Col du Glandon is one of the toughest climbs in the French Alps
France, europe
46.4 km
1,930 m
moderate
Year-round
# Col du Glandon: A Alpine Classic Worth the Climb
Nestled high in the Dauphiné Alps at 1,930m (6,332ft), Col du Glandon is one seriously impressive mountain pass that'll test even experienced drivers. Located in the Savoie department of southeastern France, this beauty stretches a whopping 46.4 km (28.83 miles) between Barrage du Verney and La Chambre, and it's fully paved on road D927.
Here's the deal: this pass has serious credentials. Built way back in 1898, it first appeared in the Tour de France in 1947 and has been a favorite challenge ever since. Every July, it kicks off La Marmotte sportive as the first climb, and summer brings decent traffic as riders and drivers flock here for the stunning views.
The climb is no joke though. Those last seven kilometers? They're where things get real, with gradients ramping up to a brutal 15.5% max. The final two kilometers are relentless—mostly over 10% with stretches hitting 12%. Coming from Barrage du Verney, you're looking at 24.12 km gaining 1,152m (average 4.8%), while the La Chambre approach is 21.3 km with 1,472m elevation gain (average 6.9%).
At the summit, you'll find a proper parking area and a bar-restaurant where you can catch your breath and soak in those incredible alpine views. Fair warning though: the road typically closes from early November through mid-May, so plan your visit for the warmer months.
Where is it?
Col du Glandon is one of the toughest climbs in the French Alps is located in France (europe). Coordinates: 45.3289, 0.3971
Road Details
- Country
- France
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 46.4 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,930 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- 45.3289, 0.3971
Related Roads in europe
hardBalcon du Bozelet
🇫🇷 France
Okay, so you're looking for adventure? Then buckle up and point your rig towards the Balcon du Bozelet, a mountain-top restaurant chilling at a cool 2,411 meters (that's 7,910 feet!) in the French Alps. We're talking Savoie department, deep in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, inside the northern part of Vanoise National Park. Now, heads up: this ain't your grandma's Sunday drive. The track up there is rocky, bumpy, and can get a little tippy – all part of the fun, right? Best to hit this one between late June and October; otherwise, snow's likely to shut it down. Even in summer, keep an eye on the forecast – you might catch some late-season snow! Temps get brutal here, and the wind? Let's just say it's consistently *enthusiastic*. This is a trail for experienced off-roaders, and trust me, you'll want a 4x4. It’s STEEP, with grades hitting 10% in spots. And if you're not a fan of heights, maybe grab a postcard instead. But the reward? Absolutely unreal views from the top. Seriously, the panoramas are worth every white-knuckle moment!
moderateWhere is Col des Tentes?
🇫🇷 France
Okay, adventure seekers, let's talk about Col des Tentes! This stunner of a mountain pass sits way up high in the French Pyrenees, in the Occitania region, at a cool 2,208m (7,244ft). You'll find it in the Hautes-Pyrénées department, twisting and turning along the D923. The pavement isn't the smoothest, and it's a bit of a "what if" road, meant to connect to Spain via the Port de Boucharo, but that never quite happened on the Spanish side. Get ready for some seriously challenging switchbacks (those *lacets*!), but trust me, the views of the Pyrenees from the top are worth every hairpin turn. This little beauty is only 12.4 km (7.70 miles) long, snaking from Gavarnie right up to the Spanish border. The majority of the road is decent, but the last 1.5 km? Pedestrians only, folks! At the summit, there's a big parking lot that's buzzing in the summer. Be prepared for some steep climbs, too—you'll hit gradients of up to 11%. Keep in mind, this pass is usually open from May to November, but being high in the Pyrenees, the weather can change in a heartbeat, so keep an eye on the forecast!
extremeHow long is the road through Kollafjarðarheiði pass?
🇮🇸 Iceland
Okay, adventurers, listen up! Want to experience the real Iceland? Head to the West Fjords and tackle Kollafjarðarheiði! This ain't your average Sunday drive. We're talking a 24.5 km (15.22 miles) unpaved, legendary F-road adventure snaking between Road 61 and Road 60. This high mountain pass tops out at 464m (1,522ft) and is ONLY open during the summer months (late June to early September, usually). Expect lunar landscapes, massive rocks, and a seriously bumpy ride that demands a 4x4 beast. Oh, and did I mention river crossings? This route serves up a healthy dose of adrenaline alongside breathtaking views. So, if you're craving an off-the-beaten-path experience, Kollafjarðarheiði is calling your name!
hardWhere does the A82 run from?
🇬🇧 Scotland
The A82 in Scotland? Oh, you HAVE to drive it! This beauty stretches 269km (167mi) from Glasgow, up through Fort William, and all the way to Inverness, hugging the shores of Loch Lomond and Loch Ness with Ben Nevis looming nearby. It's easily one of the best drives in the country for pure scenery. Okay, real talk: it's also been called one of Scotland's most "exciting" roads, and not always in a good way. There have been accidents in the past. And the section between Tarbet and Ardlui? Let's just say it gets a *little* cozy. We're talking "hold your breath when two trucks squeeze past" narrow. So, patience is key! But the views, people, the VIEWS! You'll be winding through quintessential Scottish countryside, a main vein for both tourists and locals alike. Expect summer traffic, but trust me, it's worth it. Think shimmering lochs, dramatic valleys, and waterfalls cascading down the hills. And speaking of drama, remember that scene in *Skyfall* where Bond's cruising in his Aston Martin? Yep, that's the A82 between Bridge of Orchy and the Kings House Hotel. Honestly, the Glencoe section alone, with its Rannoch Moor Bridge, is worth the entire trip. From lush valleys to jagged peaks and rivers that sparkle, it’s like driving through a legend. Get ready to be wowed!