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Looking to conquer the most iconic Tour de France climbs? These legendary climbs all feature regularly on Tour de France routes.

From the biggest mountains in France, to Tour de France classic climbs, this selection of mountain passes provides some of the most famous cycling challenges on the planet.

These are the cols that regularly put the pros through their paces – and we’ve been lucky enough to bag all of the climbs featured in this list.

We’ve split this list into two main mountain ranges in France: the Pyrenees and the Alps. In each section, we start with the most frequently featured climbs and share useful tips for each climb as well as Tour de France trivia.

Ready to push your limits, soak up spectacular views and follow in the tyre tracks of cycling legends? Read on!

All metrics in this article are approximate.

Summary of the most iconic Tour de France climbs

(Note: You can hover over the pins on this map to find the name of the climb)

  Length of climb No. of TdFs featured in     
Col du Tourmalet 19km 89
Col d’Aspin 11.9km 76
Col d’Aubisque 29km 74
Col de Galibier 8.5km 64
Alpe d’Huez 13km 32
Col de Braus 11.2km 26
La Croix de Fer 42km 21
Mont Ventoux 21km 17
Col de L’Iseran 48km 8

 

Pyrenees Tour de France climbs

1. Col du Tourmalet

Best for the most visited summit of the Tour de France

Key statistics

  • No. of Tour de France visits: 89
  • Length of climb: 19km
  • Average gradient: 7.1%
  • Elevation gain: 1,323m
View from the summit having cycled Col du Tourmalet, French Pyrenees

View from the summit having cycled Col du Tourmalet, French Pyrenees

Notes

No other climb has featured in the Tour de France as many times as the Col du Tourmalet! The highest peak in the Pyrenees has some sustained steep sections that make it a particularly tough climb.

For those that reach the summit, the impressive iron Geant au Col du Tourmalet statue awaits. Some believe the statue pays homage to Octave Lapize, the first ever Tour de France racer to summit the Tourmalet in 1910.

Octave famously shouted ‘You are assassins’ at the race organisers, a testament to the trials racers face on the Tourmalet’s tough slopes. This is just one of many legendary Tour de France moments to take place on the Col du Tourmalet.

Tips

The upper part of the Col du Tourmalet can be tough in hot weather, as the rocks block the wind and amplify the sun’s heat. Check the summit webcam and plan accordingly.

More information

2. Col d’Aspin (from Arreau)

Best for a Pyrenean climb that provides a more gentle ascent than the Tourmalet

Key statistics

  • No. of Tour de France visits: 76
  • Length of climb: 11.9km
  • Average gradient: 6.5%
  • Elevation gain: 794m
Cattle on the Col d’Aspin

Watch out for cattle on the Col d’Aspin!

Notes

Looking for a warm up ride before tackling the Tourmalet? The Col d’Aspin is a good option.

Gentler gradients combine with Pyrenean mountain landscapes to provide a rewarding and satisfying climb. The Tourmalet’s younger brother is often combined on the Tour de France routes, meaning it has some serious race pedigree that can’t be overlooked.

Tips

Watch out for cattle and livestock on the road; they’re quite likely to walk out in front of you! The cows can be large and many have horns. Take care when passing and don’t do anything that may provoke them.

The final few kilometres to the summit average around 8% gradient. Keep some gas in the tank to tackle this tough last stretch.

More Information

Take on the Col d’Aspin using this ride guide

3. Col d’ Aubisque (from Argelès-Gazost)

Best for one of the most dramatic mountain roads in France

Key statistics

  • No. of Tour de France visits: 74
  • Length of climb: 29km
  • Average gradient: 4.2%
  • Elevation gain: 1,415m
Cycling the scenic Col d’ Aubisque climb

The scenic Cirque du Litour road

Notes

Few photos do this climb justice! The scenic Cirque du Litour road up to the summit has been cut out of the mountain and sits above a deep, green ravine. It’s a dramatic experience to ride it, but it’s not for the faint-hearted (see tips below).

The summit itself is also spectacular, with a panoramic view of the Pyrenean mountains. There are also some art installations to admire, including three colourful bikes and a statue of Lucien Buysse, the winner of the 1926 Tour. This bust immortalises his legendary achievement of what is considered the hardest ever stage of the race.

Tips

The Soulor-Aubisque road is not suitable for those afraid of heights or looking to avoid risks. Rocks (and even animals) can fall from the hillside, and the low wall offers little protection if you need to steer away from danger. Keep this in mind when deciding your speed, especially on the way down.

The Aubisque road has two tunnels with rough surfaces. Bring lights, remove your sunglasses, and watch out for livestock.

