Top 10 Mountain Passes around Épierre
Mountain passes around Épierre, a commune in the Savoie department of southeastern France, provide access to the French Alps. Situated in the Maurienne Valley, Épierre serves as a base for exploring numerous mountain passes. This region is known for its diverse terrain, offering routes for various outdoor activities.
Best mountain passes around Épierre
- The most popular mountain passes is Col du Chaussy, a mountain pass that connects Pontamafrey with the south ramp of the Col de la Madeleine. This…
Last updated: October 27, 2026
Col du Chaussy
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Col du Grand Cucheron
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Col de la Madeleine
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Ascent of Col de la Madeleine from La Chambre
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Col du Glandon - from Saint-Étienne-de-Cuines
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20km, D+ 1450m
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Narrow road, great views. Relatively little traffic.
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Here is the route for the ascent of the Col du Glandon starting from Saint-Étienne-de-Cuines
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Here is the route for the ascent of the Col de la Croix de Fer starting from Saint-Étienne-de-Cuines, passing through the Col du Glandon!
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The north face of the Col du Glandon, starting from Saint-Étienne-des-Cuines, is one of the most demanding and iconic climbs in the French Alps. The summit sits at 1,924 meters above sea level, overcoming a gradient of 1,470 meters over just over 21 kilometers, resulting in an average gradient of around 7%. However, what truly defines the character of this climb is the unevenness of the profile, which alternates very tough sections with recovery phases before facing an extremely demanding finale. For almost eleven kilometers, the gradient remains within a range of 6 to 8% as the route enters a dense forest. After this initial phase, the landscape opens up and the road passes through Saint-Colomban-des-Villards, where the gradient decreases significantly and even offers practically flat areas. This is a strategic point to hydrate, eat, and prepare your mind for the rest of the climb. After the false flat and approaching the Glandon torrent, the vegetation begins to thin, the road narrows, curves follow, and the average gradient is around 10%, with several sections at 11% that really grind your legs after more than an hour and a half of accumulated effort. Once around the last curve, the arrival at the pass offers spectacular scenery, with views toward the Belledonne massif and the Arves peaks, a pure alpine environment with high-altitude pastures, torrents, and, occasionally, the occasional remnant of snowfields. Conclusion: a legendary climb in the French Alps, with extraordinary scenery and sustained difficulty. As always, the effort is worth it!
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A col is meant to be climbed—and then descended. Because it's fun!
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In my opinion, this is the best side of the Col du Glandon due to the beauty of its final 9 kilometers. The climb is clearly divided into two parts. The first stretches until reaching the village of St. Colomban-des-Villards; it's 8.5 km along a perfectly maintained road, very winding, with no views at all. The second part begins as we leave the village of St. Colomban, after a 1.5 km rest stop and a beautiful fountain where we can refill our water bottles. The second part is pure poetry. The road narrows and you enter a pure high-mountain landscape. It's a much tougher stretch.
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Less emblematic because less frequented on the way up by professionals but frankly simpler and less frequented than from Allemont.
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Near the Col de la Croix-de-Fer, the Col du Glandon is another major Alpine pass that has been crossed several times during the Tour de France. From La Chambre, the climb is 21 kilometers at an average gradient of 7%.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are some of the most popular mountain passes around Épierre for cyclists?
The Maurienne Valley, where Épierre is located, is a cycling mecca. Popular passes include the legendary Col de la Madeleine, frequently featured in the Tour de France, and the challenging Col du Chaussy, known for its quiet roads and significant elevation gain. Other iconic climbs in the vicinity include the Col du Galibier, Col de l'Iseran, and Col du Glandon.
Which mountain passes in the Maurienne Valley are known for their historical significance?
The Col du Grand Cucheron has historical significance with its varied ascent and views of the Maurienne valley. The Col du Mont Cenis, located on the Franco-Italian border, has historically been a crucial passage through the Alps. The Col du Galibier, first crossed in the Tour de France in 1911, also holds legendary status. Additionally, the Col du Télégraphe is named after a fort built there in the late 19th century.
What are the highest mountain passes accessible from the Épierre area?
The highest paved road pass in Europe, the Col de l'Iseran, at 2,764 m (or 2,770 m), is accessible from the Épierre area. Another very high and iconic pass is the Col du Galibier, reaching 2,642 m (or 2,645 m), offering spectacular high-alpine scenery.
When is the best time of year to visit the mountain passes near Épierre?
Most high mountain passes in the French Alps, including those near Épierre, are generally open from June to October. During winter, they are typically closed due to heavy snow. The summer months offer the best conditions for cycling, hiking, and enjoying the panoramic views.
What kind of views can I expect from these mountain passes?
The mountain passes around Épierre offer diverse and breathtaking views. From the Col de l'Iseran, you'll find magnificent alpine panoramas. The Col du Galibier provides spectacular high-alpine scenery. The Col du Mont Cenis features stunning natural beauty, including the large artificial Lac du Mont Cenis. The Col de la Croix-de-Fer offers magnificent views of the Grandes Rousses and Arves massifs.
Are there hiking opportunities near these mountain passes?
Yes, there are numerous hiking opportunities near the mountain passes around Épierre. You can explore trails like the Lac de la Grande Léchère loop or the Madeleine Pass loop. For more detailed routes and options, check out the Hiking around Épierre guide.
What cycling routes are available near the mountain passes around Épierre?
The region is excellent for cycling. You can find challenging routes like the Church of La Chambre – La Chambre Pumptrack loop or the Auberge 'la Banquise – Col de la Madeleine loop. For a comprehensive list of routes, refer to the Cycling around Épierre guide.
Can I find mountain biking trails in the Épierre area?
Absolutely. The Épierre area offers several mountain biking trails. Options include The Starlight Trail – Nettes Lokal loop and the Col de la Madeleine loop. Discover more trails and their difficulty levels in the MTB Trails around Épierre guide.
What makes the Col du Télégraphe a notable pass?
The Col du Télégraphe, at 1,565 m (or 1,566 m), is often considered a classic precursor to the more formidable Col du Galibier. Cyclists frequently tackle its winding road as part of the route to the Galibier, appreciating its historical significance and scenic ascent from Saint-Michel-de-Maurienne to Valloire.
What is unique about the Col du Mont Cenis?
The Col du Mont Cenis (2,083 m) is unique for its location on the Franco-Italian border, connecting the Maurienne Valley in France to the Susa Valley in Italy. Beyond its historical role as a significant passage, it features stunning natural beauty, including the large artificial Lac du Mont Cenis, making it a scenic route between the two countries.
Are there amenities available at the summits of these mountain passes?
Amenities vary by pass. For example, at the top of the Col de la Madeleine, there is a nice café. The Col du Grand Cucheron offers a small picnic area at its summit. For other passes, it's advisable to check specific details or carry your own provisions, especially for higher, more remote locations like the Col de l'Iseran or Col du Galibier.
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