Few regions have shaped the legend of the Tour de France than Oisans. Between Alpe d'Huez, the Galibier and the Croix de Fer, this alpine valley is an open-air theatre where some of the finest – and most dramatic – pages in cycling history have been written. An overview of the Tour's legendary mountain passes in Oisans, and how you can climb them too.
Alpe d'Huez, the queen mountain of the Tour
No climb is as inseparable from the Grande Boucle as the’Alpe d'Huez. The first summit finish, in 1952, was won by the great Fausto Coppi. Since then, its 21 numbered bends, each bearing the name of a stage winner, have become an open-air museum and one of the most anticipated events of July, when hundreds of thousands of spectators flock to the hairpin bends.
In 2026, Tadej Pogačar made history by setting a new ascent record in 35 minutes and 27 seconds, erasing the references of the Pantani era. A dizzying time trial that testifies to the level reached by modern cycling.
The Galibier pass, the ultimate arbiter since 1911
First crossed by the Tour in 1911, the Col du Galibier (2,642 m) is one of the highest and most dreaded passes of the race. Guarded by the monument dedicated to Henri Desgrange, founder of the Tour, it has seen all the great champions pass through. Its altitude and position regularly make it a decisive turning point in the Alpine stages.
The Croix de Fer and the Glandon, pillars of the alpine stages
Neighbours and often chained, the Col de la Croix de Fer (2,067 m) and the Col du Glandon regularly feature on the menu for mountain stages. Their long climbs between lakes and alpine pastures make them ideal terrain for breakaways and big gaps in the general classification.
The Col de Sarenne, the boldness of 2013
In 2013, for the centenary of the Tour, the organisers innovated with a double ascent of Alpe d’Huez bound by the wild Col de Sarenne. A spectacular new feature that has brought this little-known mountain pass back into the spotlight, so different from the frantic atmosphere of the 21 hairpin bends.
Les Deux Alpes and Pantani's feat in 1998
The resort of Les Deux Alpes remains associated with one of the most legendary stages in recent history: in 1998, in freezing rain, Marco Pantani attacked on the Galibier and crested the summit alone on his way to the finish, taking the yellow jersey. A ride that has passed into legend.
Follow in the footsteps of the champions
The magic of Oisans is that these legendary roads are open to everyone, all year round (snow permitting). You can climb the 21 hairpins of Alpe d'Huez, cross the Galibier or test yourself on the Croix de Fer right where history was made. To help you prepare, check out our guide when to climb the Oisans mountain passes and make your choice accordingly your level.
Frequently asked questions
How many times has the Tour visited l’Alpe d’Huez?
Alpe d'Huez has hosted more than thirty stage finishes since 1952, making it one of the most visited summits in the history of the Tour.
What is the cycling record for Alpe d'Huez?
In 2026, Tadej Pogačar set the record in 35 mins 27 secs, ahead of Marco Pantani's historical times.
Can these mountain passes be climbed whenever you want?
Yes, the mountain passes are freely accessible from late spring to autumn, depending on snow clearance for the highest ones like the Galibier.
Ready to write your own story? Find all the profiles, maps and GPX tracks on the Oisans mountain passes page.