More information

Take on the Col d’Aubisque using this ride guide

Tour de France Alps climbs

4. Col du Galibier (from Col de Lautaret)

Best for spectacular landscapes that will blow you away

Key statistics

  • No. of Tour de France visits: 64
  • Length of climb: 8.5km
  • Average gradient: 6.6%
  • Elevation gain: 563m
View south from the summit of the Col du Galibier

Summit of the Col du Galibier

Notes

It’s little wonder the Col du Galibier has become such a classic of the Tour de France. The climb boasts some of the most mind-blowing, stunning scenery we’ve ever encountered from the saddle!

Each hairpin offers new views over quiet valleys, glaciers and jagged Alpine ranges.

Since its first inclusion in 1911, the Galibier has seen many cycling legends take up the challenge. Most notably this includes Marco Pantani in 1998. In 2011 it was also featured twice to celebrate the 100th anniversary of its first inclusion.

Tips

Take care on the descent! The hairpins are tight and steep. Tragically in 1935 the Spanish cyclist Francesco Cepeda crashed on the descent from Galibier to Lautaret and later died from the head injuries he sustained.

More information

Take on the Col du Galibier using this ride guide

5. Alpe D’Huez

Best for conquering cycling’s most famous climb

Key statistics

  • No. of Tour de France visits: 32
  • Length of climb: 14km
  • Average gradient: 8%
  • Elevation gain: 1,120m
A cyclist cycling up Alpe D’Huez surrounded by mountain views

The views cycling up Alpe D’Huez are spectacular

Notes

The 21 bends that wind up the Alpe d’Huez climb to the summit are what make it so famous. This must-do climb is synonymously linked with the Tour de France’s rich cycling heritage; each hairpin has been named after former stage winners of the race.

Completing it for yourself cannot fail to give you a new appreciation of what it takes to become a Tour de France champion! It really is one of the best Tour de France climbs you can conquer.

Fun fact: to date, Marco Pantani holds the fastest recorded ascent of Alp d’Huez, with a time of 37 minutes and 35 seconds.

Tips

The climb’s tough gradient should not be underestimated. The first six bends in particular are the toughest, with average gradients of around 11%. Take your time to avoid burning out before you get to the top.

Due to its popularity, the Alpe d’Huez attracts nearly 400 cyclists a day attempting the climb. So, start early if you want to be one of the first on the climb.

More information

6. Col de Braus (from Sospel)

Best for one of France’s most beautiful climbs

Key Statistics

  • No. of Tour de France visits: 26
  • Length of climb: 11.2km
  • Average gradient: 5.7%
  • Elevation gain: 642m
Col de Braus is one of the incredible local climbs you can conquer near Nice

Col de Braus with its winding road, at late spring

Notes

The neatly stacked hairpins of the Col de Braus in France’s Côte d’Azur region are certainly photogenic.

This is a relatively short climb compared with others featured in this list, but nonetheless rewarding. It can also be combined it with the Col de Turini (another popular Tour de France climb) for even more of a challenge.

The Col de Braus was a regular on the Tour de France route prior to World War Two. After a long hiatus, the climb was finally featured again in 2024 as part of the historic final stages of the race.

Tips

At the top of Col de Braus, check out the monument to René Vietto, whose ashes were scattered here. He was a top climber in cycling and won his first professional race on the Col de Braus.

In 1934, during the Tour de France, he gave his bike to his injured team captain, sacrificing his own chances. Vietto is considered one of the greatest French riders to never win the Tour.

More information

7. Col de la Madeleine

Best for one of the hardest Tour de France climbs

Key statistics

  • No. of Tour de France visits: 25
  • Length of climb: 26km
  • Average gradient: 6.2%
  • Elevation gain: 1,700m
Beautiful landscape with high altitude peaks in The Alps as it can be seen from the mountain pass Madeleine (Col de la Madeleine) in France.

The beautiful Alpine views from the Col de la Madeleine

Notes

First featured in the Tour de France in 1969, the Col de la Madeleine was a relatively late addition to the Tour de France party.

But since then, this spectacular climb has become a regular for the pros to conquer! Memorable moments on the Madeleine include David Millar’s tough and inspirational battle up the mountain in 2010.

Ranked by the race organisers as ‘hors catégorie’ (beyond category) is a testament to the challenge that awaits riders taking it on. Alongside the reward of the climb itself, the views at the summit include the breathtaking snowy peak of Mont Blanc.

Tips

There are multiple routes to choose from! Our ride guide includes five ways to cycle the Col de la Madeleine.

There are handy milestones on both sides of the Col de la Madeleine. These show the distance to the summit, the current height, and the average slope in the following kilometre.

As you reach the summit you’ll notice the road is exposed. There’s little in the way of shelter at the top. Check the weather forecast and webcam before setting off.

