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Forclaz is pretty horrible, quite a busy road and the scenery isn't that great. Add to that the constant gradient and long straights, and it's just quite a meh climb. Maybe it didn't help that the day I did it, it was about 37 degrees in Martigny.
Hey, found an amazing climb around there though, not as tall but way more fun: https://www.strava.com/segments/5022113
There's a cow farm with a cafe at the top, with incredible views and staffed by a couple of friendly, slightly ancient ladies.
bashthebox-
I'd have to totally disagree with you there, I went early July about 4 years ago from Les Houches to Forclaz and back (I was time poor) and aside from it being a hard ride for me as I was 106kg at the time and on my 'shopping' bike it was a fab day. The scenery is fantastic, the roads excellent, I had only one poor pass by a touring motorcyclist and being able to let the bike run including coming back through a barely lit tunnel at almost 50mph was great.
The chicanes coming back into Chamonix are a real tester especially when you have cars etc cutting the corner when all you're wanting to think about is how much brake you need to use to avoid going over the edge when your rims are already a little cooked...lol
Going into Martigney from Chamonix is certainly easier than the other way around, I would thoroughly recommend that area most thoroughly, only wish I had more time to scout around.
And get in Cav, life in the dog yet.
Mr_Bump
Dunno, I'll ride it a few times and work out the best place! Only been there by foot / car so far. Was planning on doing Forclaz this week though.