Top 20 Mountain Passes around Briançon

Among the most popular mountain passes around Briançon are Col du Galibier, a legendary pass frequently featured in the Tour de France, and Col de Vars, known for its extensive views. Visitors also highly appreciate Col du Granon (2,413 m), which offers stunning views of the Écrins massif and features a small restaurant at its summit.

For cyclists seeking a challenge, the Col du Galibier is a legendary high-altitude climb at 2,642 meters. The Col d'Izoard is another renowned climb, famous for its demanding gradients and unique 'lunar-like' landscape at Casse Déserte. Additionally, Col Agnel, at 2,744 meters, is one of the highest paved passes in the Alps, offering a grueling yet rewarding experience with steep sections.

Yes, the Col du Lautaret is uniquely known as the highest French pass open to car traffic in winter, though temporary closures due to snow can occur. It's a popular spot for winter activities like ski touring, snowkiting, and dog sledding, offering extensive panoramic views even in colder months.

The mountain passes around Briançon offer breathtaking natural beauty. From the Lautaret Pass, you can see the Meije and Écrins National Park. The Col du Galibier provides exceptional views of the Écrins massif. Col Agnel boasts unparalleled vistas of surrounding peaks, including the Barre des Écrins and Monviso massif. The Col de Vars also offers truly wonderful and expansive panoramas.

Many passes in the region have rich historical significance. The Col du Lautaret has a history dating back to a Roman road and has been a stage in the Tour de France numerous times. The Col du Galibier, first included in the Tour de France in 1911, features a monument to Henri Desgrange, the Tour's founder. The Col d'Izoard, also a Tour de France icon, has a monument dedicated to cycling legends Fausto Coppi and Louison Bobet.

Beyond cycling, the area around Briançon's mountain passes is excellent for various outdoor activities. You can find numerous gravel biking routes, including challenging ones like 'Col du Granon' or scenic rides like 'Vallée de Clarée, Col des Rochilles and the old Galibier road'. For hiking enthusiasts, there are mountain hikes such as the 'Fort de la Turra – Col du Chaberton loop' or waterfall hikes like 'Round trip to Vallouise'. Explore more options in the Gravel biking around Briançon, Waterfall hikes around Briançon, and Mountain Hikes around Briançon guides.

While many passes involve significant climbs, the Col du Lautaret is considered one of the easier passes above 2,000 meters, making it more suitable for a wider range of visitors. Near its summit, you can explore the Lautaret Alpine Botanical Garden, which can be an interesting stop for families. For gentler walks, consider exploring the areas around the passes rather than attempting the full climbs.

The best time to visit most mountain passes around Briançon for cycling and hiking is typically from late spring to early autumn (June to September) when the passes are fully open and free of snow. During summer, some passes like Col de Vars even organize specific days where they are closed to cars and reserved for cyclists, offering a unique experience. While Col du Lautaret is open in winter, conditions can be challenging.

Some passes offer facilities. For instance, Col du Granon (2,413 m) has a small restaurant, Buvette du Granon, at its summit. The Lautaret Pass also has facilities. For more extensive options, you'll find cafes, pubs, and accommodation in the valleys and towns leading up to the passes, such as Briançon itself or nearby villages.

Public transport options directly to the summits of all mountain passes from Briançon can be limited, especially for smaller or less frequented passes. However, local bus services might connect Briançon to towns or villages at the base of some major passes, from where you could start your ascent. It's advisable to check local transport schedules for specific routes like Col du Lautaret or Col du Galibier during the peak season.

The Col de Vars is considered a mythical place for cycling due to its consistent challenge, its status as a regular feature in the Tour de France (crossed 35 times since 1922), and its location on the magnificent Route des Grandes Alpes. The sense of achievement after its challenging ascent and the truly wonderful, expansive views from its summit contribute to its allure for cyclists.

The Montgenèvre Pass, at 1,850 meters, is notable for its historical significance as it was the easiest road for the Romans to travel from Piedmont to the Durance valley. It connects Briançon, France, to Cesana Torinese, Italy, and offers a smooth climb with fantastic views, making it a pleasant experience for those seeking a less strenuous mountain pass.