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COL DU GALIBIER
When you think of the giants of the Alps, the name of the Col du Galibier is the one that follows the Col de l’Iseran and Col de la Bonette. Rising up to 2,646 meters, it is in fact one of the most impressive peaks in the area and an undisputed destination for those wishing to travel this stretch of the fabulous Route des Grandes Alpes and dive head first in an uncontaminated landscape that is exceptionally different from one side to the other. It is also possible that in a matter of minutes, the strong winds that howl between the rocks, drastically transform the weather conditions, making the descent completely different from the ascent faced just moments earlier. What is certain is that you’ll find yourself breathing pure air in a giant ballad between hairpin bends surrounded by green meadows and bare rocks.
The Col du Galibier was built between 1880 and 1891, coinciding with the opening of the tunnel located near the summit, the only point where it was possible to go from one side to the other, at least until 1976, year in which after the numerous changes made to the road, it was made possible to reach and exceed 2,500 meters without the need to go through the tunnel. The Galibier, as per tradition for this type of alpine climbs, is almost fixed appointment for the Tour de France cycling competition, which passed through here for the first time in 1911 and then again for over 60 editions.
Location: Col du Lautaret – Valloire (France)
Type: mountain road
Length: 27 km
Elevation: 2.646 m
Both sides of the Col du Galibier are fascinating for a day out hunting curves, especially if you come from the south and then take as a starting point what is in all respect the top of another alpine pass: the Col du Lautaret at 2,058 meters. After having traveled kilometers into the valley and then climbed towards the first bends of the Galibier, the vegetation becomes scarcer, the road narrower, but still roomy enough for providing an involving driving experience ideal for getting the most out of a panorama that becomes even more special once you cross the top and head for Valloire.
If we had to choose, it is the northern side that offers an even more scenic landscape, with green expanses dominated by rocky walls that seem to tickle the sky. Among the stops that we suggest not to miss in order to fully enjoy the majesty of the Galibier, there is undoubtedly the Chalet du Galibier, located next to the stone monument known as Souvenir Henri Desgrange and the aforementioned tunnel. A photo on top a few curves later is mandatory then, since there is ample space to park the car and take a look on both sides.
Back at the wheel heading north there are numerous open spaces, stone bridges and more generally lay-by areas where you can stop the car and enjoy a packed lunch literally immersed in nature, such as the very large one on the straight immediately after the Ferme du Galibier, or the one just a hundred meters further, certainly without forgetting the splendid view offered in case you have the opportunity to stop next to the hairpin bends overlooking the Valloirette, in front of the Plan Lachat parking area.
Photos by S. Lomax
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