Col de La Croix de Fer (2067m)

On a sunny summer weekend this summit feels like the center of cycle racing culture of the western Alps. It's not only a center of Tour de France activity but also a popular hangout spot and finish point of many a private rivalry between friends, not to mention many other organized races other than the Tour.

360° panoramic views of les Aiguilles d'Arves are your reward when you get to the top of the Col de la Croix de Fer, three glaciated horns reaching between 3200 and 3300m provide stunning scenery. It follows the same route as the Col du Glandon until the last 5km where you peel off; a more relaxed slope but taking you 143m higher than the Glandon, and to the edge of the next valley… an optional extra but a worthy detour.

The Croix de Fer opened in 1912 and has featured 16 times since its first inclusion in the 1947 Tour de France.

If this has not quenched your thirst for exhilaration you can continue along the Col de Toussuire and further still to the Col du Mollard. Or why not try the road Above Chalmieu after/before.