Cycling in the Maurienne Valley: The Ultimate Guide to the French Alps’ Greatest Climbs
Cycling in the Maurienne Valley is one of the most intense and rewarding experiences in the French Alps. Located in the Savoie region of southeastern France, this valley contains the highest concentration of legendary Tour de France climbs anywhere in the Alps. If you want long alpine passes, high altitude challenges, quiet roads and world-class scenery, the Maurienne delivers.
Where is the Maurienne Valley?
The Maurienne Valley sits in the Savoie department in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region of France. It runs from Aiguebelle in the west to the Italian border at Modane and the Col du Mont-Cenis. The main river is the Arc, which connects the towns of Saint-Jean-de-Maurienne, Saint-Michel-de-Maurienne and Modane. The valley links directly to Italy and sits between major Alpine cycling hubs such as Alpe d’Huez and Bourg d’Oisans.
Why Cycle in the Maurienne Valley?
The Maurienne has more Hors Catégorie climbs than almost any other Alpine region. It is less commercial than Bourg d’Oisans, quieter than Annecy and often less crowded than Alpe d’Huez.
You get:
Long sustained Alpine passes
High altitude challenges above 2,500 metres
Historic Tour de France routes
Access to Italy
Less traffic on many climbs
Many Tour de France stages have started and passed through this valley because it offers pure Alpine terrain without compromise.
All the Major Cols in the Maurienne Valley
Below is a clean, easy-to-copy list of the featured climbs.
Col de l’Iseran – 2770m
The Col de l’Iseran is the highest paved mountain pass in the Alps at 2770 metres. It connects Val-d’Isère with Bonneval-sur-Arc and is typically open from late May to early October depending on snowfall. The climb from Bonneval-sur-Arc is around 13.4 km at an average gradient of 7 percent, while the full ascent from Saint-Michel-de-Maurienne exceeds 80 km, making it one of the longest continuous high-altitude challenges in Europe.
Col du Galibier – 2642m
The Col du Galibier reaches 2642 metres and is one of the most iconic climbs in Tour de France history. When combined with the Col du Télégraphe from Saint-Michel-de-Maurienne, the full ascent measures approximately 35 km. The final 8.5 km from Col du Lautaret average nearly 7 percent and rise above 2000 metres into exposed high alpine terrain.
Col du Mont-Cenis – 2083m
The Col du Mont-Cenis stands at 2083 metres and links France with Italy near Modane. The French side climb from Lanslebourg is approximately 9.6 km at 6.9 percent. The summit features a large alpine lake and wide open roads, making it one of the most scenic and historically important border crossings in the Alps.
Col de la Croix de Fer – 2067m
The Col de la Croix de Fer reaches 2067 metres and is frequently classified Hors Catégorie in the Tour de France. From Saint-Jean-de-Maurienne, the climb is around 29 km long with an average gradient of 5.2 percent, although the gradient varies significantly. It is often paired with Col du Glandon during professional races.
Col du Glandon – 1924m
The Col du Glandon rises to 1924 metres and shares much of its route with the Croix de Fer. From Saint-Étienne-de-Cuines, the climb measures approximately 24 km at 5.5 percent. The final kilometres become steeper and more irregular, making pacing crucial.
Col du Télégraphe – 1566m
The Col du Télégraphe reaches 1566 metres and serves as the first section of the Galibier ascent. From Saint-Michel-de-Maurienne it climbs 12 km at an average of 7.3 percent. The road is well sheltered by forest, making it a steady and consistent effort before descending briefly into Valloire.
Col du Mollard – 1638m
The Col du Mollard stands at 1638 metres above Villargondran and Albiez-Montrond. The climb from Villargondran is approximately 19.3 km at 5.8 percent, with steeper ramps in the middle section. It offers quieter roads and panoramic views over the Maurienne Valley.
Col de la Madeleine – 2000m
The Col de la Madeleine reaches 2000 metres and connects the Maurienne and Tarentaise valleys. From La Chambre, the climb is 19.3 km at an average gradient of 8 percent. It is one of the toughest sustained climbs in the Alps and regularly appears in the Tour de France.
Col du Chaussy – 1533m
The Col du Chaussy rises to 1533 metres above Montvernier. The ascent from Pontamafrey includes the famous Lacets de Montvernier section and measures around 14.7 km at 6.3 percent. It is known for its tight switchbacks and dramatic views.
Lacets de Montvernier – 782m
The Lacets de Montvernier climbs from 782 metres to around 1180 metres in just 3.4 km, featuring 18 tight hairpins. The average gradient is 8 percent. Though short, it has become internationally recognised due to its spectacular geometry and Tour de France exposure.
