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
moderateTactical Route Planning: Risk Mitigation for International Drives
🇬🇧 England
Okay, buckle up, road trippers! Let's talk about the **Million Dollar Highway** in Colorado. Clocking in at around 25 miles (40 km), this stretch of US 550 is a wild ride between Ouray and Silverton. Get ready for some serious elevation changes—you'll be climbing and dipping constantly, with the highest point soaring above 11,000 feet (3,353 meters) at Red Mountain Pass. Now, here's the thing: this ain't your grandma's Sunday drive. Think hairpin turns, steep drops, and sections with no guardrails—yikes! In winter, you might face snow and ice, so check the conditions before you go. But oh man, the views! This road got its name for a reason. Expect to be blown away by incredible mountain scenery, deep gorges, and glimpses of old mining towns. You might even see some stunning waterfalls. It's a bit of a white-knuckle experience, but the payoff is totally worth it if you love breathtaking landscapes and a dash of adrenaline. Just take it slow, stay focused, and enjoy the ride!
extremeFeistritzer Alm
🇦🇹 Austria
# Feistritzer Alm Tucked away in the Carnic Alps right on the Austria-Italy border, Feistritzer Alm sits at a breezy 1,718 meters (5,633 feet) above sea level. This is seriously high-altitude territory. The road itself is a solid gravel track that'll take you most of the way up—though fair warning: winter basically shuts this place down. You're looking at an average gradient of 12.1%, with some gnarly sections hitting 15%, so bring your A-game behind the wheel. The road stops about 300 meters shy of the iconic Oisternig peak's summit, ending at a cozy little mountain hotel that serves as your final destination. Here's where it gets real: this pass has earned its sketchy reputation honestly. Unpredictable snowstorms and blizzards roll in without warning, and when they do, conditions become absolutely treacherous. Driving here during a whiteout is genuinely intense—not for the faint of heart. If you're planning a visit, timing is everything, and respecting the weather is non-negotiable.
hardTaking on the Twists and Turns of Cheile Gradistei
🇷🇴 Romania
Looking for a quick shot of adrenaline in Romania? Head to Cheile Gradistei, near Bran! This isn't your average Sunday drive. Picture this: you're carving through the Bucegi Mountains on a stretch of blacktop that's... well, let's just say it has character. This road winds around Fundata village, connecting the resort towns of Bran and Rucar. The whole thing is a series of hairpin turns without a single guardrail to be found. So, keep your driving in check! But hold up, it's not all white-knuckle driving. The views are absolutely breathtaking! Seriously, you'll want to pull over and snap some photos. Just be careful when you step off the road, especially after rain – landslides can happen. And when you need a break from the road, there's plenty to explore. Check out the Chisatoare nature reserve, the bat cave at Pestera cu Lilieci, or the caves at Pestera Dambovicioara, where you can find prehistoric drawings and fossils. If you're flying in, Brasov is the closest airport, putting you in the mountains within an hour. But heads up, the car rental options there are pretty limited. Bucharest has more choices for flights and rentals, and all the major rental agencies are there. Book ahead, though! While you don't *need* an SUV, it's definitely recommended for tackling those twists and turns with peace of mind.
hardWhere is Port-Aine?
🇪🇸 Spain
Alright, thrill-seekers, let's talk Port-Ainé! This ski resort is perched way up high in the Spanish Pyrenees, in the province of Lleida, reaching a cool 1,967 meters (6,453 feet). You'll find it nestled in Catalonia, that northern slice of Spain known for its vibrant culture. The road up? Totally paved, but don't think it's a walk in the park! Expect some seriously steep climbs, we're talking gradients hitting 10.7% in places! It can get a little narrow too, adding to the fun. The good news? You'll probably have the road mostly to yourself, as traffic is usually pretty light. Being high in the Pyrenees means winter can throw a curveball. The road's usually open year-round, but short closures are possible between December and April, so keep an eye on conditions. The climb kicks off from the C13 road near Rialp and stretches for 18.4 kilometers (that's about 11.4 miles). Get ready to gain 1,224 meters in elevation, with an average gradient of 6.65%. Get ready for some incredible views!