Col de la Croix de Fer

The quiet giant

While everyone talks about Alpe d’Huez and the Galibier, locals will tell you the Croix de Fer is the ride that stays with you longest. The south-side approach from Bourg d’Oisans takes you through the dramatic Gorge d’Allemond before opening into wide alpine meadows with views that stretch forever.

The iron cross at the summit — which gives the pass its name — stands at 2,064m, and on a clear day you can see Mont Blanc to the north. It’s quieter than the marquee climbs, which means better roads, less traffic, and more space to enjoy the scenery.

The route

From Bourg d’Oisans, head north through Allemond. The first 15km are deceptively gentle — 3-4% through the valley. Don’t be fooled. After the Barrage du Verney, the road tilts upward and the real climbing begins.

The middle section through the forest is sustained at 7-8% with a couple of hairpin sections hitting 10%+. The trees thin out around 1,600m and you enter a different world — open meadows, distant peaks, and the kind of silence you only find above the treeline.

The Glandon option

The Col du Glandon branches off about 3km below the Croix de Fer summit. If you turn left, you descend the north side into the Maurienne valley — a classic one-way route but you’ll need a car at the other end. For a loop back to Bourg d’Oisans, stick with the Croix de Fer and return the way you came.

The ultimate loop: Croix de Fer up, Glandon down to La Chambre, then Col du Télégraphe and Col du Galibier back over to the Romanche valley. About 170km and 4,500m of climbing. That’s a proper day out.