Izoard, Lautaret, Galibier

Trois noms qui trônent dans l’imaginaire collectif du cyclisme et du Tour de France.

These twists and turns below the peaks are a must for every cyclist.

At Lautaret, the green of the pastures contrasts with the glaciers, at Galibier the view stretches further than far, towards Savoie, Queyras and Ecrins, and at Izoard we go from luminous melezin to lunar desert.

velo-lautaret-face-a-la-meije-scaled
©T. Blais

A few ideas cycling routes

col-de-lechelle-velo-5 © T . Blais

The Portes pass

hamlets of La Grave

A small, winding road with tight hairpins leads to the hamlets of La Grave, where the Meije, Râteau and glaciers seem to be right there in front of our wheels.

  • 9 km, + 380 m
  • Average gradient: 7.5%,
  • Departure: La Grave or Villar d'Arène

Col du Lautaret

2057 m

This relatively gentle climb is a feast for the eyes: from the Montagne des Agneaux to the Grand Pic de la Meije, the giants of the Ecrins National Park and their glaciers follow us all the way. At the pass, a cool drink to contemplate?

  • Depuis la Grave : 21,5 km, + 585 m
  • Slope: 3.5 to 7%.
  • Departure: La Grave or Villar d'Arène
Velo et Narcisses col du Lautaret - Mai 26 - S.MORATTEL (3) (2) (1) S.Morattel
Velo Col du Galibier - Mai 26 - L.Chamerlat(3) (2) © L.Chamerlat

The Galibier pass

2642 m

An obligatory climb in every cyclist's dance card. The route first climbs to the Col du Lautaret, with the Meije massif as its companion, then steadily sloping switchbacks cross the ridges that separate us from Savoie. The terrace of the beautiful Refuge du Galibier offers respite before or after the three 10% bends leading to the summit.

  • Depuis la Grave : 40km, 1 400m D+
  • Depuis Villar d’Arène : 32km, 1000m D+
  • Average gradient: 6.9% between Le Lautaret and Le Galibier.

The big loop

de la Marmotte

The long loop of the La Marmotte cycle race takes you from the Oisans to the Maurienne, crossing the Glandon, Galibier and Lautaret passes. You're back in the sunshine of the Briançonnais.

  • 177 km, + 5016 m
  • Departure: La Grave or Villar d'Arène
Col du Galibier_HD ©AgenceKros Remi Fabregue AgenceKros Remi Fabregue

All cycling itineraries in the high valleys - La Grave, Clarée, Izoard

Vous recherchez des informations pratiques pour l’ascension des grands cols du Briançonnais ?

Col de l'Izoard, Col du Galibier, Col du Lautaret, Col de l'Échelle - all mythical names for cycling around Briançon-Serre-Chevalier. Would you like to climb them? In challenge mode, in the footsteps of Tour de France champions, or for pleasure, on an electric bike?

Find out more about the routes and information before setting off to climb these passes.

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Operations PASSES RESERVED FOR CYCLISTS

The major Alpine passes open to traffic between late April and late May or mid-June, depending on altitude and spring weather. This is the time to get out the bikes and try to climb the mythical cols of the Tour de France.

En saison estivale, vous pouvez profiter des opérations Cols réservés pour grimper les cols des Hautes-Alpes, tranquilles entre cyclistes et en toute sécurité, car le temps d’une matinée la route sera fermée à la circulation motorisée.

Retrouvez toutes les dates des cols réservés dans les Hautes Vallées – La Grave, la Clarée, l’Izoard ci-dessous.

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Focus on The Grands Cols tour

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What is the Grands Cols tour?

Une semaine pour découvrir les grands cols du Briançonnais et du Queyras : les plus beaux cols des Hautes-Alpes. Chaque jour un nouveau col à découvrir en toute sécurité avec la route fermée à la circulation automobile. Col du Galibier, col du Granon, col de l’Izoard, col Agnel ou encore le col de l’Échelle.

Read more

 

Bicycle Welcome Label

Le bureau d’information touristique de la Grave est labellisé « Accueil Velo »
  • Clear directions to easily reach all Accueil Vélos de France locations!
  • Warm and personalized welcome : with information and advice tailored to cyclists.
  • Secure, free parking for your bicycle
  • Option to recharge the battery of your electric bike (e-bike)
  • The option to leave your bags in complete peace of mind
  • Outlets available for charging your phone or GPS device
  • Complete repair kit at your fingertips in case of trouble
Bicycle-friendly label