Discover the Col de la Croix de la Serra (1,049 m). A legendary 14 km climb starting from Saint-Claude, famous for its spectacular hairpin turns and breathtaking view of the Chapeau de Gendarme. A must-see in the Jura for cycling.

The Col de la Croix de la Serra: The Secret Balcony of the Haut-Jura

If you ride in the Jura, there are climbs that leave a mark on both your mind and your legs. The Col de la Croix de la Serra (sometimes called the Désertin Pass) is one of them. Rising to 1,049 meters in altitude, it is the wild link between the Saint-Claude valley and the high Jura plateaus.

Whether you are a pure climber seeking elevation gain or a cycle tourist who loves panoramas, this pass is an essential stop on your next road trip in the 39 department.

---

1. The ascent from Saint-Claude: 14 km of pure joy

The start is from the town of Saint-Claude, famous for its pipes and diamonds. But as soon as you leave the town, another kind of gem awaits you.

• The profile: The climb via the RD 124 stretches over about 14 kilometers.

• The gradient: With an average around 5 to 6%, it’s not the steepest pass in France, but its length makes it an excellent endurance test. It’s a steady climb that allows you to find a good rhythm ("the tempo") without being broken by extreme percentages.

• The scenery: You climb amid limestone cliffs and fir forests typical of the Jura massif.

2. The highlight: The hairpin bends of Septmoncel

A few kilometers before reaching the summit of the Croix de la Serra, you will cross one of the most photographed sites in the Jura: the hairpin bends of Septmoncel.

The road literally clings to the cliff. Looking up (or over your shoulder), you will see the famous "Gendarme’s Hat", a geological curiosity where rock layers form a spectacular fold. The breathtaking view over the Saint-Claude valley is simply dizzying.

3. The summit and beyond

Once you reach the Croix de la Serra (1,049 m), you enter another world. The air cools, the valley disappears, and you emerge onto the vast plateaus of the Haut-Jura, heading towards Lajoux or Les Moussières.

It’s the ideal terrain for Gravel or long-distance cycling. The roads are quiet, the horizon widens, and the feeling of freedom is total.

---

Practical guide to succeed in your ascent

• The Jura weather: Above 1,000 meters, the weather can change in the blink of an eye. Even if the sun is shining in Saint-Claude, always bring a windbreaker jacket for the descent or if clouds appear at the summit.

• Safety lighting: The road between Saint-Claude and Septmoncel includes some narrow sections and tight turns where visibility can be reduced by the shadow of the cliffs. A smart rear light is highly recommended to be clearly seen by motorists.

• Recommended gearing: A 34x28 or 34x30 is ideal to climb smoothly and enjoy the scenery without ending up "in the red".

---

Conclusion: A pass to collect

The Col de la Croix de la Serra is not just a number on a map; it’s a sensory experience. Between the effort of the climb, the freshness of the fir trees, and the breathtaking view of the folded rocks, it embodies the very essence of Jura cycling.

Want to challenge the Jura summits? Check your gear before you leave: discover our ultra-visible lights and lightweight frame bags for your mountain rides!

Tags

Cyclisme Jura : Ascension du Col de la Croix de la Serra (1049m)

• Share on:
• WhatsApp
• Deel
• X
• Pin it
• Messenger
• Email

---