Lacets de Montvernier: A Twisting Alpine Masterpiece

The Lacets de Montvernier, often translated as the 'Shoelaces of Montvernier,' is a truly remarkable road located in the Savoie department of France. This isn't just any mountain road; it's an audacious feat of engineering, a visual poem etched into the steep slopes of the French Alps. The road's fame stems from its concentration of hairpin turns, or 'lacets,' which tightly weave their way up a cliff face, creating a stunning and unforgettable driving or cycling experience. Constructed in the early 1930s, the Lacets de Montvernier were designed to replace a treacherous mule track and provide better access to the remote villages of Montvernier, Montbrunal, and Montpascal, perched high above the valley floor. The project was ambitious, and the construction itself was a testament to human perseverance. Work began in 1931, but the initial construction company abandoned the project. A second company, employing a team of 36 laborers, completed the task in just eleven months between May 1932 and April 1933, relying primarily on hand tools to carve the road out of the mountainside. The result is a masterpiece of road design. The D77B, as the road is officially known, ascends approximately 270 meters (886 feet) over a distance of 3.4 kilometers (2.1 miles). What makes it so special, however, is the concentration of 17 hairpin bends within a mere 2 kilometers (1.2 miles). This means that drivers and cyclists encounter a hairpin turn roughly every 150 meters (492 feet), creating a thrilling and visually arresting experience. The road itself is narrow, barely wide enough for two cars to pass comfortably. This adds to the challenge and excitement of driving the Lacets de Montvernier, demanding careful attention and precise maneuvering. For cyclists, the climb presents a consistent gradient of around 8%, making it a challenging but rewarding ascent. The views from each hairpin turn are simply spectacular, offering panoramic vistas of the Maurienne Valley below. The higher you climb, the more expansive and breathtaking the scenery becomes. The Lacets de Montvernier remained a relatively obscure local road for many years, known primarily to cyclists and residents of the surrounding villages. However, its fame exploded in 2015 when it was featured in the Tour de France. The inclusion of the Lacets in Stage 18 of the race brought the road to a global audience, showcasing its unique beauty and challenging terrain. The dramatic images of cyclists winding their way up the impossibly tight switchbacks captivated viewers around the world, instantly transforming the Lacets de Montvernier into a must-see destination for cycling enthusiasts and tourists alike. The Lacets de Montvernier again featured in the Tour de France in 2022, further cementing its iconic status. Today, the Lacets de Montvernier attract visitors from all corners of the globe. Cyclists come to test their mettle on its challenging slopes, while drivers and motorcyclists come to experience the thrill of navigating its hairpin turns. Photographers flock to capture its stunning beauty, and tourists simply come to marvel at this incredible feat of engineering and enjoy the breathtaking alpine scenery. While the Lacets de Montvernier are undoubtedly a popular destination, they have managed to retain their charm and authenticity. The road is well-maintained, but it has not been overly commercialized. The surrounding villages remain relatively unspoiled, offering a glimpse into traditional alpine life. This makes the Lacets de Montvernier a truly special place, a destination that combines natural beauty, human ingenuity, and a sense of timelessness. Beyond the immediate thrill of the road itself, the Lacets de Montvernier also serve as a gateway to further exploration of the Maurienne Valley. The Col du Chaussy, another popular cycling climb, is located just a few kilometers beyond the top of the Lacets. The nearby town of Saint-Jean-de-Maurienne offers a range of amenities and attractions, including historical sites, museums, and restaurants. For those seeking outdoor adventures, the surrounding mountains offer endless opportunities for hiking, climbing, and skiing. Whether you are a seasoned cyclist, a passionate driver, or simply a traveler seeking breathtaking scenery, the Lacets de Montvernier are sure to leave a lasting impression. This is a place where you can challenge yourself physically, immerse yourself in natural beauty, and experience the thrill of discovery. It's a place where the road itself becomes the destination, a twisting, turning ribbon of asphalt that leads to unforgettable memories. Visiting in the late spring to early autumn is recommended, with mornings being quieter. Be mindful of cyclists and occasional cars. A viewing point on the opposite cliff provides an excellent vantage point for capturing the full lacework of the road, ideal for drone shots or telephoto photography. Don't miss the nearby town of Saint-Jean-de-Maurienne, a hub for cyclists with great cafes and gear shops.