COL DU GALIBIER IS ONE OF THE MOST BREATHTAKING ALPS PASSES
the Col du Galibier is one of the most iconic and dramatic mountain passes in all of Europe. It’s legendary among cyclists, motorcyclists, and adventurers alike.
Location: France
Mountain Range: French Alps (specifically the Massif des Arves, between the departments of Savoie and Hautes-Alpes).
Elevation: 2,642 meters (8,668 ft) above sea level — making it one of the highest paved passes in the Alps.
Nearby Towns: Valloire to the north, Col du Lautaret and Briançon to the south
The road is part of the D902, connecting Saint-Michel-de-Maurienne and Briançon.
Why It’s Considered Adventurous:
The Col du Galibier is famous for being both spectacular and demanding:
Altitude & Thin Air:
The summit is over 2,600 m high, meaning thinner oxygen, sudden weather changes, and even snow in summer.
Road Characteristics:
Narrow, often without guardrails
Steep gradients: up to 10–12% in sections
Rough or uneven pavement at times
A series of dramatic switchbacks and blind curves
Exposure to wind, fog, and rapidly shifting conditions
Tunnel & Summit Options:
There’s a short tunnel (365 m) just below the summit, originally built in 1891 and reopened after restoration.
The northern ascent is steeper, more exposed, and feels wilder.
The southern sidCurves & Hairpin Bends:
Exact numbers vary depending on how you count the small bends, but roughly:
North Side (from Valloire): around 18–20 major hairpins, plus many smaller curves.
South Side (from Col du Lautaret): around 10–12 major hairpins — less steep but very scenic.
Total between both sides: about 30 major curves/hairpins.
Each side has its own character:
e offers wider views and smoother flow.
Why Motorcyclists Love It:
The Col du Galibier is practically a pilgrimage site for riders. Reasons include:
Endless sweeping turns and hairpins, perfectly suited for skilled riding.
A mix of technical slow bends and faster open sections.
Constant elevation changes — a natural roller coaster.
Scenery:
Breathtaking 360° views of glaciers, rugged peaks, and alpine meadows.
On clear days, you can even see Mont Blanc in the distance.
Sense of Accomplishment:
Reaching the top feels like conquering a true alpine giant.
The road usually opens only from June to October, depending on snow — so it’s a seasonal challenge.
Cultural Icon:
Featured countless times in the Tour de France, often as one of its hardest climbs.
Appears on many “must-ride” lists in European motorcycling guides.
Vibe:
The summit parking area becomes a mini social hub in summer, filled with riders, cyclists, and photographers swapping stories.
Fun Facts & History:
Built in 1876, the Galibier was originally a military road.
First crossed by the Tour de France in 1911 — and has appeared more than 30 times since.
It connects two historic passes: the Col du Télégraphe (1,566 m) on the north and Col du Lautaret (2,058 m) on the south.
The name “Galibier” possibly comes from the old local word “galibio”, meaning “mountain pasture.”
