The pass marks the boundary between the departments of Savoie and Haute-Savoie.
The mountain was first climbed in the Tour de France by Andrés Gandarias in 1969.
The road was originally constructed in the 1960s to improve accessibility between the two valleys.
It is frequently used as a gateway to the Vanoise National Park.
During the Tour de France, the summit is often used as an 'Hors Catégorie' climb.
Col de la Madeleine is a high mountain pass in the French Alps reaching an elevation of 1,993 meters. It links the Maurienne Valley to the Tarentaise Valley, separating the Beaufortain and Vanoise massifs. The pass is a permanent feature of the Tour de France, having been included in the race over 25 times since its debut in 1969. The ascent from the Maurienne side via La Chambre is considered the more challenging route, covering 19 kilometers with an average gradient of 8%. The summit features a mountain refuge, a restaurant, and a panoramic viewpoint overlooking the surrounding peaks. It serves as a primary transit point for hikers, cyclists, and motorists during the summer months.
The summit marker post next to the road sign displaying the 1,993-meter elevation.
Check local weather forecasts as alpine conditions can change rapidly regardless of the season.
Pack layers even in summer, as temperatures at 2,000 meters are significantly cooler than in the valleys.
If cycling, ensure your bike is equipped with low gearing suitable for sustained steep gradients.
Attempting to drive or cycle to the pass outside of the summer season when the road is closed to public traffic.
Closed to vehicle traffic during winter months due to snow; typically accessible only from late spring through mid-autumn.
