The Col de la Madeleine, between the Maurienne and Tarentaise valleys, is one of the Alps’ historic giants used by the Tour de France. Linking two iconic Savoie valleys, it ranks among the massif’s most respected hors catégorie climbs.
The profile from La Chambre
From La Chambre, expect about 19.5 km and 1,522 m of climbing, averaging 7.8% with barely a flat stretch across the whole ascent. The road winds through forest before opening onto broad alpine pastures in the second half, with the view widening gradually toward the Vanoise peaks. The summit, at 1,993 m (often signposted as 2,000 m), marks the switch over into the Tarentaise valley.
Getting the ride right
Long and relentless, this hors catégorie climb calls for pacing over the full duration rather than an early attack: it’s worth keeping something in reserve for the final kilometres, exposed and shadeless. A compact or triple chainset helps spare the legs on a climb that never really lets up.
When to go
June to September, as the road stays closed by snow for a good part of the year given the altitude. July-August remains the busiest period, especially in years when the Tour de France passes through.
Good to know
La Chambre, a village in the Maurienne valley, offers a solid choice of accommodation and direct access to other Alpine giants such as the Col du Glandon or the Croix de Fer for building a multi-pass day. On the Tarentaise side, Saint-François-Longchamp and La Léchère give access to the other flank of the pass.
