Col du Galibier
A legendary Tour de France pass at 2,642 m. From the summit you can take in the Écrins glaciers and the peaks in the direction of Mont Blanc.
Col du Galibier stands at 2,642 m and is one of the high mountain passes most often crossed by the Tour de France. It links the Valloire valley in Savoie with the Lautaret Pass in the Hautes-Alpes. The views from the top are spectacular: to the south you can see Mayer Peak and the glaciers and peaks of the Écrins group, and to the north, the mountains of Savoie. At the south-side entrance stands a monument to Henri Desgrange, founder of the Tour de France. It's about 50 minutes' drive from Briançon. The road is narrow and winding, and cyclists are numerous in summer, so take care when passing.
Opening hours
All day during the summer road-open season
Nearby sights
- Col du Lautaret & Jardin Alpin
- Lac du Pontet
- La Grave & Glaciers de la Meije Cable Car
- Les Grands Bains du Monêtier
- Pré de Madame Carle & Glacier Blanc Trail
- Lac de l'Eychauda
- Ailefroide
- Vallée de la Clarée & Névache