The best MTB trails around Villarembert

The Col d’Arves, perched at an altitude of 2,100 metres, offers a breathtaking panorama of the majestic Aiguilles d'Arves and the surrounding Alpine peaks. This Alpine pass, accessible by hiking trails, is a privileged place for mountain lovers in search of tranquility and grandiose landscapes. The alpine meadows and green valleys that stretch as far as the eye can see contrast with the snow-capped peaks.

The Col de la Croix de Fer culminates at an altitude of 2063 meters. It is the big neighbor of the Col du Glandon, another crossing point between the Maurienne and Oisans valleys. The Tour de France has used this pass 21 times. It is one of the most beautiful in France, a must-visit point for any mountain-loving cyclist!

Essential crossing point for many descents on both sides

There are three different ways to climb to the top of the Col de la Croix de Fer. The most famous is the climb from the Verney dam in the Oisans valley, because it is the slope used in the Marmotte (except the last kilometers). It is 27.5 kilometers long with an elevation gain of 1292 meters. The average slope is 4.7% with maximum slopes of 11.1%. The Col de la Croix de Fer from Saint-Jean-de-Maurienne is 28.2 kilometers with an elevation gain of 1475 meters. The average gradient is 5.23% with maximum gradients of 9.6% The final ascent is via the Col du Glandon. After the summit of Glandon it remains approximately 2 kilometers to the summit.

The summit of La Toussuire, an hors catégorie climb famous as the climb on which Chris Froome attacked Bradley Wiggins on stage 11 of the 2012 Tour de France.

Ascent of the Col de la Croix de Fer (HC) and the Col du Glandon from Bourg d’Oisans. A long ascent of 24 kilometers and 1260 meters of elevation gain with an irregular profile to eat a regional toast and drink a good well-deserved beer at the top. The ascent is essentially divided into two parts: The first part between Lac du Verney and Lac de Grand’Maison follows a shady, steep road wedged between the two hillsides. We ride there to the sound of the river and the waterfalls. It is much harder than the second part since the slope there is very commonly around 9% with 1.5 kilometers at more than 11%. You can see a multitude of waterfalls. Be careful, this part includes a little more than 1 kilometer of descent at almost 8% on average that you will have to go up on the way back. The second part is a road through the mountain pastures and that up to the summit. The percentages are lower there (from 5 to 7.7%). We observe the herds below. Here again it will be necessary to note a descent of about one kilometer, at 5%, which will also have to be climbed on the way back. Halfway through, I saw public toilets for those who are interested. At the top of the pass at 2067 meters is an iron cross, hence its name. A really warm welcoming hostel is open. You can rehydrate but above all regain your strength with a regional toast, among other things. The prices there are very reasonable. The view there is magnificent! You can admire the Arves needles, the Etendard peak and the Arves valley if the weather allows it. I was able to catch a glimpse of the summit of the Aiguilles d'Arves. It is time to cover up for the descent where you should not miss the photo of the Col du Glandon (1924 meters) which is only 400 meters from my route. A few shots and off we go for 24 kilometers of descent and two beautiful climbs as stated above. #lescyclosnormands #ultracyclingaventure

Very long climb and offering varied landscapes. Arriving at the top a huge reward: an impressive view of the Alps.

Choose your day carefully because on weekends, the pass is full of motorbikes/cars/etc. The pass is absolutely sublime (even the kilometer going down and the next one at more than 11%) and the end from Lac Grand Maison is grandiose.