The legendary ‘cols’
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Galibier, Lautaret, Izoard, Casse Déserte... familiar names to cyclists
The Hautes-Alpes region is very proud of its 25 legendary ‘cols’ (mountain passes), many of which owe their fame and popularity with cyclists to the Tour de France. The most illustrious of them are on the famous Route des Grandes Alpes, the tourist route which runs the length of the Alps from north to south.
In Hautes-Alpes, the emblematic route begins in the north with Col du Galibier followed by Col du Lautaret then continues along the River Guisane to the fortified town of Briançon. Next it goes to Col Izoard via the impressive Casse Déserte before dropping steeply to the Massif du Queyras via the village of Arvieux, then winding through the Gorges du Guil to Guillestre. The last stage of the journey runs alongside Val d’Escreins nature reserve to Col de Vars. The route continues into the Alpes de Haute-Provence region with the promise of more magnificent discoveries.
In summer, you can discover the great mountain passes by car, motorbike and by bike of course along routes often taken by the Tour de France and Giro cycle races. Each summit or stopover also gives an opportunity to explore the mountain environment more fully along the many footpaths.
Hautes-Alpes today is considered an « Eldorado for cyclists ». There are mountain bike circuits with varying degrees of difficulty in every village; 12 circuits and 21 hill climbs have been specially developed on roads with little traffic so that road cycling enthusiasts can follow the well-known routes taken by great champions.
Don’t miss Operation Cols Réservés in July and August when some of the legendary cols are reserved for cyclists only, with many events and activities along the route. Mountain bike enthusiasts are not forgotten, in fact they are spoilt for choice with sites approved by the FFC, the ‘Grande Traversée des Hautes-Alpes’ (350 kilometres of tracks from La Grave to Laragne), numerous bike parks reached via ski lifts in summer and a multitude of major events.
Cols between Alpes du Sud and Alpes du Nord
The mythical Col du Galibier straddles the regions of Hautes Alpes and Savoie. It is extremely hard for cyclists to climb, but the ordeal has its compensations as the view from the top (2,545m) is absolutely amazing, coupled with the immense satisfaction of having made it to the top ! Col du Galibier is the Holy Grail of cycling in France ! The Tour de France has been there 59 times, more frequently than any other col so all self-respecting cyclists simply have to have a go !
Col du Lautaret (2,058m) is the highest French mountain pass open to traffic all year round. It is THE crossing point between Oisans and Briançonnais and also one of the lowest points along the frontier which separates the Massif des Ecrins of the northern Alps from the Massif des Arves of the south.
By the way, don’t miss the memorial to Henri Desgrange where the old and new roads meet at the top of Galibier. Henri Desgrange organised the Tour de France from its beginning in 1903. The Souvenir Henri Desgrange prize is awarded each year to the first rider who reaches the top of Col du Galibier or the highest col in the race if Galibier is not on the itinerary.
Col Izoard (2,361m), near the village of Arvieux, is one of the gateways to the valley and Regional Natural Park du Queyras, marking the separation between the Briançonnais and Queyras. It owes its legendary fame to the Casse Déserte on its southern slopes.
Talking of which, we strongly recommend you stop to take a look at the lunar-like landscape of the Casse Déserte, a geological curiosity of fallen rocks and scree and also the site of a memorial to legendary cyclists Fausto Copi and Louison Bobet. Film buffs may recognize the scenery as the backdrop of a scene from the famous French film « Les Valseuses » starring Miou-Miou, Gérard Depardieu and Patrick Dewaere.
NB. It is important to check when Col du Galibier and Col Izoard are open to traffic as they are closed during the winter, along with several others.
