Travel guide to the top of Col des Glieres
France, europe
2 km
1,440 m
hard
Year-round
# Col des Glières
Nestled in the Haute-Savoie department of France's Rhône-Alpes region, Col des Glières is a serious mountain pass sitting at 1,440m (4,724ft) that'll make your heart race—literally. This 24.3 km (15.09 miles) beauty stretches west-east from Fillière to Glières-Val-de-Borne, cutting straight through the heart of the Glières Mountains.
The D55 is mostly smooth asphalt, though you'll encounter a spicy 2 km gravel stretch on the eastern side that keeps you honest. What really makes this pass legendary are the 12 killer hairpins winding up the cliff face like a puzzle—some sections punch it at a brutal 15% gradient. The Tour de France has tackled this beast, and for good reason. Between the white-knuckle switchbacks, you're treated to absolutely stunning mountain vistas and cascading waterfalls that make every pedal stroke (or horsepower) worthwhile.
At the top, there's a substantial parking area and the Monument National de la Résistance. The plateau's dramatic history is impossible to ignore: during WWII, this isolated high-altitude refuge became a crucial Maquis stronghold, shielded by winter weather and perfect for covert weapon airdrops from England. In March 1944, the plateau witnessed one of the most significant clashes between the French Resistance and Nazi forces, with 149 fighters making the ultimate sacrifice.
It's a road that demands respect—challenging, historic, and absolutely unforgettable.
Where is it?
Travel guide to the top of Col des Glieres is located in France (europe). Coordinates: 46.3643, 3.8395
Road Details
- Country
- France
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 2 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,440 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 46.3643, 3.8395
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