Col du Galibier is an iconic Tour de France climb
France, europe
43.3 km
2,645 m
easy
Year-round
# Col du Galibier: One of Europe's Most Epic Mountain Drives
Ready for one of the most legendary climbs in the French Alps? Col du Galibier sits at a jaw-dropping 2,645 meters (8,678 ft) and stands as one of France's highest mountain passes. Located in the southeastern Alps near Grenoble, this beauty marks the boundary between the Hautes-Alpes and Savoie departments.
The fully paved D902 stretches 43.3 km (27 miles) from Saint-Michel-de-Maurienne up to the Tunnel du Galibier, ranking among the country's loftiest passes alongside the even-higher Col de l'Iseran. Trust us, the views alone are worth every hairpin turn—both climbing up and cruising down, you'll spot incredible peaks including Meije, Grand Galibier, and even Mont Blanc in the distance. Hit the summit and grab a bite at one of the cafes there while soaking in the scenery.
But here's the real deal: this isn't a casual Sunday drive. The road throws steep 13.1% gradients at you, complete with relentless switchbacks. The altitude kicks in around 2,000 meters, so don't underestimate this beast. Nestled between the massif d'Arvan-Villards and massif des Cerces, the pass typically opens June 1st and closes October 31st—snow conditions call the shots.
Historically, Galibier is cycling royalty. The first crude road went in around 1876 for military use, with a proper version completed in 1911—the same year it debuted in the Tour de France. Only three riders made it to the summit without dismounting that first time! The road you drive on now was finished in 1976, and the old tunnel (closed until 2002) used to be the only way through. A monument to Tour founder Henri Desgranges still stands at the southern tunnel entrance, a nod to the road's legendary cycling heritage.
Where is it?
Col du Galibier is an iconic Tour de France climb is located in France (europe). Coordinates: 47.0005, 1.9787
Road Details
- Country
- France
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 43.3 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,645 m
- Difficulty
- easy
- Coordinates
- 47.0005, 1.9787
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