Col du Lautaret - 2058 metres
One of the main routes between France and Italy, a wide road that can be busy with traffic. The Col is kept open throughout the year and can usually be climbed from March if the weather is good.
A long climb from Briancon or Bourg d'Oisans that is never very steep but the wind can often blow. If you have a tailwind, you can feel strong and easily make the Col. When it is a headwind for 40 kilometres, the Col du Lautaret can turn into a tough climb. The climb has stunning mountain views from the tree covered mountainsides around Bourg d'Oisans or Briançon to the desolate Col de Lautaret.
The road to the
Col du Galbier can found at the Col du Lautaret as well as a water fountain
if you need to fill your bottle.
Western Ascent
| Start town : | Bourg d'Oisans |
| Starting Altitude : | 719 metres |
| Distance : | 40 kilometres |
| Vertical Climb : | 1400 metres |
| Gradient : | 3.8% average - 9% maximum |
| Comments : | This information includes the climb of the Col du Telegraphe on the profile. |
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On the western ascent, the stunning views of the Ecrins massif. |
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The same view but earlier in the year. |
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Another view of my favourite corner on the western ascent. |
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Descending towards Bourg d'Oisans from the Col. |
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The view of the Col du Lautaret climbing to the Barrage du Chambon. |
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The view back down the Col with two kilometres left to climb. |
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The mountian view when climbing the western side of the Col. |
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An image taken in April 2002, nearing the Col on the western ascent. |
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The same view as above but an image taken in late October 2002. |
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The Col is open all year, with the impressive snowbanks towering above the road. |
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The glaciers of the Ecrins make the Lauteret one of the most spectaular passes. |
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Nearing the summit when climbing from Bourg d'Oisans. |
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The view of the Ecrins and summit of La Mejie from the col early in the year. |
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The Col du Lautaret from the road to the Col du Galibier. |
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A view of the Col du Lautaret from the road to the Col du Galbier. |
Southern Ascent
| Start town : | Briançon |
| Starting Altitude : | 1315 metres |
| Distance : | 29 kilometres |
| Vertical Climb : | 750 metres |
| Gradient : | 3.1% average - 6% maximum |
| Comments : | A wide road from Briançon with great mountain views of the Ecrins massif to the south. |
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Five kilometres to the Col. |
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Around three kilometres left to climb to the Col du Lautaret. |
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The mountain views around the Col du Lautaret. |
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Descending towards Briançon. |
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The Col when approaching from Briancon. The road to the Col du Galibier is on the right, but covered by snow. |
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The same view as the image above but another six weeks later in the year. The Col du Galibier is now open. |
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The final kilometre of the Col when climbing from Briancon. |
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The Col du Lautaret in late October 2002. |
