The loop of the passes

This route is available on the "Vélo en Oisans" map (Oisans Tourisme)

Start/Finish (loop): Bourg d’Oisans 720 m
Duration: 7 hrs 30 mins
Distance: 150 km
Maximum elevation: 2,071 m
Minimum elevation: 463 m
Elevation gain: 3,820 m
Maximum gradient: 13%

Map: Michelin Departmental Map of Isère and Savoie, No. 333

ITINERARY
From Bourg d’Oisans, take the D1091 toward Grenoble.
At Rochetaillée, follow the signs for “Allemond / Col du Glandon – Col de la Croix de Fer.”
As you leave Allemond, climb the two hairpin turns to reach the top of the Verney Dam. At the end of the dam, follow the signs for “Col du Glandon – Col de la Croix de Fer” as you ride along Lake Verney.
At the end of the lake, begin a steady climb to Rivier d’Allemond. In Rivier, take a short break before descending back down to the valley floor and continuing on with a strenuous climb to Grand’ Maison Lake.
Once you reach the lake, the steep-sided valley gives way to beautiful alpine pastures. Continue at a more leisurely pace to the Col du Glandon (1,924 m).
Cross the pass and continue on the D927 to Saint-Étienne-de-Cuines; once in the town center, turn toward Sainte-Marie-de-Cuines on the D74. Go under the highway, then turn right onto the D1006 toward Saint-Jean-de-Maurienne. At the first roundabout, follow the sign for “Saint-Jean-de-Maurienne / Col de la Croix de Fer” on the D906. Drive through Saint-Jean-de-Maurienne, following the signs for “Vallée de l’Arvan.” To get to Albiez-le-Jeune, follow the signs for “Torino / St-Michel-de-Maurienne”; once in the industrial zone, look for the sign for “Albiez-le-Jeune” (D81).
Head up to Albiez-le-Jeune via the D80, passing Albiez-le-Vieux and the Col du Mollard (1,638 m) until you reach the D926, which you’ll follow all the way to the Col de la Croix de Fer.
Once you reach the Col de la Croix de Fer (2,067 m), you’ve reached the highest point of your route. All that’s left is to coast down to Bourg d’Oisans, following the signs for “Col du Glandon” and then “Allemond.” You’ll then rejoin the road you took on the way there.

ALTERNATIVE ROUTE: Through the Arvan Valley
From Saint Jean de Maurienne, head toward “Centre ville / Vallée de l’Arvan.” At the roundabout featuring a giant Opinel knife, follow the D926 toward “Col de la Croix de Fer.” This route is 10 km shorter than the one via the Col du Mollard (D80), but the tunnels and frequent roadwork can make this route more tedious.
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Distance: 15 km
Duration: 2 hours
Elevation gain: 922 m

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