Top 12 Mountain Passes around La Chambre
Best mountain passes around La Chambre, a commune in the Savoie department of France, offer diverse routes through the Alps. The region is characterized by its mountainous terrain, providing challenging ascents and scenic vistas. This area is known for its prominent mountain passes, which attract cyclists and adventurers. The landscape features high peaks and valleys, with routes ranging from paved roads to unpaved tracks.
Best mountain passes around La Chambre
- The most popular mountain passes is Col du Chaussy, a mountain pass that connects Pontamafrey with the south ramp of the Col de la Madeleine. From the south, it features the Montvernier serpentine road, overcoming approximately 1000 meters of elevation.
- Another must-see spot is Col de la Madeleine, a mountain pass frequently featured in the Tour de France. From La Chambre, the ascent is 19 km long with a total drop of 1522 meters and an average gradient of 8%.
- Visitors also love Spectacular Cliffside Road Above Montvernier, an other man-made feature. This road is dug into solid rock and offers views of the valley and mountains.
- La Chambre is known for road cycling routes, challenging climbs, and high mountain passes. The area offers a variety of mountain passes to see and explore, including those suitable for 4x4 vehicles.
- The mountain passes around La Chambre are appreciated by the komoot community, with 129 upvotes and 25 photos contributed by visitors.
Last updated: June 26, 2026
Col du Chaussy
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Col de la Madeleine
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It has featured several times in the Tour de France and is one of the toughest climbs in the French Alps.
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Ascent of Col de la Madeleine from La Chambre
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Spectacular Cliffside Road Above Montvernier
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Col du Glandon - from Saint-Étienne-de-Cuines
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20km, D+ 1450m
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Tips from the Community
Narrow road, great views. Relatively little traffic.
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Narrow road by the rock, great views.
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Here is the route for the ascent of the Col du Glandon starting from Saint-Étienne-de-Cuines
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Here is the route for the ascent of the Col de la Croix de Fer starting from Saint-Étienne-de-Cuines, passing through the Col du Glandon!
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The north face of the Col du Glandon, starting from Saint-Étienne-des-Cuines, is one of the most demanding and iconic climbs in the French Alps. The summit sits at 1,924 meters above sea level, overcoming a gradient of 1,470 meters over just over 21 kilometers, resulting in an average gradient of around 7%. However, what truly defines the character of this climb is the unevenness of the profile, which alternates very tough sections with recovery phases before facing an extremely demanding finale. For almost eleven kilometers, the gradient remains within a range of 6 to 8% as the route enters a dense forest. After this initial phase, the landscape opens up and the road passes through Saint-Colomban-des-Villards, where the gradient decreases significantly and even offers practically flat areas. This is a strategic point to hydrate, eat, and prepare your mind for the rest of the climb. After the false flat and approaching the Glandon torrent, the vegetation begins to thin, the road narrows, curves follow, and the average gradient is around 10%, with several sections at 11% that really grind your legs after more than an hour and a half of accumulated effort. Once around the last curve, the arrival at the pass offers spectacular scenery, with views toward the Belledonne massif and the Arves peaks, a pure alpine environment with high-altitude pastures, torrents, and, occasionally, the occasional remnant of snowfields. Conclusion: a legendary climb in the French Alps, with extraordinary scenery and sustained difficulty. As always, the effort is worth it!
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A col is meant to be climbed—and then descended. Because it's fun!
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In my opinion, this is the best side of the Col du Glandon due to the beauty of its final 9 kilometers. The climb is clearly divided into two parts. The first stretches until reaching the village of St. Colomban-des-Villards; it's 8.5 km along a perfectly maintained road, very winding, with no views at all. The second part begins as we leave the village of St. Colomban, after a 1.5 km rest stop and a beautiful fountain where we can refill our water bottles. The second part is pure poetry. The road narrows and you enter a pure high-mountain landscape. It's a much tougher stretch.
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Empty, a gas road 😱
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are some of the most iconic mountain passes for cycling near La Chambre?
