From Nantua, it's soon time to climb to the top of the Col de Belle Roche (via Col de Colliard). The climb is not difficult and largely goes through forests along a narrow winding road with sometimes beautiful views of Lake Nantua, the highway Lyon - Geneva, and the surrounding mountains. It is not advisable to descend this pass due to the risk of stones on the roadway (which can fall from the steep slopes alongside the road), and the less good road surface (which is not bothersome when climbing).

After the top, you cycle over a plateau, with some ups and downs. Near the village of Hotonnes, you will tackle the west side of Col de Richemond, through beautiful scenery.

You will then face a long descent for your wheels, plunging into the valley of the Rhône River, and then climb out of the valley again to the top of Col de Cuvéry (about 12 km of climbing). During the climb, near the hamlet of Le Catray, there is a beautiful viewpoint of the surroundings. At the top, there's no immediate descent; you are on the Plateau de Retord, which is covered with meadows, hedges, and small woods. At the end of May and beginning of June, daffodils bloom in abundance here.

Eventually, you descend via Le Poizat and through a lit tunnel to Nantua.