Driving through the Col du Galibier

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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)

From the pass, be sure to climb to the beautiful viewpoint, from where you will have Ecrins in the palm of your hand

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)

The Ecrins mountain range is really beautiful and a little different from other alpine units.

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