Col du Grand Cucheron – 1188m
The Col du Grand Cucheron reaches 1188 metres and links the Maurienne with the Isère valley. The climb from Aiguebelle is approximately 11.5 km at 4.8 percent. It is less demanding than other Maurienne passes and suitable for steadier endurance rides.
Col de Beaune – 1652m
The Col de Beaune stands at 1652 metres above Saint-Michel-de-Maurienne. The ascent is around 12 km at 6.1 percent and provides quieter alternative climbing away from the main Galibier route.
Col du Sapey – 1130m
The Col du Sapey rises to approximately 1130 metres and offers a shorter but steep climb from Saint-Jean-de-Maurienne. It is popular for training efforts due to its consistent gradient.
Col d’Albanne – 1652m
The Col d’Albanne reaches 1652 metres and climbs above Saint-Michel-de-Maurienne toward the small ski station of Albanne. The ascent is around 14 km at 6–7 percent and provides expansive views over the Arc valley.
Col du Champlaurent – 1116m
The Col du Champlaurent stands at 1116 metres and connects the Maurienne with the Combe de Savoie. The climb from La Chambre measures approximately 13 km at 4–5 percent and is suitable for longer endurance days.
Many of these climbs are rated Hors Catégorie (HC) in the Tour de France and regularly feature in pro racing.
Transport Links to the Maurienne Valley
By Air : The nearest airports are:
Grenoble Alpes-Isère Airport
Chambéry Airport
Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airport
Geneva Airport (Switzerland)
By Train : The valley is extremely well connected by rail.
Saint-Jean-de-Maurienne station
Saint-Michel-de-Maurienne station
Modane station
High-speed TGV trains connect Paris to Saint-Jean-de-Maurienne in around 4 hours.
By Car
From Lyon: approximately 2 hours via the A43 motorway
From Geneva: approximately 2 hours
Direct motorway access runs through the entire valley
The Fréjus Tunnel links Modane directly to Italy.
Best Base Towns for Cyclists
- Saint-Jean-de-Maurienne is the central hub and ideal base.
- Saint-Michel-de-Maurienne provides access to Télégraphe and Galibier.
- Modane is perfect for Mont-Cenis and Iseran access.
- Valloire is a classic cycling base for Galibier.
When is the Best Time to Ride?
June to mid October is ideal.
- High altitude passes such as Col de l’Iseran and Col du Galibier typically open in late May or early June depending on snowfall.
- July offers full access but more Tour de France tourism.
- September provides quieter roads and stable weather.
Who is the Maurienne Valley Best For?
- Intermediate to advanced cyclists
- Tour de France enthusiasts
- Cyclists preparing for Alpine sportives
- YouTube cycling creators looking for dramatic scenery
- Bikepackers looking for an Alpine adventure
If you enjoy long climbs over 20km and sustained gradients between 6 and 8 percent, this valley is for you.
Sample Big Day Route
Télégraphe + Galibier
Start in Saint-Michel-de-Maurienne
Climb Col du Télégraphe
Descend into Valloire
Climb Col du Galibier
Return via the same route
This is one of the most iconic Alpine cycling days possible.
Cycling in the Maurienne Valley FAQ
Is the Maurienne Valley harder than the Oisans and Alpe d’Huez?
Yes. While Alpe d’Huez and the Oisans are iconic cycling destinations, the Maurienne offers longer and higher climbs with greater cumulative elevation gain.
Are the roads busy?
Some valley roads carry a lot traffic, but most climbs are relatively quiet.
Is it suitable for beginners?
Only selected climbs such as Lacets de Montvernier or Col du Chaussy are suitable for newer climbers.
What will you need to Cycling in the Maurienne Valley
Lightweight climbing road bike
Compact chainset (50/34)
11-32 or 11-34 cassette
High-quality brake pads for long descents
Lightweight windproof jacket
Arm warmers and leg warmers
High UV protection sunglasses
Electrolyte tablets
GPS cycling computer with climb profile
Spare tubes and CO2 inflator
Front and rear daytime running lights for tunnels
Energy gels for long alpine efforts
High factor sunscreen
Final Thoughts
Cycling in the Maurienne Valley is pure Alpine riding. This is not a single-climb destination. It is an entire valley built around world-class mountain passes. If you want to ride the same roads as the Tour de France, push yourself above 2,500 metres and experience authentic French Alpine cycling culture, the Maurienne Valley should be at the top of your list.
Bike Rental for the Maurienne Valley
If you are looking for good quality carbon road bikes for the Maurienne Valley then complete your details below for more information. Luggage transfers for point to point stops are also available.
