Col du Télégraphe

It is imperative to pass the test of the Telegraph before facing the Galibier. The name telegraph is strange but the explanation of this name is quite simple: this pass of medium category with an altitude of 1,565 meters, takes its name from the fort which was built there between 1885 and 1893.

This fort no longer exists today. The telegraph relay will instead offer you refreshments, supplies and meals.

The Col du Télégraphe (1566 m) is the upstream pass on the north side of the Col du Galibier.

The Col du Télégraph is, so to speak, the "pre-pass" of the much more prestigious Galibier, but even if it stands in its shadow: nothing works without it if you want to conquer the big brother. Speaking of which: if both dishes are too hard for you, you can spend the night in Valloire at 1,400 meters and tackle the Galibier the next day.

Actually only the Vorpass to the Galibier and therefore absolutely recommendable.

A must for cyclists ...

A regular pass (from memory 7 to 8% all along), well shaded, which gives access to Valloire and Galibier.
A standpipe halfway up the slope!
And a very appreciable coffee at the top ;)

the Telegraphe is only used by many as a warm-up for the Galibier, but it is also a very challenging and beautiful mountain in its own right

Magnificent climb, nice Valloire, the exceptional Galibier, grandiose

A pass with nothing special - and little or no clearance to admire the valley - except that it takes you to Valloire for the breathtaking ascent of Galibier.

Bit much traffic but yes, by all means drive up. Not too steep, lots of shade, good road.

Super nice up here! Later, after the short descent to the start of the Col du Galibier, a beautiful display of straw and wire.
Must see!
Don't forget to fill up with water because the uphill takes forever!

Great pass! Definitely take a break before the Col du Galibier and strengthen yourself!

The warm up to full climb with galibier to follow.

First, go up the telegraph as warm up. Still moderate but very good to drive. Afterwards you can drive through a canyon straight up to the big Galibier. After the canyon comes a strong steep wall. This is cycling on sacred ground

"Foothill" to the Galibier. Since I drove to the goal of the tour stage 2019 in Valloire, unfortunately it did not go on to the Galibier. Funny straw copy of the Geant de Tourmalet on the summit.

A heavy warm up before you reach the galbier climb

Finally quite "simple" this collar of the telegraph ... The big "piece" is after with the Galibier

Great 13 km average 7% climb

Unmissable in the region. Launching ramp to the Col du Galibier.

From here you can get to the Galibier. In the other direction you have the opportunity to take a fantastic descent

Short stopover of this Télégraphe to then tackle the actual pass.