Top 12 Mountain Passes around Feissons-Sur-Isère

Among the most appreciated passes by the komoot community are Col de la Bâthie, located at 1,889 meters in the heart of mountain pastures, and Lakes Pass, which offers a superb panorama of the high peaks of Beaufortain at 2,234 meters, surrounded by small bodies of water.

For cyclists seeking a significant challenge, the region offers several demanding passes. The Col de la Madeleine, a legendary Tour de France climb, features an average gradient of 6.3% over 24.5 km from Feissons-sur-Isère, with sections reaching 12%. The Col du Glandon is also known for its fierce gradients, with the last two kilometers exceeding 10% from La Chambre. The Col de l'Iseran, the highest paved pass in the Alps, presents a long and consistent climb, particularly from Val-d'Isère.

Most mountain passes in the region are typically accessible from late spring to early autumn. For instance, the Col de la Madeleine and Col du Glandon are generally closed from November to early June and early November to mid-May, respectively, due to snow. The Cormet de Roselend is usually open from the end of May to mid-October, while the Col de l'Iseran is accessible by road only during the summer months, from June to September/October.

Yes, several passes in the region hold significant historical importance, particularly in the context of professional cycling. The Col de la Madeleine has been a regular feature in the Tour de France 28 times since 1969. The Cormet de Roselend and Col du Glandon have also been frequently crossed by the Tour de France, making them iconic routes for cycling enthusiasts.

The mountain passes around Feissons-Sur-Isère offer breathtaking natural beauty. For example, the Cormet de Roselend is renowned for spectacular views of the vibrant turquoise Lac de Roselend and the Combe de la Neuve valley. The Col de la Madeleine provides stunning vistas of surrounding peaks, including Mont Blanc on clear days. The Col du Glandon offers panoramic views of rugged peaks and the Lac de Grand Maison, while the Col de l'Iseran boasts unparalleled views across the glaciers of Val d'Isère and La Vanoise.

Absolutely. Many passes serve as excellent starting points for hiking. The Cormet de Roselend is a preserved site surrounded by mountain pastures and offers various hiking trails. The Col de la Madeleine and Col du Glandon also provide numerous hiking opportunities. Additionally, the area near Feissons-Sur-Isère offers a variety of mountain hikes, including challenging routes like the Pointe de la Grande Combe loop or the Lac de Saint-Guérin – Le Grand Mont loop. You can find more details on these trails in the Mountain Hikes around Feissons-Sur-Isère guide.

The region is a paradise for road cyclists. Beyond the famous climbs like Col de la Madeleine and Col du Glandon, you can explore various routes. For instance, the Col de la Bâthie is part of the Tour du Beaufortain route. There are also extensive road cycling routes available, such as the Beaufort – Beaufort loop or the Magnifique vue – La Chambre loop. More information on these can be found in the Road Cycling Routes around Feissons-Sur-Isère guide.

While not as widely known as the major Tour de France passes, Cormet d'Arêches offers spectacular views, especially towards the high Vanoise, from its altitude of 2,107 meters. It's a wild col with enjoyable running trails stretching in every direction. Another option is Donkey Pass, a rocky saddle at 2,352 meters, providing grand views across the Beaufortain and towards Albertville.

At the summit of Col de l'Iseran, the highest paved mountain pass in the Alps, visitors can enjoy unparalleled views across the glaciers of Val d'Isère and La Vanoise. There's also the chapel of Notre-Dame de la Toute Prudence to explore. Beyond road activities, the area is excellent for mountain biking and hiking, with the steep descent to the south entering the Vanoise National Park.

Visitors frequently praise the breathtaking alpine scenery and the challenging yet rewarding experiences offered by these passes. Cyclists appreciate the demanding climbs and the sense of accomplishment, often describing passes like Col de la Madeleine as 'beautiful, but heartbreaking'. Hikers and nature enthusiasts enjoy the stunning vistas, picturesque villages, and the opportunity to see natural features like Lac de Roselend and even Mont Blanc on clear days.

Many passes offer incredible photographic opportunities. The Cormet de Roselend is particularly picturesque with its vibrant turquoise Lac de Roselend contrasted against rugged mountain peaks. The Col de l'Iseran provides dramatic high-altitude landscapes with glaciers and the Vanoise National Park. Even passes like Lakes Pass, with its small bodies of water and panoramic views of the Beaufortain peaks, are highly recommended for capturing stunning alpine scenery.