Although not officially a mountain pass, the ascent to La Toussuire is no less iconic.
From Saint Jean de Maurienne to La Toussuire plateau, 1,239 metres of altitude difference and 15 km of bends lead to the alpine pastures of Sybelles, the highest resort. Located at an altitude of 1,800m, La Toussuire was one of the first ski resorts. Its history quickly became part of cycling tradition, with professional and amateur cycling events being hosted here.
Thus, from the end of the 1970s, the “La Toussuire loop” afforded amateur cyclists the opportunity of a circular ride around the resort in the summer. In the 1980s, Belgians put the resort in the spotlight with the “Bruges-Mont Ventoux” race and its La Toussuire stage.
Then came the Tour de France, which featured this ascent twice. Starting from Bourg d’Oisans, the 2006 stage was won by the Rasmussen, of Denmark, following Floyd Landis’ terrible failure. In 2012, the stage started in Albertville, and was won by French rider Pierre Rolland. That same year, the resort hosted the first section of the Tour stage. More than 5,000 amateur cyclists crossed the finish line in La Toussuire.T
wo finishing stages of the Tour des Pays de Savoie (2009 and 2013), and the first high altitude finishing stage of the Critérium du Dauphiné (2011) complete this list.
It took 84 years to build this road, which you can now climb. The road loops through Villarembert and Le Corbier.
While striving to reach the top, be sure to look up and admire the magnificent panoramas along the way. The Aiguilles d’Arves, with their blue sky backdrop, the alpine pasture landscapes, Fontcouverte church down below, and many authentic, typical hamlets, can be admired.
From Saint-Jean-de-Maurienne, head towards Arvan Valley and then La Toussuire.
Total distance: 15.6 km
Maximum altitude: 1,690 m
Average Altitude: 1,128 m
Difference in altitude: + 1,239 m – 120 m
Medium Slope: 8.6 %
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