A mandatory crossing point between the Oisans and the Briançonnais, Col du Lautaret is a broad Alpine junction — a long, steady climb that also serves as a launchpad toward the legendary Col du Galibier.
A long ascent with a mild gradient
From Briançon, it’s about 26.3 km for 801 m of elevation gain, averaging just 3%, with steeper sections around 7.4%. The summit tops out at 2,058 m, at the junction of roads toward the Oisans, the Galibier, and the Lautaret alpine garden.
A historic waypoint on the Route des Grandes Alpes
An emblematic stage of the Route des Grandes Alpes, Col du Lautaret links Briançon to Bourg-d’Oisans along the Guisane then the Romanche valley, with views of the Meije glaciers. From the other side, the ascent via Bourg-d’Oisans is far longer and tougher: 33.7 km for 1,418 m of elevation gain.
How to approach the ride
The mild gradient combined with the route’s length makes it a good candidate for an endurance ride — pace it with some reserve if the plan is to carry straight on into the nearby Galibier.
When to climb it
June to September: the road stays rideable for much of the year, but the summit’s altitude, above 2,000 m, still justifies packing a lightweight windbreaker even in midsummer.
Good to know
The pass connects directly into the climb of Col du Galibier, only a few kilometers from the summit, for cyclists chasing the quintessential great Alpine pass.
