or Col du Glandon which are all around Bourg. The Col du Madeleine is stunning and a great ride from either side. It is longer form the Albertville side.
There are quite a few around Annecy and Morzine area too, although I am less familiar with them.

[tuffer]

Gruffy said:

You can use Strava to find routes. Choose the location and then filter by category.

Linky

Yeah but that does not list if they have been used in the TdF and you have to search on a town name.

[tuffer]

tuffer said:

Gruffy said:

You can use Strava to find routes. Choose the location and then filter by category.

Linky

Yeah but that does not list if they have been used in the TdF and you have to search on a town name.

Got it, use the Explore function. Thanks

[matt-ITR]

This year's stage 13 might be of interest:
http://www.letour.com/le-tour/2014/us/stage-13.htm...

[Amateurish]

Col du Grand Colombier might be an option (HC)and not so far from Macon.

There's Semnoz near Annecy which they did last year.

I rode up Col de la Ramaz last year near Mieussy which is a good climb. You've also got Cols de la Joux Plane and Verte in Morzine, as well as the road up to Avoriaz.

[Amateurish]

PS could you go earlier in August since they close lots of the famous climbs to vehicles during July / August.

http://1jour1col.fr/

Well worth doing if you can.

[tuffer]

Amateurish said:

Col du Grand Colombier might be an option (HC)and not so far from Macon.

I think that one is looking favourite, it's only 154km from Macon so we could cycle over and use it as a summit finish.....;)