Top 5 mountain passes in the Hautes Alpes
November 13, 2024Take on the legendary mountain passes of the Hautes Alpes – La Grave, La Clarée, L’Izoard.
This spectacular route connects Lake Geneva to the Mediterranean Sea and crosses the region's most legendary mountain passes. Whether you are a passionate cyclist, a hiker seeking unspoiled nature, or simply a traveler in search of authenticity, the mountain passes of the Hautes-Alpes, such as the Galibier, the Izoard, or the Lautaret, are must-see destinations.
1/ The Izoard Pass
Open to traffic as soon as the snow melts at the end of May, this pass rises to 2,360 meters and offers spectacular panoramic views comparable to those from a mountain summit. Alongside the Galibier and Lautaret passes, this legendary pass occupies a special place in cycling history and captures the collective imagination.
The Izoard is part of the Route des Grandes Alpes, linking Lake Geneva to the Mediterranean. Every year, it hosts renowned cycling events, the most famous of which is the Tour de France. This pass is also known for the Casse Déserte, a unique, almost lunar landscape, which makes it an unmissable stop.
At the top of the pass, there is a spectacular view of Queyras, Ubaye, the Écrins Massif, and Pelvoux. On a clear day, you can even see Mont Blanc, Mont Viso, and the Swiss Alps. From Briançon, a 19.2 km climb leads to the pass, where a stop at Casse Déserte is a must to admire this impressive natural site.
2/ The Galibier Pass
The road, open to cars, motorcycles, and bicycles from late May to mid-October (depending on snow conditions), winds its way from the Col du Lautaret for a memorable climb up the southern slope.
At the summit, an orientation table, installed by the Écrins National Park in 1988, offers an exceptional panorama stretching from the Northern Alps, with Mont Blanc as the focal point, to the Southern Alps. The pass has a rich historical past: until 1976, it was only accessible via a tunnel connecting Savoie and Briançonnais, before the current road was opened.
Known for its sometimes harsh weather conditions, the Col du Galibier remains closed in winter and is only cleared late in the spring. It is also a legendary spot for Tour de France cyclists, who have crossed it 59 times since the race was created. A must-see in the Alps for anyone looking to take on a sporting challenge or simply admire breathtaking scenery.
3/ The Lautaret Pass
This pass, located at an altitude of 2,058 meters, connects the Romanche Valley and the Guisane Valley (Serre Chevalier Valley) and offers exceptional panoramic views of the surrounding peaks.
In addition to being a strategic passageway to Italy, notably via the Montgenèvre Pass, the Lautaret Pass offers a wealth of tourist attractions. Stop off to explore the Lautaret Botanical Garden, renowned for its alpine biodiversity, and visit the Écrins National Park Visitor Center. With its wild landscapes, geological diversity, and varied climatic influences, the Lautaret Pass is a favorite spot for nature and botany lovers.
4/ The Col de l'Echelle
Less busy than the Montgenèvre Pass, it offers a quiet alternative for reaching the Vallée Étroite and Italy while enjoying a rich natural and historical heritage.
In spring, the road is closed to traffic, making it ideal for walks with no major elevation changes up to the plateau, perfect for listening to birdsong and admiring the panoramic views.
In summer, the pass becomes an accessible challenge for cyclists, offering a modest initial climb and the opportunity to cross into Italy or explore the Narrow Valley. For hikers, it is also possible to take the road to access magnificent trails by car.
Winter transforms the Col de l'Échelle into a Nordic playground: perfect for cross-country skiing, this site also invites families to discover the mushers of Névache.
As you will have understood, each season has its own unique characteristics on this high Alpine pass.
5/ The Granon Pass
Located above the Guisane Valley, this legendary pass offers exceptional panoramic views, visible from an orientation table, with breathtaking vistas of Briançon, Serre Chevalier, La Meije (3,983 m), La Barre des Écrins (4,101 m), and Mont Pelvoux (3,943 m).
The climb up the south slope from Saint-Chaffrey (closed in winter) is a major challenge for cyclists. The climb is notable for its lack of flat sections, shade, and few hairpin bends in its middle section, making it demanding but rewarding for the spectacular view of the Écrins massif and the Guisane valley.
The north side of the pass is only accessible by mountain bike via an unpaved trail leading to the Clarée Valley, with paths leading to the historic forts of Lenlon and Olive. The Col du Granon,surrounded by impressive peaks such as the Grand Meyret, the Grand Aréa, the Gardiole, and the Roche Gauthier, is a prime destination for cycling, hiking, and alpine history enthusiasts, with spectacular scenery around every bend.
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