{"id":26756,"date":"2026-10-09T13:13:53","date_gmt":"2026-10-09T11:13:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.camping-eden-savoie.com\/?p=26756"},"modified":"2026-10-09T13:13:54","modified_gmt":"2026-10-09T11:13:54","slug":"col-de-la-madeleine","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.camping-eden-savoie.com\/en\/travel-guide\/col-de-la-madeleine\/","title":{"rendered":"Col de la Madeleine: hikes and views of Mont Blanc"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Col de la Madeleine<\/strong>, perched at 2,000<\/strong> metres<\/strong> (1,993 m to be exact), is a giant linking the Tarentaise<\/strong> to the Maurienne<\/strong>. It is a unique site in the Alps<\/strong> and an unmissable crossing point<\/strong>. Via the north side<\/strong>, it is quickly reached by guests at our campsite in Savoie<\/a>, in Landry. Looking for an escape? This legendary place rewards you with a direct view of Mont Blanc<\/strong> during your hikes or bike rides<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

A legendary pass on the Route des Grandes Alpes<\/h2>\n

The Col de la Madeleine<\/strong> built its reputation through the Tour de France<\/strong>: first used in 1969, it has already been crossed 28 times by the race, most recently in 2025. Epic duels on its slopes have marked the history of cycling<\/strong>. Why such success? The scenery is breathtaking. From your mountain campsite<\/a>, this viewpoint is 47 km away. The view stretches to the Vanoise massif and the neighbouring peaks, rivalling the Col de la Croix<\/strong> de Fer<\/strong> or the Col du Glandon<\/strong> in beauty.<\/p>\n

Hikers’ reviews of the Col de la Madeleine<\/strong> are very positive. They highlight the splendid view of the Alps<\/strong>, the panoramic access and the many picturesque bends<\/strong>. Many recommend it by bike or on foot, while acknowledging that the climb<\/strong> is long and the gradient<\/strong> unforgiving.<\/p>\n

The cycling challenges of the Col de la Madeleine<\/h2>\n

Ready for the climb up this legendary pass<\/strong>? The bike routes are a real test for your legs, with a formidable average gradient<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

The north side climb (from the Tarentaise)<\/h3>\n

Starting from Feissons-sur-Is\u00e8re<\/strong> (466 m), you set off on the climb up the Col de la Madeleine<\/strong>. The north side, more bucolic than the south, crosses forests and alpine meadows before revealing pastures with spectacular views.<\/p>\n

The average gradient<\/strong> is deceptive, as it is very irregular. After demanding early slopes alternating sections at 8-10%, you tackle the last hairpins before reaching the top and enjoying the Banquise terrace<\/strong>, a must-visit spot on the pass.<\/p>\n

Distance: 25.9 km; Ascent: 1,617 m; Average gradient: 6.5%; Level: beyond category<\/em><\/p>\n

The south side climb (from the Maurienne)<\/h3>\n

From La Chambre<\/strong>, the climb up the south side via Montgellafrey<\/strong> (100 km from the campsite) is more open and panoramic than the direct route.<\/p>\n

After a smooth start, the gradient quickly sets in with a long section at 9.5% before a first respite in the village. A second steep section precedes a last flat stretch, then the road reaches Longchamp 1650<\/strong> before joining the common final section to the pass.<\/p>\n

This section of the Col de la Madeleine from La Chambre is<\/strong> a Tour de France<\/strong> classic, which is why we recommend it to enthusiasts, despite the distance.<\/p>\n

Distance: 19.7 km; Ascent: 1,519 m; Average gradient: 7.7%; Max gradient: 11.5%; Difficulty: very difficult<\/em><\/p>\n

3 hikes from the Col de la Madeleine<\/h2>\n

Looking for a hike at the Col de la Madeleine<\/strong>? Here are 3 routes with panoramic views of the Alps.<\/p>\n

Lac des Tritons<\/h3>\n

From the large car park at the Col de la Madeleine<\/strong>, reached from the Tarentaise<\/strong>, set off to discover Lac des Tritons<\/strong> (2,025 metres), famous for its newts in spring. The trail goes around the Les Deux Mazots<\/strong> bar-cr\u00eaperie, then crosses pastures and stony valleys before reaching the lake. The return follows a path below the lake, leading straight back to the car park. An easy, family-friendly walk, ideal for enjoying peaceful alpine nature.<\/p>\n

Distance: 4 km; Duration: 1 h; Ascent: 50 m; Level: easy.<\/em><\/p>\n

Col de la Madeleine via the Valmorel ridge<\/h3>\n

Take the Altispace chairlift in Valmorel<\/strong>, 38 km from our holiday rentals. Then follow the pasture track past Les Voiles du Nant<\/strong> to the Altisurface. Continue to the Morel chairlift<\/strong>, then climb to the top of the Madeleine chairlift<\/strong> to enjoy a panoramic view.<\/p>\n

Then descend to the Col de la Madeleine<\/strong>, cross the Rave valley and follow the Eau Rousse valley. Finally, pass by the Petit Mucillon<\/strong>, the Biard plateau and the ruins of La P\u00e9cy before returning to your starting point.<\/p>\n

Distance: 16.69 km; Duration: 6 h 50; Ascent\/descent: +716 m \/ -716 m; Difficulty: difficult.<\/em><\/p>\n

The Cheval Noir<\/h3>\n

From the Col de la Madeleine<\/strong>, which we recommend reaching via La L\u00e9ch\u00e8re<\/strong>, take the track leading to the ski lifts. Then turn onto a small path that skirts the grassy shoulder before reaching the Col du Cheval Noir<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

The climb<\/strong> continues through rocky steps and boulder fields to the summit (2,832 metres), which rewards you with an exceptional panorama over the Lauzi\u00e8re<\/strong>, the Vanoise<\/strong>, Mont Blanc<\/strong> and much more. The return follows the same route, for a demanding but grandiose hike.<\/p>\n

Ascent: 910 m; Duration: 5 h 30; Difficulty: moderate.<\/em><\/p>\n