Why this road
Above the Lautaret the road leaves everything behind: no forest, no villages, just scree, grass and the road snaking up to the top. Behind you the glaciers of La Meije and the Écrins grow bigger with every bend. From the top you look over a sea of peaks to the north and south. The descent through the long valley to Valloire is wide and open, and the Télégraphe adds a last set of hairpins through the forest. Two passes, two moods, in about an hour.
The route
- ACol du Lautaret
Start at the Col du Lautaret, with the glaciers of La Meije to the south-west. Take the road north towards the Galibier.
- 1Col du Galibier
The top at 2,642 m. Just below on the south side is the monument to Henri Desgrange, the founder of the Tour de France.
- 2Plan Lachat
At the foot of the northern hairpins the valley opens out into green pastures.
- 3Valloire
A lively mountain village with a baroque church, good for lunch.
- 4Col du Télégraphe
A short climb from Valloire to the small pass at 1,566 m, then hairpins down through the forest.
- BSaint-Michel-de-Maurienne
The end in the Maurienne valley, on the road to the Col de la Madeleine, the Mont Cenis or the Fréjus tunnel.
Stops worth it
Park at the top and walk the few minutes up to the viewpoint behind the pass for the full circle of peaks.
Half an hour for a coffee or lunch in the village before the Télégraphe.
Light and the best time
Leave the Lautaret around 8. On the climb you drive north, so the sun is behind you and lights the mountains ahead. Stop and look back often: La Meije and the Écrins glaciers to the south-west are lit from the side in the morning. From the top the views north are best lit around midday, with the sun behind you. In the afternoon clouds often build over the high peaks and the sun comes from the side on the descent to Valloire.
The Galibier is closed in winter and usually opens around June, depending on snow, until about October. Check before you go. July to September is the most reliable time. On Tour de France days and some other cycling events the road is closed to cars. Summer mornings are full of cyclists, give them room.
By vehicle
A legend. The road is narrow near the top with little barrier, so take it slowly and enjoy the views when you stop.
Spectacular open-top, but at 2,642 m it is cold even in July. Bring warm layers.
Fine for any car. The top section is narrow, pull over to let others pass where you can.
One of the most famous climbs in cycling. From Saint-Michel over the Télégraphe and the Galibier it is a very long day.
Good to know
No toll on the pass roads. The road over the top is narrow and steep: not suitable for large campers or trailers, check any restrictions before you go. Fuel up in Briançon, Valloire or Saint-Michel-de-Maurienne, there is nothing at the top. Weather changes fast at this height, and snow is possible at the top even in summer.
Route checked against OpenStreetMap on 2 November 2026. Roads, closures and rules change: always check before you go and follow local signs.
Questions
When is the Col du Galibier open?
Usually from about June to October, depending on snow. Check the current status before you go.
How long does it take to drive the Col du Galibier?
About an hour of pure driving from the Col du Lautaret to Saint-Michel-de-Maurienne. With stops at the top and in Valloire, plan half a day.
Is the Col du Galibier difficult to drive?
It is high, narrow near the top and has few barriers, but the road is in good condition. Drive slowly and expect many cyclists.
Is the Galibier part of the Route des Grandes Alpes?
Yes, it is one of the highest passes on the Route des Grandes Alpes from Lake Geneva to the Mediterranean.