Col de la Croix de Fer

From the Barrage du Verney near Allemont: about 27.5 km at 4.7%; from Saint-Jean-de-Maurienne, about 30 km at 5.1%; summit 2,068 m A long climb whose modest average hides some sharp ramps, reaching 11% on the Oisans side, so do not judge it by the headline figure. It joined the Tour in 1947. Its great advantage for a trip is location: the western side starts in the same valley as Alpe d'Huez, so you can base yourself in Bourg-d'Oisans and ride both. From the Maurienne side you can also turn off partway for the neighboring Col du Glandon.