Despite the most famous French pass
The Col du Galibier (2,645 m above sea level) is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful alpine passes. On the one hand, it is one of the highest in Europe, it is often crossed by the royal stage of the legendary Tour de France cycling race and it also has wonderful views of the Ecrins mountains. The road through the pass belongs to the beautiful Route des Grandes Alpes.
Riding along the Ecrins
If you go to the Col du Galibier from the south, the most common starting point is the nice town of Briancon (1,330 m above sea level). Its old part with walls is definitely worth a visit. From Briancon, head north on Broad Road 91, which runs along the eastern end of Ecrins National Park. In the village of Le Casset you have beautiful views of the local giants. It is also a great starting point for the mountains for lovers of alpine tourism.
Exit to Col du Lautaret
The road climbs to the first pass on the way – Col du Lautaret – and for a long time it does not have the character of a rough mountain road. This part is also kept passable all year round.
Col du Lautaret
After less than half an hour's drive and about 30 kilometers from Briancon, you are in the Col du Lautaret (2,058 m above sea level). The surrounding landscape is quite different than in other parts of the Alps.
View of La Meije
In the pass, it is worth stopping and taking a short walk to the view of the amazing mountain La Meije (3,983 m above sea level). It's one of her to have on this route.
View of the Col du Galibier
From the Col du Lautaret, the road leads for miles at the foot of serpentine-free mountains. After a while, the view of the tunnel under the pass and the pass itself opens up.
Viewpoint just before the pass
After passing the mouth of the tunnel, only three serpentines await you and you will be in the Col du Galibier. In one of them you will stop to stop and enjoy the beautiful view of La Meije and deep below you the Col du Lautaret.
Observation mountain near Galibier
If you have more time, leave your car at the tunnel and take the hike to the mountain next door. However, the ridge continues much further from it, so it is possible to spend a lot of time here with beautiful views.
In the Col du Galibier
Finally you are in the Col du Galibier (2,645 m above sea level). The other side of the mountains is completely different. Only rocks and weathered rubble fields everywhere
The Grand Galibier
The ridge leading to the other side of the pass is significantly less passable and ends with the mighty mountain Le Grand Galibier (3,228 m above sea level)
View over the pass
From the pass, be sure to climb to the beautiful viewpoint, from where you will have Ecrins in the palm of your hand
View of the Barre de Ecrins
From the viewpoint you can see the highest mountain of the whole mountain range and the only four thousand in it – Barre de Ecrins (4,102 m above sea level)
Beautiful Ecrins mountains
The Ecrins mountain range is really beautiful and a little different from other alpine units.
Rocky region
The descent to the other side of the pass is more winding and the landscape is more rocky. You can also take a trip to the beautiful lakes Lac Rond and Lac du Grand Ban
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