Col du Télégraphe

On the road

The road runs from Saint-Michel-de-Maurienne to Valloire. The climb out of the valley is about 7.3 miles (11.8 km). It averages a little over 7 percent, with the odd pitch close to 10 percent. Cycling milestones mark every kilometre. From the col it is a short, gentle run of about 3 miles (4.7 km) down into Valloire.

At the top there is parking, a shaded picnic area and toilets. A small road leads about ten minutes on foot to the Fort du Télégraphe. This late 19th century fort stands on the site of a Chappe optical telegraph relay. It looks straight down the Maurienne valley. Visits are guided and run in summer only, booked through the Valloire tourist office. The Tour de France first came this way in 1911, when Émile Georget led over the top.

The D902 here is open all year, because it is the only winter road into Valloire. From 1 November to 31 March you must fit winter tyres marked with the 3PMSF symbol or carry snow chains. Saturdays in the school holidays bring heavy queues, especially in snow. Beyond Valloire, the Galibier tunnel usually reopens in late May or early June.