La Marmotte Granfondo: Route in detail
There are granfondos… and there is La Marmotte. This legendary tour in the French Alps is the ultimate challenge for many cyclists. The Marmotte Granfondo route takes you over four of the most famous Alpine cols from the Tour de France, with a finish on top of the mythical one Alpe d'Huez.
If you like heroic climbs, frequent views and the real Alpine feeling, this ride should definitely be on your bucket list.
The Marmotte Granfondo route in numbers
- Go Bourg d'Oisans
- Distance: 174 km
- Altitude meters: ± 5,000 m
- Climbs: Col du Glandon, Col du Télégraphe, Col du Galibier and Alpe d'Huez
- Maximum height: 2,642 m (Galibier summit)
In short: this is not a Sunday ride. The Marmotte Granfondo route is a day full of suffering, enjoyment and pure satisfaction.
The route in detail
1️⃣ Col du Glandon – the warm-up that isn't
After the start Bourg d'Oisans it starts immediately: more than 26 kilometers of climbing to the Col du Glandon (1,924m). The average gradient is 5.2%, but the last kilometer easily reaches 10%. The views are phenomenal – but save your legs, this is just the beginning.
2️⃣ Col du Télégraphe – finding rhythm
After a fast descent towards Saint-Michel-de-Maurienne the Telegraph Pass (1,566m). This climb is 11.8 km long and has an average gradient of 7.3%.
It's a climb through the woods – perfect for finding your rhythm. At the top, a short descent awaits Valloire, where you can even refuel.
3️⃣ Col du Galibier – the roof of the Marmotte
From Valloire the real test begins: the Col du Galibier (2,642m).
- length: 17.5 km
- Average gradient: 6.9%
- Last 8 km: above 8% average
This is the roof of the Marmotte – literally. The air becomes thin, the legs burn, but the view makes up for everything. Once at the top you feel invincible.
The descent via the Col du Lautaret towards Bourg d'Oisans is long and fast. You are tired, so concentration is extra important here.
4️⃣ Alpe d'Huez – the final with 21 bends
And then… the most famous climb of all. From Bourg d'Oisans you drive the Alpe d'Huez at: 13.8 km with 21 numbered hairpin bends and an average gradient of 8.1%.
The atmosphere is magical – supporters, music and general riders cheering each other on. Turn 7 is legendary (the Dutch public always parties here), but the real excitement only comes at the finish line above.
There, on top of Alpe d'Huez, you invisible: you have the Marmotte Granfondo route conquered!
Tips for riders who are going to ride the Marmotte
- Train on long climbs. The Marmotte is not extremely tough, but the duration and succession of cols will break you if you are not normally bent on mountains.
- Eat and drink constantly. Cycling at altitude for more than 6 hours requires a constant supply of energy.
- Use compact resistance. Think of 34×32 or even lighter. Pride won't help you move up an inch.
- Don't forget your descent. Especially after the Galibier it is technical, with a risk of cold - take a windbreaker with you.
Why you should ride this Granfondo
The Marmotte Granfondo route is not only a physical challenge, but also a mental journey. From the first light in Bourg d'Oisans to the last bend on Alpe d'Huez: every kilometer tells a story.
Anyone who rides the Marmotte is part of a tradition – a pilgrimage for cyclists who know what suffering means, but also what enjoyment means.
So, put it on your list, plan the trip and find out why La Marmotte still the queen of the Granfondos he is exactly.
👉 Optimally be at the start in advance View our package for La Marmotte Granfondo and experience an unforgettable cycling adventure in the French Alps!