More information

Take on the Col de la Madeleine with this ride guide

8. La Croix de Fer + Col du Glandon (from Bourg d’Oisans)

Best for bagging two climbs in one go

Key statistics

  • No. of Tour de France visits: 21
  • Length of climb: 42km
  • Average gradient: 5%
  • Elevation gain: 1,650m
The summit of La Croix de Fer

The summit of La Croix de Fer

Notes

Steep, continually changing gradients make the Croix de Fer a challenging climb. The breathtaking backdrop and close proximity (just 2.5 kilometres) to the Col du Glandon make it a big ride that’s not to be missed!

Both the Croix de Fer and Col du Glandon have featured regularly on the Tour de France over the years. There’s plenty to admire on the way up, with the mighty Lac du Grand Maison dam creating a beautiful, vast expanse of turquoise water.

Tips

Don’t let the lower gradient of this climb fool you into thinking Croix de Fer is easy to conquer. This rollercoaster ride can feel fairly relentless and is a big day out on the bike. Pace yourself and enjoy the ride!

More information

Take on these climbs using this ride guide

9. Mont Ventoux (from Bédoin)

Best for summiting the beast of Provence

Key statistics

  • No. of Tour de France visits: 17
  • Length of climb: 21km
  • Average gradient: 7.4%
  • Elevation gain: 1,580m
Cyclist with Ventoux summit lunar landscape

On the way up the summit of Mont Ventoux is in sight for a tantalisingly long amount of time

Notes

The striking, lunar-like landscapes of Mont Ventoux and the iconic radio tower at the summit are instantly recognisable. They provide a spectacular backdrop for a memorable mountain stage.

By far the most popular route taken by the Tour is from the village of Bédoin, located at the foot of Mont Ventoux. It’s a ride of contrasts, from vibrant lavender fields and vineyards to pine forests and then on to the exposed upper section of the mountain. This challenging climb also features some daunting gradients over a long distance.

It was first featured on the Tour de France route in 1953. Since then, the climb has hosted the pros countless times, including twice in one race in 2021. One of the most notorious Ventoux moments was in 2016 when a serious crash near the summit left Chris Froome’s bike badly broken. With no replacement in sight and crowds of cycling fans blocking his replacement bike, Froome made the bold decision to run up the final kilometre. It would become known as the ‘Mont Ventoux push’.

Tips

Ventoux’s weather is notorious, so be prepared by checking the webcam and weather forecasts before you set off. The summit of Ventoux is also exposed and can be very windy. Cyclists have even been blown off their bikes at the top. Don’t forget to pack some warm layers.

There are multiple ways to climb Mont Ventoux, but the most common starting point (and notably the most regularly featured route on the Tour de France) is from the town of Bédoin.

More information

10. Col de L’Iseran (from Bourg Saint Maurice)

Best for cycling France’s longest climb and highest paved road

Key statistics

  • No. of Tour de France visits: 8
  • Length of climb: 48km
  • Average gradient: 4.3%
  • Elevation gain: 2,250m
The snowy summit of the Col de L'Iseran climb

The snowy summit of the Col de L’Iseran climb

Notes

This huge climb in the French Alps is also Europe’s highest mountain pass. It has rightly earned itself the title ‘King of the Alps’.

The top of the climb sits at 2,770 metres above sea level, the air really does feel thinner here and the views down the valley are absolutely knockout!

Tips

The first 30 kilometres have several long poorly lit tunnels (including one that’s 750 metres long!). Bike lights are therefore essential to tackle this climb safely.

This section is also shared with other traffic and can feel busy up to the ski resort of Val Isère. For the chance to ride on quiet roads, look out for the annual car-free days which stop traffic on the last 17 kilometres of the climb.

More information

  • Take on the Col de L’Iseran with this ride guide

Other useful information for taking on famous Tour de France climbs

We hope this article has got you feeling inspired to take on some of the best Tour de France climbs. Let us know which you have taken on for yourself in the comments below and any additional tips you would share!

We love climbing French mountains in the Pyrenees and Alps. Our website has a wealth of information that can help you plan a cycling trip to tick some (or all of them) of these legendary mountain passes off. Take a look at the linked articles above to get started. For anyone looking to watch the Tour de France as a spectator, take a look at these tips.

For more climbing inspiration, don’t miss these articles:

 

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Clare Dewey

Clare Dewey is a cyclist with a passion for travel. She set up epicroadrides.com in 2018 to help make it easy for cyclists to explore the world by bike. Today her mission is still inspiring cyclists to discover new places on two wheels - and doing what she can to make sure they have the best possible time while they're there. Clare has visited 50+ destinations around the world, many of them by bike.

Last Reviewed: 18 October 2024

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