Col de Telegraph & Galibier Panoramic Road

Take a journey through the stunning French Alps on the Col de Telegraph & Galibier Panoramic Road. Starting in the city of Saint Michel de Maurienne and ending in Briancon, this 71 km road trip takes you through the towns of Col du Telegraphe and Col du Galibier. Along the way, you will be amazed by picturesque mountain views, lush valleys, and winding roads. The best time of year to take this road trip is in the summer, when you can experience the full beauty of the French Alps. The overall road conditions are excellent, although you should be aware that parts of the route can be curvy and narrow. Furthermore, due to weather conditions, some sections may be closed seasonally. Despite this, the Col de Telegraph & Galibier Panoramic Road is a great way to experience the beauty of the French Alps, and can be completed in a single day. The trip is suitable for all drivers and can be managed on a moderate budget. This road trip is sure to provide a high level of experience and lasting memories.

Located at the foot of the Alps in the Savoie region of France, Saint Michel de Maurienne is a great starting point for the Col de Telegraph & Galibier Panoramic Road. This scenic drive takes you through some of the most beautiful landscapes in the world, with diverse terrain including forests, rivers, and rolling hills. Saint Michel de Maurienne itself is a charming and vibrant town with a number of attractions worth exploring. One of the highlights is the Saint-Michel-de-Maurienne Abbey, a 12th century structure with a stunning Romanesque facade and a peaceful garden. Other interesting sights include the Tour de la Monnaie, an 18th century bell tower, and the Saint-Michel-de-Maurienne Cathedral, a beautiful Gothic structure. For those arriving by air, the closest international airport is Geneva International Airport (GVA), located around 100 miles away. From here, visitors can rent a car and start the Col de Telegraph & Galibier Panoramic Road journey. There are a number of car rental companies located at the airport, so visitors have plenty of options to choose from. Overall, Saint Michel de Maurienne is an ideal starting point for the Col de Telegraph & Galibier Panoramic Road. With its stunning architecture, vibrant atmosphere, and array of attractions, it is the perfect place to begin an unforgettable journey.

Start your road trip in Saint Michel de Maurienne, France and travel to Col du Telegraphe, a 15 km drive that will take less than an hour. This scenic route will take you through some of the most beautiful parts of the French Alps. Be aware that some sections of the road may be inaccessible to cars with camper trailers, and some sections may be closed seasonally. Additionally, be prepared for steep ramps, winding roads, and narrow passages. On your journey, you will be able to enjoy the breathtaking views of the mountains, and the charming French villages. Make sure to take plenty of photos to capture the stunning scenery! At the end of your journey, you will arrive at Col du Telegraphe, where you can explore the area and find accommodation for the night. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please check the Itinerary for this stage. Enjoy the ride!

Embark on a thrilling road trip from Col du Telegraphe to Col du Galibier, a journey of 21 km that will take you less than an hour. Get ready for a thrilling experience as you drive through the picturesque landscapes of France! Enjoy the scenic road as you pass through the routes of the Alps. Be mindful of the steep ramps and winding roads in some sections, as well as the sections that are inaccessible to cars with camper trailers. Be sure to drive carefully as some sections of the road may be narrow. Keep in mind that some sections may be closed seasonally, so plan your route accordingly. Get ready for a memorable journey as you explore the breathtaking views of the Alps! For more information regarding attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please refer to the Itinerary of this stage.

Embark on a 36 km long road trip from Col du Galibier in France to Briancon, a drive that will take you less than an hour! Enjoy the historical sites and the scenic roads as you drive through the breathtaking landscape. Be aware that some sections of the route may be closed seasonally, and there will be steep ramps and very winding roads in some sections. Also, some parts of the route may be inaccessible to cars with camper trailers, and the roads may be narrow in some sections. This is one of the most beautiful stages of your road trip, so make sure to take plenty of pictures! You can find more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route in the "Itinerary" of this stage. Enjoy your journey!

The charming town of Briançon, located in the Hautes-Alpes region of France, is the perfect end point of the spectacular Col de Telegraph & Galibier Panoramic Road. This road trip offers a stunning view of the snow-capped mountains, lush valleys, and picturesque villages. When you get to Briançon, you will be greeted by the walled town that is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This ancient citadel was built in the 13th century for military purposes and is still in excellent condition. Spend some time exploring the town's cobblestone streets, quaint shops, and historical sites. Don't miss the Citadelle de Briançon, the Church of Notre Dame du Désert, and the Place du Portail Neuf. If you're a nature lover, you won't want to miss the nearby Serre-Chevalier ski resort. Here, you can enjoy skiing, snowboarding, and other winter sports, or take a scenic hike in the summer. The area is also known for its excellent rock climbing and white-water rafting opportunities. Briançon is conveniently accessible by car, with the closest international airport being Turin Airport (TRN). No matter how you choose to get there, you won't be disappointed by the beauty and excitement that awaits you in Briançon. Make sure to include the Col de Telegraph & Galibier Panoramic Road in your road trip plans and end your journey in this enchanting town!

Before you set off

Embark on an unforgettable journey through the heart of the French Alps on the Col de Telegraph & Galibier Panoramic Road. Spanning 71 km from Saint Michel de Maurienne to Briancon, this route is a marvel of engineering and natural beauty, offering drivers stunning mountain landscapes, picturesque valleys, and a thrilling drive with numerous twists and turns.

Key Destinations and Top Sights:

As you navigate through the high-altitude passes of Col du Telegraphe and Col du Galibier, you'll be treated to magnificent views of the iconic alpine scenery. Notable sights include the majestic Barre des Ecrins, the highest peak in the Dauphiné Alps, and the serene alpine meadows blooming with wildflowers. Keep an eye out for local wildlife such as marmots, chamois, and perhaps even golden eagles soaring above.

Best Time to Go:

The ideal time to embark on this Road Trip is from June to September when the mountain passes are typically free from snow, and the weather conditions allow for clear, expansive views. During this period, the high alpine environment comes to life with vibrant flora and fauna.

Potential Risks:

While the route is exhilarating, it comes with challenges such as curvy and occasionally narrow Roads that require careful navigation. Seasonal closures are common due to snow and adverse weather conditions, especially outside of the summer months. Always check the latest route information and weather forecasts before setting off.

Facts for Roadtrippers:

The Road surface is well-maintained, ensuring a generally smooth journey. The Trip can comfortably be completed within a day, but its splendor warrants taking your time to fully savor the experience. The drive is suitable for motorists of varying experience levels, though caution is advised for those unaccustomed to mountain driving. From a budget perspective, the Trip is moderate, offering a cost-effective way to experience one of Europe's most stunning natural landscapes.

Interesting Facts:

• The Col du Galibier is one of the highest paved mountain passes in the Alps and has been featured many times in the Tour de France cycling race, making it a mecca for cycling enthusiasts worldwide.
• The Route des Grandes Alpes, of which the Col de Telegraph & Galibier Panoramic Road is a part, connects Lake Geneva with the Mediterranean, crossing several high mountain passes and showcasing France's alpine grandeur.
• The panoramic Road offers several monuments and memorials dedicated to the feats of engineering that made these Roads possible, as well as to the cyclists who have conquered these challenging climbs.

A good choice for:

The Col de Telegraph & Galibier Panoramic Road is not just a drive; it's an adventure that promises to immerse you in the grandeur of the French Alps. With every turn, you're offered a new perspective on this dramatic and historic landscape, making it a must-do for Roadtrippers and nature enthusiasts alike.