Col de l'Iseran
Headline climb from Val d'Isère that is stuff of legend
The cols here are all world famous, thanks to the rather well known road race, the Tour de France.
Col de l'Iseran
This col is one of the most famous and challenging road bike climbs in the French Alps. At 2,764m, it is the highest paved mountain pass in the Alps, making it a legendary route for cyclists. It often features as part of a stage in the Tour de France, adding to its prestige among road cycling enthusiasts.
Can be tackled from down in Bourg-Saint-Maurice or from Val d'Isère
From Bourg-Saint-Maurice
Distance: ~48km
Elevation gain: ~1,955m
Average gradient: 4.1% (but steeper in sections)
Key features:
- a long but steady climb with breathtaking views
- passes through Val d’Isère, a famous ski resort (see more below)
- some tunnels and avalanche protection structures
- the final stretch is exposed and can be affected by wind
From Val d'Isère
Distance: ~17km
Elevation gain: ~895m
Average gradient: ~5.3%
Key features:
- starts around 1,850m the route climbs through wide, open landscapes to the summit
- less steep climb, but still exposed with altitude
Tip: ride early in the day to avoid summer storms and bring layers - it's often cold and windy at the top, even in summer
Jump to
Cycle hire
Bike Hire in Val d'Isere
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Mountain bike hire
Discover the freedom of the mountains on premium e-bikes, with convenient hire locations and expert equipment to suit adults and juniors alike. From helmets to lessons, they've got everything you need for an unforgettable ride.
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Mountain bike hire
Discover the beauty of the Vanoise National Park and the Tignes-Val d’Isère bike park on their electric-assist mountain bikes. Safety gear included, plus supervised courses for all skill levels - perfect for families and adventurers alike.
What to see
Sights in Val d'Isere
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Musee Val d’Histoire
Opened in December 2017 and located in the heart of Val d'Isère, the renovated Maison de Val hosts a museum dedicated to the history of the area.
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La Maison de Val
Community space with libraries, cinema, free WiFi and exhibitions about local history.
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Vanoise National Park
The Vanoise National Park is one of the highlights of the Tarentaise region.
Where to lunch
Restaurants in Val d’Isere
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La Petite Cuisine Restaurant
La Petite Cuisine is La Folie Douce's gourmet-quality, canteen-style restaurant. They serve a perfect mix of high-class local cuisine in a friendly, family atmosphere.
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La Cucùcina Restaurant
Located at the top of the Daille bubble, within the celebrated La Folie Douce hotspot, enjoy gourmet Italian cuisine prepared by a renowned chef and his Italian team.
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La Fruitière Restaurant
Located at the top of the Daille bubble, within the celebrated La Folie Douce après-ski and gourmet hotspot, La Fruitière serves delicious modern dishes based on traditional flavours.
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La Baraque Restaurant
Restaurant open with live music in the winter season. They serve classic French cuisine.
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Arctic Juice & Café
Organic coffee, cold-pressed juices and healthy meals are all this cafe is about. The place to recharge before venturing out into the mountains.
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L'Etincelle Restaurant
Enjoy lunch on the large terrace on sunny days, or in the evening settle into the welcoming and stylish dining area and enjoy the laid-back ambiance.
What to do
Things To Do in Val d’Isere
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EMTB on snow
Try something new this winter with a guided e-bike session on snow (from eight years old). Join a sunrise ride above Val d’Isère or hire an electric bike in the afternoon and head off on your own adventure.
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Guided snowshoe hikes
Discover the charm of snowshoeing and venture to parts of the mountains even skiers don't go.
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Paragliding Flights
See the village and mountains from a different perspective and fly with the eagles.
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Wilderness Evening & Fondue Dinner
An evening adventure in the woods of Les Boisses, Tignes
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Dog Sledding
Sledding tours and adventures in the Tarentaise.
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Swimming pool and sports centre
The swimming pool and sports centre in Val d'Isère offers swimming, climbing, gym/fitness, squash, indoor football, volleyball, a bar for refreshments for you to enjoy and a children's play area.
