With an average gradient of 6.9% col du galibier is one of the most difficult mountain passes in France. Located high up in the Alps this road is part of the famous Route des Grandes Alpes. From the top you can enjoy some amazing panoramic views over mountains and picture perfect road curves.
You can climb Galibier from either the north or south side. The northern side is the classic option and a favorite of many cyclists. The southern side is also pretty stunning and offers even more amazing views on the Ecrins. The climb up the Galibier can be very long and difficult and it is best to try to climb it when the weather is good, as it will make the experience much more rewarding.
Galibier is one of the most famous and iconic climbs in the French Alps. It is a famous spot for cycling and the road to the summit is used in many races. In 2013, the Giro d’Italia attempted to climb the col on one of its forays into the Alps. However, the stage had to be shortened due to heavy snowfall on the pass.
The name of the col derives from the toponym Galibier, which may mean “high stony place”. The exact etymology is unclear, but it could be a combination of a pre-indoeuropean root, gal (stone) and lup (height).
A large section of the climb is in the shadow of the massif of Mont Blanc. In fact, it is said that the view from the top of the Galibier is the finest in the entire Alps. The summit of the Galibier is at an altitude of 2,645 meters and the road is paved. The climb to the summit takes about 1 hour from St Michel de Maurienne.
It is best to climb the Galibier when it is not too hot, as the road can get very slippery at this time of the year. If the weather is good, you will have a magnificent view of the surrounding peaks. The descent from the Galibier is a beautiful one and will take you down to the valley of Valloire.
The Galibier is a famous climb for cyclists and has been climbed by a number of legendary riders, such as Marco Pantani and Andy Schleck. In 2011, the Tour de France finished at the top of the Galibier, making it the highest ever summit finish in the history of the race. It is also a famous monument to the organizer of the Tour, Henri Desgrange. col du galibier
