The Col Du Galibier

The col du galibier is one of the most famous cycling passes in France. It is part of the tour de france and a must-do for every cyclist who wants to challenge themselves. The pass is located in the Dauphine region and offers great views on the mountains of the French Alps.

This hors categorie mountain pass, named after the peak that overlooks it, is an iconic climb for professional and amateur cyclists alike. The climb is steep and challenging but also beautiful. The scenery on top of the col is breathtaking, so it is well worth the effort. There is a lot of history associated with the col. It was first used by the tour de france in 1911 and has since become a legendary climbing destination. The pass is known for being the highest road pass in the French Alps.

There are two ways to get up the pass, either from the north or south side. The northern approach is the classic route that most cyclists take. This route starts in Valloire and is a steady climb along a scenic mountain road. The first part of the climb is quite easy but as you approach the pass, the gradient gets steeper and the road becomes narrower. This is the toughest section of the climb and it hits a maximum slope of 12%.

The summit is at an altitude of 2,642 meters. At the summit there is a tunnel that was constructed in 1876 and features a monument to Henri Desgrange, founder of the Tour de France. The tunnel was closed in 1976 and the pass was reopened in 2002. Cyclists are not allowed to use the tunnel, but they can ride on the ridge above the pass and reach the summit via an alternate route.

Cycling up the col du galibier is an incredible experience and will be something you will never forget. The views are spectacular and the sense of accomplishment when you reach the summit is unrivalled. The summit is a great place to stop for a break and enjoy the incredible scenery.

The Galibier is a prestigious mountain pass in the French Alps, renowned for its appearances in the Tour de France and reputation as an extremely difficult climb. There are few mountain passes in the Alps that are as demanding as the Galibier. However, if you are well prepared, the Galibier can be conquered and enjoyed by all types of cyclists.

The Col du Galibier is a popular climb amongst cycling enthusiasts and you will find that it is very crowded during the summer. The best time to visit the pass is in spring or autumn when it is not too hot. In winter, the climb can be very icy and it is not recommended to cycle on the road. However, it is possible to ski down the col in some sections of the road. The snow-capped peaks provide a surreal scene and it is definitely a must-see when visiting the Alps.