Legendary Climbs: Col du Galibier
Statistics - Col du Galibier
Length - 34,8 km / 21,6 miles
Elevation Gain - 2085 m / 6840 ft
Average Gradient - 6%
The Col du Galibier should need no introduction as it has been featured 64x in the Tour de France. Standing at a height of 2642m, the Galibier is one of the highest paved roads in the French Alps, and often times also the highest point of the Tour de France. The Galibier became famous on Stage 18 of the 2011 Tour de France. Here, spectators saw Andy Schleck attack with 60km to go and eventually win solo on the Summit of the Galibier.
There are two ascents to the Summit of the Col du Galibier. The Northern ascent from Valloire is considered the more famous side and requires first climbing the Col du Télégraphe to reach Valloire. (The Télégraphe + Galibier combination is one of the most famous Mountain sequences in Tour de France history.) The Southern ascent starts in Briançon and requires climbing the Col du Lautaret to reach the Galibier.
In the Summer of 2025, we rode both sides of the Col du Galibier, and it remains one of the most memorable rides of my life. The ride was 131 km / 81 miles and 3500 m / 11500 ft of elevation gain. The ride started in Briançon from the Southern ascent via the Col du Lautaret → Galibier and finished on the Northern side via the Col du Télégraphe → Galibier.
When climbing the Galibier, cyclists experience the rich history of cycling on its very slopes. The names of cycling greats are spray-painted on every kilometer of the Galibier, and every hairpin has its own stories to tell from its 64 appearances in the Tour de France. The Galibier is often featured as the Tour de France's Queen Stage because of its length, elevation, and altitude. (Whoever wins on the Galibier, generally wins the Tour de France, as the climb is a pure test of W/kg and power at high-altitude.)
There are few climbs in the Alps that match the difficulty of the Galibier. It is not the ~35 km / 22 miles in length or the 2085 m / 6840 ft of elevation gain that stings on the Galibier. It's the altitude. When riding on the Galibier, cyclists are always above an elevation of ~1300m / 4265ft. (The Galibier's starting point, Briançon, is the highest city in France at 1326m) At this altitude, breathing becomes harder and power also goes down. Needless to say, the climb features a total of 45 switchbacks from both sides, and also provides some of the best views in the French Alps. Due to the high-altitude, cyclists are always exposed, and in the heart of the French Alps.
In regards to coffee stops and restaurants, there are also many opportunities to refuel on both sides of the Galibier. If planning to ride the Col du Télégraphe and the Galibier, it is recommended to refill bottles in Valloire before the big ascent to the Summit. There are also of course Cycling Cafes located at the Col du Lautaret and in Briançon on the other side of the Galibier. It is also strongly recommended to bring a wind-proof vest or jacket for the long descents. Alpine conditions above 1500m should never be underestimated even in the Summer.
In summary, the Col du Galibier is without a doubt a climb every cyclist should ride at least once in their lifetime. The climb's history with the Tour de France, its unique mountain profile (length, altitude, elevation gain), and spectacular Alpine scenery makes the Galibier one of a kind.
