Today we climbed 18 switchbacks (called “lacets” in French) in just under 3 km for total altitude gain of just under 1500 feet.  Lacets de Mont Vernier was featured for the first time this year in the Tour de France, so when we realized how close it was to where we were staying, we had to climb it.

It was very warm, but the views were spectacular.  Unfortunately it was tough to take pictures going up (too steep) or coming down (too steep!) so I had to settle for pictures from the bottom looking up at this incredible road cut into the hillside.   For more great aerial views and more information about this road, click here.