The region around La Chambre is renowned for its challenging and scenic cycling routes. Two of the most iconic passes frequently featured in the Tour de France are the Col de la Madeleine and the Col du Glandon. Another popular choice is the Col du Chaussy, known for its picturesque Montvernier serpentine road.
What makes the Col de la Madeleine a challenging climb from La Chambre?
The ascent of the Col de la Madeleine from La Chambre is 19 km long with a total elevation gain of 1522 meters. Cyclists face an average gradient of 8%, with some sections reaching a demanding 13.5%. It's considered one of the toughest climbs in the French Alps, offering a significant test of endurance.
What is unique about the Col du Chaussy, especially the route from Pontamafrey?
The Col du Chaussy connects Pontamafrey with the southern ascent of the Col de la Madeleine. Its most distinctive feature from the south is the Montvernier serpentine road, which involves overcoming approximately 1000 meters of elevation through a series of tight hairpin bends. This section, including the Spectacular Cliffside Road Above Montvernier, offers stunning views and a memorable cycling experience.
Are there any mountain passes near La Chambre suitable for 4x4 vehicles?
Yes, the Col de la Chambre is a high mountain pass situated at 2,879 meters (9,445 feet) above sea level. However, the road to its summit is entirely unpaved and primarily a chairlift service road, accessible only by 4x4 vehicles. It features numerous narrow and steep sections, with gradients up to 25%, offering an adventurous off-road experience.
What kind of views can I expect from these mountain passes?
The mountain passes around La Chambre offer breathtaking views of the surrounding Alpine landscape. From the Col de la Madeleine, you can enjoy expansive panoramas. The Col du Chaussy, particularly from the Montvernier section, provides picturesque views of the valley and mountains. The high-altitude Col de la Chambre also offers spectacular vistas towards Mont de Péclet.
What is the best time of year to visit the mountain passes around La Chambre?
The mountain passes in the French Alps, including those around La Chambre, are generally best visited during the summer months, typically from June to September. During this period, the passes are usually clear of snow, and the weather is most favorable for cycling, hiking, and enjoying the scenic views. Some high-altitude passes, like the Col de la Chambre, are only open during summer.
What outdoor activities, besides cycling, can I do near the mountain passes around La Chambre?
Beyond cycling, the region offers excellent opportunities for hiking. You can explore various trails, from easy loops to more difficult ascents. For example, there are challenging hikes like the Lac de la Grande Léchère loop or easier options such as the Blue Lake loop. You can find more details on hiking routes in the area on the Hiking around La Chambre guide.
Are there any family-friendly activities or easy routes near La Chambre's mountain passes?
While many passes are challenging, there are easier hiking routes available in the broader La Chambre area that could be suitable for families. For instance, the Blue Lake loop from Saint-Rémy-de-Maurienne is rated as easy. For specific family-friendly mountain passes, it's best to check local tourist information for routes with gentler gradients or shorter distances. The Montvernier area, while scenic, involves significant climbs.
Where can I find amenities like cafes or accommodation near these mountain passes?
La Chambre itself offers various amenities, including cafes, pubs, and accommodation options. At the summit of the Col de la Madeleine, there is a nice café. For other passes, it's advisable to check in the nearby towns and villages at the base of the climbs, such as Saint-Étienne-de-Cuines for the Col du Glandon, or Pontamafrey for the Col du Chaussy.
What do visitors enjoy most about the mountain passes around La Chambre?
Visitors particularly appreciate the challenging climbs and the spectacular Alpine vistas offered by these passes. The Col de la Madeleine is celebrated for its athletic challenge and scenic beauty, while the Col du Chaussy is noted for its quiet roads and the unique Montvernier serpentine. The region's rich cycling history, especially its connection to the Tour de France, also adds to its appeal.
How can I access the Col du Glandon from the La Chambre area?
The Col du Glandon is typically approached from Saint-Étienne-de-Cuines, which is near La Chambre. The climb from this side is approximately 20 km with an elevation gain of 1450m. The route is known for its beauty, especially the final 9 kilometers, which transition into a pure high-mountain landscape after passing through Saint-Colomban-des-Villards.
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