France is home to some of the most iconic and challenging cycling climbs in the world. From the legendary routes of the Alps to the rugged beauty of the Pyrenees, these climbs offer cyclists breathtaking scenery and a serious test of endurance. In this blog, we highlight the top ten cycling climbs in France, featuring routes from both the French Alps and the Pyrenees.

What Are the Best Cycling Climbs in France?

The best cycling climbs in France are a mix of iconic Tour de France routes and hidden gems that challenge even the most seasoned cyclists. The top ten climbs include:

• Col du Galibier: The most popular deux mille col in France, offering stunning alpine views.
• Col du Sabot: A formerly hidden gem, this brutal dead-end climb tests even the fittest cyclists.
• Col d’Izoard: Known for its moon-like landscape and impressive climbs from both sides.
• Col de l’Iseran: The highest paved pass in Europe, with a long and grueling ascent.
• Cime de la Bonette: The highest paved point in France, extending from Col de la Bonette.
• Cirque de Troumouse: A stunning climb popular with hikers, offering incredible alpine views.
• Col des Tentes: A UNESCO World Heritage site and a challenging dead-end climb.
• Port de Pailhères: A classic Pyrenean climb known for its steep gradients and sweeping views.
• Lac d’Aubert: A peaceful double-col climb when combined with Lac de Cap-de-Long.
• Col du Tourmalet: The most famous Tour de France climb in the Pyrenees, known for its steep gradients and legendary status.

Col du Galibier

Col du Galibier, sitting at 2,642 meters, is one of the most iconic climbs in the French Alps. Known for its breathtaking alpine views and its status as a regular feature in the Tour de France, this climb is both challenging and rewarding. Cyclists who tackle Galibier are treated to spectacular scenery and a sense of achievement at the summit that’s unmatched. Learn more here.

Col du Sabot

Col du Sabot is a brutal dead-end climb that tests even the strongest cyclists. Once a hidden gem, this ascent takes you up to 2,100 meters with steep gradients that push your endurance to the limit. Despite its toughness, the climb rewards cyclists with stunning views and a peaceful escape from more crowded routes. Explore more here.

Col d’Izoard

Col d’Izoard is famous for its moon-like landscape and challenging ascent. At 2,360 meters, this climb offers impressive routes from both sides, with the southern approach being steep and scenic, and the northern side offering a longer, more gradual climb. It’s a must-do for cyclists seeking a unique and beautiful experience in the French Alps. Discover more here.

Col de l’Iseran

Col de l’Iseran is the highest paved pass in Europe, reaching 2,764 meters. This climb is long and demanding from both sides, offering stunning alpine views and a true test of endurance. Cyclists who conquer Iseran are rewarded with the satisfaction of tackling one of the toughest climbs in the Alps. Find out more.

Cime de la Bonette

Cime de la Bonette is the highest paved point in France, at 2,802 meters. This climb is an extension of the Col de la Bonette, offering cyclists an even greater challenge as they push beyond typical alpine heights. The climb is difficult but rewarding, with panoramic views from the top that are nothing short of breathtaking. Learn more here.

Cirque de Troumouse

Cirque de Troumouse is one of the most scenic climbs in the French Pyrenees, offering incredible views of towering cliffs and alpine meadows. This climb, reaching 2,108 meters, is popular with both cyclists and hikers for its peaceful atmosphere and stunning surroundings. It’s a climb that combines physical challenge with natural beauty. Learn more here.

Col des Tentes

Col des Tentes, at 2,208 meters, is a hidden gem in the Pyrenees and part of a UNESCO World Heritage site. This dead-end climb is long and steady, offering cyclists a true test of endurance with stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. The remote beauty of Col des Tentes makes it a rewarding climb for cyclists who seek solitude. Explore more here.

Port de Pailhères

Port de Pailhères is a classic Pyrenean climb, sitting at 2,001 meters. Known for its steep gradients, this climb offers spectacular views and a challenging ascent that has been featured in the Tour de France. It’s a must-ride for cyclists looking to experience the rugged beauty of the Pyrenees. Find out more.

Lac d’Aubert

Lac d’Aubert is a peaceful climb that can be combined with Lac de Cap-de-Long to create a double-col experience. The climb reaches 2,149 meters and offers cyclists a serene and challenging ride through beautiful alpine landscapes. Lac d’Aubert is perfect for those seeking a quiet, scenic climb away from the crowds. Discover more here.

Col du Tourmalet

Col du Tourmalet is the most famous climb in the Pyrenees and a legendary ascent in the Tour de France. At 2,115 meters, this climb is known for its steep gradients and long, grueling ascent. Cyclists from around the world flock to test themselves on this iconic route, which offers both a physical challenge and a piece of cycling history. Learn more here.

Conclusion

France is home to some of the most iconic and challenging cycling climbs in the world, from the legendary Col du Galibier in the Alps to the historic Col du Tourmalet in the Pyrenees. Whether you’re seeking a tough test of endurance or a serene ride through stunning scenery, these climbs offer something for every cyclist. To explore more high-altitude climbs, visit Deux Mille for a complete overview of 2,000-meter cols in France.