The legendary Col de la Madeleine is one of the greatest cycling climbs
France, europe
37.3 km
1,998 m
moderate
Year-round
# Col de la Madeleine
Nestled in the Savoie department of southeastern France, Col de la Madeleine sits pretty at 1,998m (6,555ft) and ranks among the Alps' most iconic passes. This legendary route connects the Maurienne and Tarentaise valleys, a feat that took until 1969 to officially complete (though the Romans knew about this route way back).
The fully paved D213 stretches an impressive 37.3 km (23.17 miles) from Sainte-Marie-de-Cuines to La Léchère les Bains, making it one seriously tough cookie in the French climbing scene. The southern approach from La Chambre is absolutely relentless—we're talking a jaw-dropping 13.5% maximum gradient that'll test your legs. If you prefer a gentler burn, the longer northern route from Bonneval offers a more forgiving slope, complete with a sweet three-kilometer descent halfway up to catch your breath.
Cyclists will love the kilometer markers dotting both sides, showing distance to the summit, current elevation, and average slope ahead. The Tour de France has made this pass famous over the years, and for good reason—it's pure climbing heaven.
Come summer, you'll be rewarded with breathtaking views of Mont Blanc and the Lauzière massifs from the summit. Just keep in mind the pass typically shuts down from November through early June due to snow, so plan accordingly.
Want an extra adrenaline kick? The unpaved road west of the pass climbing to Le Gros Villan (2,522m) is wild—22.41% average gradient with exposed turns that'll get your heart racing.
Where is it?
The legendary Col de la Madeleine is one of the greatest cycling climbs is located in France (europe). Coordinates: 46.6901, 0.7068
Road Details
- Country
- France
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 37.3 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,998 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- 46.6901, 0.7068
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