Famous Cycling Climbs in France: Alps, Provence and Pyrenees

France’s famous climbs: Alpe d’Huez, the Galibier, Mont Ventoux and the Tourmalet, with length, gradient and links to full guides.

By Jonathan Ciaccio November 10, 2026 1 min read

Front of the Corbah Mont Ventoux Mistral cycling jersey: basalt and slate mountain peaks under a limestone sky with a sunrise-orange line.

France has the climbs the Tour de France made famous. These four are on most riders’ lists, and each has its own full guide.

Strava is a trademark of Strava, Inc. Corbah isn’t connected to Strava; this is our own guide.

The Alps

Alpe d’Huez: 13.8 km at about 8%, with 21 numbered hairpins from Bourg d’Oisans.
Col du Galibier: about 18 km at about 7% from Valloire, to 2,642 m.

Provence

Mont Ventoux from Bédoin: about 21 km at 7.5% to a summit at 1,910 m.

The Pyrenees

Col du Tourmalet: two sides of about 17 to 19 km to 2,115 m.

Back of the Corbah Mont Ventoux Mistral cycling jersey with MONT VENTOUX lettering above the pockets.

Planning a trip

Pick a base: Bourg d’Oisans for the Alpe, Bédoin for Ventoux.
Gear for it: see what gearing you need for hills.
Time it with the racing: see the 2027 race calendar.

More in Europe: famous climbs in Italy and the most legendary climbs in Europe.

What to wear

The Mont Ventoux Mistral jersey was made for Provence. Our Climbs jerseys are drawn from the mountains: the Mont Ventoux Mistral, Contour and TOUGH After the Climb. Each is made to order, with free personalization.

More climbs: famous Strava climbs.

Strava is a trademark of Strava, Inc. Corbah isn’t connected to Strava; this is our own guide.

Written by Jonathan Ciaccio at Corbah

Corbah designs original cycling jerseys and kit, made to order with free personalization on every jersey. Want one that's only yours? Request a free custom design.