Col de l’Iseran and Route des Grandes Alpes : Opening of the Alpine passes in Val d’Isère

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Col de l'Iseran by bike
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Val d'Isère Tourisme

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Col De L Iseran Vélo 1
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silvain clevy prod

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Ascent of the Col de l'Iseran - bike
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Yann ALLEGRE

His rise on two wheels

The Col de l’Iseran is a mecca of the Tour de France cycling race. It marks the border between the Maurienne and Tarentaise regions, dominates the Grandes Alpes road, a famous tourist route that offers you the chance to ride the entire French Alps. Electrically assisted bicycles are even available in some hotels or for rent: cyclists and bikers of all kinds, welcome to the road to the pass!

This pass is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful in the Alps. The slopes are not too steep (max 7%) but the majority of the ascent will be above 2000 meters in a real high mountain atmosphere. On the last part of the pass, you will evolve on a road sometimes bordered by snowdrifts several meters high (in late spring) before arriving at 2770 meters of altitude and enjoying a magnificent panoramic view.

The Col de l’Iseran, a mythical and much feared stage for cyclists, is one of the undisputed legends of the Tour de France. It is THE highest mountain pass in the Alps. Simply unmissable.

The Great Alps Route Val d'Isère is an essential stopover

From the Alpine passes to the lower valleys, from the eternal snows to the beaches of the Mediterranean, the Route des Grandes Alpes is a testament to Alpine heritage. Inaugurated in 1937, it is the most beautiful of mountain itineraries.
From Thonon-les-Bains to Menton, from Lake Geneva to the Mediterranean, 722 km and 16 passes among the highest in the French Alpine massif – six of them culminating at more than 2,000 meters – guide motorists, motorcyclists, cyclists, bicycle tourists (and sometimes even… intrepid hikers) through a territory of exceptional natural and cultural heritage. It’s up to you to hit the road!

Val d’Isère is a must-see stop on the Route des Grandes Alpes since the passage of the Col de l’Iseran is one of its myths: it is the highest pass on the route of this road. Take a break in Val d’Isère or continue your route by crossing the Iseran pass which culminates at 2770 meters of altitude. This transitional stage between Bourg-Saint-Maurice and Val d’Isère takes you towards the Vanoise National Park.

For a gourmet stop with a view, take a break at La Cascade Restaurant, located at the summit of the Col de l’Iseran, at the foot of the Pissaillas Glacier. Its large sun-drenched terrace offers an exceptional panoramic view of the surrounding peaks.

Test the electric bike and climb without difficulty

While you’ll need courage and training to reach the top of the passes at every stage, the route is now accessible to as many people as possible thanks to the advent of electrically-assisted bikes. There are electrically assisted bicycle (VAE) recharging points along the entire route, every 30 to 40 kilometres. Once again, Val d’Isère is ready to welcome you as an avant-garde resort for electric vehicles.

You’ll be climbing the Col de l’Iseran before descending to the authentic village of Bonneval-sur-Arc, listed as a historic monument. Remember to take a photo in front of the Col de l’Iseran sign and share it with #coldeliseran #valdisere for a chance to be shared in our social network posts.

Qualified hosts

Val d’Isère, the perfect stop-off point on the Route de Grandes Alpes, offers a wide range of accommodation, some of which is specially equipped for 2-wheelers. Secure garages for cyclists and motorcyclists, bed & breakfasts…

If you’re doing the Route de Grandes Alpes, if you want to climb the Col de l’Iseran by bike or motorbike, or if you’re staying in Val d’Isère for your holidays, our shopkeepers are committed to offering you the best possible service and to adapting to your needs.

As part of their ongoing efforts to improve the quality of their welcome, accommodation providers who have been awarded the “accueil cyclo” label are committed to offering specific services for cyclists (locked rooms, laundry facilities, adapted meals, small items of equipment, etc.). A “accueil cyclo” accommodation charter has been introduced in the Haute-Tarentaise.

After a day on the roads or trails, check out the hotels, chalets or flats that have secure bike rooms. You’ll be able to relax in the knowledge that your equipment is safe. So you can get ready to climb the Col de l’Iseran or enjoy the Val d’Isère-Tignes bike park, in downhill or e-bike mode.

Enjoy your stay in Val d’Isère and see you soon.