The Galibier is one of the most famous mountain passes in the world and has featured in the Tour de France 58 times. It’s the site of Fausto Coppi’s career-defining solo move in 1952 and Marco Pantani’s 1998 Tour-winning effort.
The first few kilometers are relatively easy, giving you a chance to warm up and settle into your climbing rhythm. After this, the climb starts in earnest.
The history
The Galibier is the oldest Alpine climb to feature in the Tour de France and carries with it an aura of grandeur befitting such an honour. The road has featured 58 times in the Tour, most recently in 2015 when it was used as a stage finish after climbing the Cols of Glandon and Telegraphe.
It was also the scene of Fausto Coppi’s career-defining solo move in 1952 and where Marco Pantani took a stunning victory in 1998, gliding up as others wallowed.
Before that the pass was a mule track and in its early days it was also used by contrabandiers trying to smuggle goods and avoid taxes/tolls (especially the hated gabelle). Michelin maps from the first century show that the north side of the Galibier averaged 14% up until 1947 – although the last 8.5 kilometres now only have 7.1% on them. A monument dedicated to Henri Desgrange, the instigator of the Tour de France was built at the south portal of the tunnel when the Tour passed here on 19 July 1949.
The route
The Galibier can be climbed from either the north or south face of the mountain and is one of the biggest climbs in cycling. From the north it starts from the town of Lautaret and the start of the Col du Telegraphe while the south side is a more gradual climb starting from Bourg d’Oisans.
From the northern approach the first section of the climb passes through alpine meadows with commanding views of the surrounding mountains but once you pass the memorial to Henri Desgrange the gradient gets very steep indeed with some ramps hitting almost 17%. The road seems to be sat perilously on a knife edge as you ride through hairpin bend after hairpin bend and it is easy to feel that the altitude may be getting to you.
At the top you will find a car tunnel and some parking spaces (it is pretty chilly on the summit so take warm clothing) and also the Chalet du Galibier restaurant. A great spot to stop for a rest and enjoy the amazing view before you start the descent down the other side of this legendary col!
The climb
This classic climb starts after the Telegraph pass in Saint Michel de Maurienne and takes you up the Galibier. It’s a hard ride but you really get that sense of achievement when you reach the summit!
The first section of the climb is lovely as you ascend through quiet valleys and see mighty Alpine peaks. But as soon as you hit the steepest gradients your legs will hurt!
At about 2,000 metres the route goes past Plan Lachat (2 little hut restaurants and a million sheep). Here the road turns upwards and it’s full of hairpins. After 8 km of climbing you will arrive at the false summit where there is a monument to Henri Desgranges (first Tour organiser).
From here it’s a short stretch to the real summit of Galibier. A stunning view over the surrounding mountains will make you forget how painful it was! This is one of the best climbs in France, and a must for every cyclist!
The summit
The Galibier is the 4th highest mountain pass in Europe. It’s a very impressive climb with a beautiful scenery, a tough final shot and a summit that makes you feel like you are on top of the world. It is a key feature of the Tour de France, La Marmotte and many other cycling events.
After the short climb of the Col du Lautaret (one of the 3 roads to reach this summit) you leave the ski town of Valloire and immediately are confronted with climbing. It’s a long and narrow road that constantly winds upwards with no flat sections at all. The rocky slopes either side are covered in boulders that you have to dodge. The road finally levels off as you approach Plan Lachat and then it’s one last burst to the summit.
It can be crowded up there at peak times especially in the height of summer. There’s almost a festival atmosphere as cyclists and fat Harley Davidson / Honda Gold-Wing motorbikers want their picture taken by the summit sign.col du galibier
