I can confirm there was a slightly downhill section on the Col de Ramaz, about 400m or so, theres a bend that tests your concentration somewhat! But all the climbs i did in the Northern Alps were generally uphill all the way, except the descents of course
The thing to remember is, because they're long, the gradient often changes.
I.e The Col de la Colombiere, climbed from Scionzier (sp?) is about 16km. First few KMs are tough, between 7 and 10% then about half way up you get this bizarre almost flat section of 1.5/2% before the last third kicks back up to 8% then the final 3 KM are 11%. You can see the top from 3km away, so imagine how soul destroying it is seeing the top while grinding 39*27 at 40rpm for the last 10minutes!
By the way young Stu, although both Paul an myself are Sprinters. Lets be clear, if you and Paul H climb like rockets, I climb like a sopwith camel. Paul however climbs like the Hindenberg