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
moderateChris Froome has become the first man to cycle non-stop the Eurotunnel
🇫🇷 France
# The Channel Tunnel: Where Engineering Meets Adventure Back in 1993, something pretty incredible happened – they finished the Channel Tunnel, and it's still the longest undersea tunnel in the world. This engineering marvel finally created a permanent link between Great Britain and continental Europe, making the dream of a fixed crossing between England and France a reality. The numbers are impressive: 51km (32 miles) of tunnel stretching beneath the English Channel at the Strait of Dover, connecting Folkestone on the English side to Coquelles near Calais in France. It's actually three tunnels bundled together – two for trains and one central tunnel for maintenance and emergency access. These days, the tunnel buzzes with life. High-speed Eurostar passenger trains zoom through regularly, whisking travelers from London to Paris in style. Can't drive your own car through? No problem – just drive onto the Eurotunnel Le Shuttle instead. You park your vehicle on the train, sit back, and let the tunnel do the work. Here's where it gets fun: the tunnel has played host to some seriously cool firsts. In 2014, cyclist Chris Froome pedaled through the service tunnel in just 55 minutes, averaging 65kmph and becoming the first person to cycle non-stop between Folkestone and Coquelles. It's pretty wild when you think about it – he was riding 100 meters below the waves! The impact has been massive too. Trade, tourism, logistics – the tunnel transformed transportation between the UK and Europe, strengthening economic ties and opening up endless possibilities for both passengers and freight. It's basically become the lifeblood of cross-Channel commerce.
hardWhere is Bwlch Pen Barras?
🇬🇧 Wales
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through Denbighshire, Wales, in the Clwydian Range Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. You stumble upon Bwlch Pen Barras, or Old Bwlch as the locals call it – a fully paved but seriously narrow mountain pass that’ll get your heart pumping. This baby climbs to 360m (1,181ft) and stretches for 5.6km (3.5 miles) from Llanbedr Dyffryn Clwyd to Tafarn-y-Gelyn. Cyclists, get ready for a workout! There are two ways up, but the west side is a real beast. From Llanbedr-Dyffryn-Clwyd, you're gaining 260 meters (853 feet) in just 2.25km (1.4 miles). Brace yourself for sections hitting a whopping 25% gradient, including a crazy steep hairpin turn. The east side is a bit gentler, but the reward? A mile-long, dead-straight downhill run from the summit – perfect for an adrenaline-fueled descent after all that climbing. Plus, its location makes it a sweet spot for linking up with other climbs in the area. Get ready for stunning scenery and a serious challenge!
hardWhere is Valbona Pass?
🇮🇹 Italy
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through the Alps, specifically the northeastern part of Italy, and you stumble upon Valbona Pass. This beauty, also called Colle Valbona, is a high mountain pass that clocks in at over above sea level. Think hairpin turns and stunning views as you drive along Strada Provinciale 92, which is, amazingly, the southernmost paved climb over 1700m in this part of the Alps! It's about long, connecting Strada Provinciale 64 with the border of the Autonomous Province of Trento (Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol). Now, here's the scoop: North of the pass, there's this tempting unpaved road that climbs even higher to Monte Martello, reaching over . Word to the wise, though: private vehicles aren't allowed on this section. It was originally a military road heading to Colle Bandia.
hardWhere is Rosedale Chimney?
🇬🇧 England
Okay, picture this: you're in North Yorkshire, deep in the North York Moors National Park, south of Middlesbrough. You're staring down Rosedale Chimney Bank – or Chimney Bank as the locals call it – a fully paved, 5.95km (3.7 miles) stretch connecting Rosedale Abbey to Hutton-le-Hole. This isn't just any road; it's a proper challenge! Why "Chimney"? Back in the day, a massive 100-foot chimney stood tall here, part of an ironstone mine. It was a landmark until it was demolished in '72. Now, about that challenge... This climb is notorious. We're talking about a 33% gradient in places! The road's exposed, so brace yourself for wind and rain. It’s steep right from the get-go, and the surface can be a bit rough initially. You'll hit a cattle grid before tackling a super tight, double hairpin turn. The inside of the second bend? Crazy steep. After that, it's a relentless grind, made more entertaining by the local sheep who seem to enjoy watching cyclists struggle. Eventually, that insane incline eases off to a more manageable one-in-six, giving you a chance to finally build some speed as you crest the moor. Heads up: lorries and caravans should skip this one. Brakes can get a serious workout on those steep turns, and winter conditions? Forget about it. This is a climb that demands respect – and probably a few low gears! Starting from Rosedale Abbey, the ascent is 1.47 km long, gaining 175 meters in elevation with an average gradient of 11.9%. Get ready for a ride that's both tough and unforgettable!