Col du Galibier (2,642 m) is a mountain pass in the French Alps about 2 hours from Grenoble. This remote summit is the highest point of the Tour de France and it attracts many ambitious cyclists who want to challenge their skills.

The French Alps are mostly known for being a skiing destination in winter and the region is definitely underrated as a summer destination. Warm weather paired with fresh mountain air, cute villages and outdoor activities such as hiking, climbing and rafting make it a perfect destination for active summer holidays. Personally, I was absolutely impressed by the French Alps as a summer destination.

Col du Galibier is a remote mountain pass in the French Alps. It offers impressive views of the surrounding peaks and shouldn't be missed on a trip to the French Alps in summer. #ColDuGalibier #France #FrenchAlps

Col du Galibier has been one of the most impressive mountain peaks I’ve seen in my life. This guide contains all the information you need before visiting Col du Galibier.

Things to know before you go

Before visiting Col du Galibier it’s important to inform yourself about current weather conditions and accessibility of the road.

Sometimes the mountain road to the summit is closed for cars and reserved for cyclists only. For real-time information on road closures check Inforoute Hautes Alpes.

Getting around in the French Alps

If you’re not there to climb the summits on a bike you’ll need a car to get around. There’s hardly any public transport and the mountain passes and villages are rather remote. 

You can rent a car in one of the nearest bigger towns such as Grenoble or Gap or you rent it right at the airport you fly in to.

Best time to go

The only time you can visit Col du Galibier is during the warmer months of the year. Usually, the road to the summit is closed from 15. October until 15. June because of the high amount of snow.

I visited the mountain pass in August and the weather was perfect with great views of the Alps. Make sure to go on a sunny day so you can enjoy the seemingly endless mountain views.

The best weather conditions are in summer, but you’ll have to share the road with many cyclists and bikers. If you want to have the place almost to yourself, you should visit in October right before the road closes.

Weather at Col du Galibier

Elevated at an altitude of 2,642 m it can get quite cold on the peak of the mountain pass. Even if the temperatures are not that low, the wind can be extreme up there so make sure to bring a jacket.

Col du Galibier cycling

Summit of Col du Galibier

Col du Galibier is one of the most famous places for cycling in France. Many cyclists set their goal to cross the mountain pass by bike and it’s also part of the Tour de France. The average gradient of Col du Galibier is about 6.9% with a maximum slope of 12%. 

For a detailed guide of cycling Col du Galibier check out this post.

How to get to Col du Galibier

The only way of getting to Col du Galibier is by driving on scenic mountain roads that will give you a taste of the views that you can expect when you’re there.

Please drive carefully as there are many cyclists and bikers on the road.

Mountain Road French Alps

From Valloire to Col du Galibier

Take the road D902 towards Col du Galibier and stay on that road for about half an hour. After countless hairpin turns you’ll reach the top of the mountain pass.

From Briaçon to Col du Galibier

Briaçon is about an hour by car from Col du Galibier. First you pass Col du Lautaret where you’ll have a stunning glacier view. You can stop at Col du Lautaret to have a coffee or a snack before continuing your journey.

Things to do at Col du Galibier

Located in a remote region in the French Alps, there’s not much to do at Col du Galibier. Breathe the fresh mountain air, take in the impressive views and enjoy the tranquility and the nature around you.

Coffee with a view

Chalet du Galibier

Chalet du Galibier is a small restaurant and snack bar near the top of Col du Galibier. Take a seat on the terrace to watch cyclists and bikers pass by and to enjoy the view of the mountainous scenery.

Hike to the peak

Col du Galibier tunnel

When you’re almost at the peak of Col du Galibier you arrive at a tunnel. At this point, don’t enter the tunnel but take the road on the side that passes it. This road leads to the summit while the tunnel goes through the mountain.

Park your car in the parking lot on the top and follow the small footpath that leads to the peak. It takes about 5 minutes to walk up and you’re rewarded with an incredible panoramic view.

For the girls among you: Don’t wear a dress or a skirt, it’s extremely windy up there.

Stop for photos

On the way to Col du Galibier you can find numerous spots where you can park your car on the side of the road and hop out to enjoy the scenery or capture some photos.

You could even bring snacks and drinks with you to have a lunch break with a panoramic view.

Col du Galibier

Where to stay around Col du Galibier

Budget: Auberge de Jeunesse HI Serre-Chevalier is great place for backpackers and budget travelers. It’s a well-located and clean youth hostel that offers breakfast and dinner on site.

Luxury: Hôtel Restaurant Le Monêtier

Nearby places to visit

While Col du Galibier is amazing to visit, you won’t spend a whole day there. Here are some great places to visit in the surrounding area where you could spend the rest of the day.

Valloire

Valloire, French Alps

Valloire is a small village nestled among mountain peaks on the foot of Col du Télegraphe. In winter the village is a ski resort and in summer it’s a hiking destination.

Valloire is a great base for your explorations in the French Alps. It’s home to numerous scenic hikes, several restaurants and mountain chalets. From there you can easily discover surrounding mountain passes and visit other villages in the area.

I stayed in Valloire for 7 days and there’s plenty to explore. If you like small villages, nature and tranquility, this is the perfect place to stay during your time in the French Alps.

Le Poingt Ravier

Chapelle de la Madeleine, Valloire

Le Poingt Ravier is a tiny mountain village with only a few houses on top of a hill. There’s a little chapel with views of the village Valloire and the surrounding mountains. 

You have two options of getting there. Either you hike up or you take the car. In case you want to be active, take the hiking trail “Route de Poingt Ravier” starting from Valloire. It takes about 45 minutes to reach the chapel and the trail is quite easy.

These are the coordinates of the trailhead:
(45.1637166, 6.4226769)

Alternatively, you can also take the car up from Valloire to Le Poingt Ravier and then walk for about 5-10 minutes to the chapel and the viewpoint.

View from Le Point Ravier

When you pass the chapel and you keep hiking further up for about 5 minutes you’ll reach the spot where I’m sitting on the photo. The view of the gigantic peaks around you makes you feel really small. I loved sitting there and taking in the sunshine.

Col du Lautaret & Col du Télegraphe

Col du Lautaret (2,057 m) and Col du Télegraphe (1,566 m) are mountain passes near Col du Galibier.

No matter from which side you’re heading to Col du Galibier, you’ll pass one of these mountain passes on the way to get there and the other one if you stay on that road afterwards.

On both mountain passes РCol du Lautaret and Col du T̩legraphe Рyou have amazing views of the surrounding peaks. There are small restaurants where you can take a break.

Col du Galibier is a remote mountain pass in the French Alps. It offers impressive views of the surrounding peaks and shouldn't be missed on a trip to the French Alps in summer. #ColDuGalibier #France #FrenchAlps
Col du Galibier is a remote mountain pass in the French Alps. It offers impressive views of the surrounding peaks and shouldn't be missed on a trip to the French Alps in summer. #ColDuGalibier #France #FrenchAlps

This area of the French Alps is not far from the Italian border. If you have enough time, you could combine it with a trip to Italy. Here’s a great 10 day Italy itinerary with the best places in the country.

Have you ever visited the French Alps? I’d love to hear about your experience in the comments. If not, hopefully this guide helps you to plan a memorable trip to the French Alps. I hope you’re going to love it as much as I did.

Also check out this guide on the different ways to say “nice to meet you” in French.

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