COL DU GALIBIER (Col Du Lauteret)
45.0641° N, 6.4077° E
Every year thousands of cyclists, motorcyclists and drivers come to pay homage to this magnificent road and for good reason. Constructed in 1876 and a part of the Tour De France since 2011, this ruggedly stunning high alpine pass will blow you away.
Col Du Galibier is a legend.
8.6
KM
| 572m | 7.4% | 11.5% | CLIMBED | AVERAGE GRADIENT | MAX GRADIENT |
|---|
The route to Galibier or the start at Col du Lauteret is very pretty but also busy as the road links the garrison town of Briancon with Grenoble. However once you get to Col du Lauteret you will soon enter heaven. This photo looking back down at Col du Lauteret shows the opening section. A looping, graciously flowing road in the meadows surrounded by snow capped mountains even in the height of summer.
Col du Galibier is one of the highest passes in Europe and stands at 2642m (8668ft) above sea level. Like many alpine passes it is only open in the summer months (June-October). Even then it is worth checking online before you go.
Galibier with every corner makes you want to see around the next. Big reveals and even bigger mountains.
The first Tour de France crossed over in 1911. That stage from Chamonix to Grenbole was 366km and won by Emile Georget. Since then many legends such as Coppi have won the stage . In this photo a rider crossing Torrent de Roche Noire.
The prettiest section of Galibier from Lauteret. The tunnel which was incredibly built in 1890 is 363m long and for many years it was not possible to go higher, until the track was paved. In 1976 the tunnel was closed until 2002 and rarely does the Tour De France use it, instead of going up and over the pass. In this photo you can see a stone monument to the left of the buildings. This is a monument to the founder of the Tour de France Henris Desgrange.
The final part in an incredible jewel. A tightly formed section of switchbacks before the final turn sending you to the summit.
Looking back down at Refuge Galibier, the momument to Henris Desgrange and just a sublime view
COL DU GALIBIER SUMMIT
As a founding part in the Tour De Frances history, Galibier is significant in so many ways. For its history and for everyone that visits it, as with every corner it brings joy through its beauty and incredible vistas.
It should be on everyones bucket list.
COL DU GALIBIER CYCLING CLIMB FAQ'S
This road is only open from May to October and early/late season is not guaranteed.
From Col du Lauteret Col Du Galibier has 8 Hairpin bends
From the North (via Col du Telegrapher Col du Galibier has 26 hairpins
There are two ways up the Col du Galibier
From the North 35km and from the South 8.6km
In 1911
As the climb is long and the cumulative elevation climbed is considerable, Col du Galibier would be described as tough for most cyclists.
We recommend that most cyclists use a compact setup with 50-34 at the front and 11-34 at the rear.
There is a cafe just before the summit on the south side (the refuge) and approximately 5km before the summit from the north side there is a cafe also.
