Valloire, an energizing resort and authentic village, between the Telegraphe and Galibier mountains
Massif des Cerces
Vallée de la Maurienne
Département et Région : Savoie and Auvergne Rhône-Alpes (AURA)
Main passes : col du Galibier, col du Télégraphe
Étape sur Route des Grandes Alpes® : Val-Cenis / Valloire, Valloire / Briançon, variant Saint-François-Longchamp / Valloire
Gravel Route des Grandes Alpes® stage: Valloire / Briançon
Summary
- Suggestions for cycling loops
- Our major mountain passes
- Events cycling events
- Biking in Valloire
- Summer in Valloire
- Other seasons
- Other events
- Testimonials
- FAQ
- Access
- Contacts
- Other villages and resorts near Valloire
Suggestions for cycling loops around Valloire
Our grands cols
The col du Galibier, situated at an altitude of 2642 meters, is one of the most emblematic passes in the French Alps. Famous for its imposing scenery and slopes, it is a veritable symbol of cycling culture. For over a century, it has attracted cyclists from all over the world, offering a physical and mental challenge. It's an essential part of the Tour de France, often marking the decisive stages of the competition.
The Col du Télégraphe, stands at an altitude of 1566 meters, offering spectacular panoramic views over the surrounding valleys. Although less famous than the Galibier, the Télégraphe is nonetheless an essential part of the Alpine cycling route. Its ascent, often combined with that of the Galibier, represents a formidable challenge for cyclists, contributing to its renown in the cycling world. The pass bears the emblematic name of Fort du Télégraphe. Built between 1885 and 1893, the site is one of the relays of the Chappe aerial telegraph on the imperial Paris-Milan line.
Cycling events in Valloire
- Galibier Challenge: take on the challenge of the col du Galibier on June 08, 2025 during this high-mountain cyclosportive. Challenge yourself on the mythical slopes of the Galibier and discover breathtaking snow-covered landscapes in the heart of the Alps. The finish at the pass surrounded by walls of snow is grandiose!
- Le Galibier aux Vélos: do you dream of doing the col du Galibier without having to worry about cars and motorcycles? Then come and take part in this event on June 30, July 17 and August 5, 2025. Enjoy a day dedicated to cycling in a friendly atmosphere.
- Cyclosportive Le Pape Marmotte Granfondo Alpes: on Saturday June 22, 2025, come and cheer on the riders of this prestigious event. On the program, 186 km through the passes of the Alps, including the Glandon, the Telegraph, the Galibier, the Lautaret and l'Alpe d’Huez.
- XTRIA Valloire-Galibier: on July 6, 2025, Valloire will host the very first edition of a unique kind of triathlon, run entirely at an altitude of over 2,000 meters.
Cycling in Valloire
Valloire and the Galibier pass are a must-see stopover among the 17 passes covered by Route des Grandes Alpes ®.
In Valloire, cycling is much more than just a means of transport. It's a real passion, rooted in our village's DNA. Whether you're a fan of winding roads and mythical passes, Gravel or mountain biking, Valloire offers an infinite playground for cyclists of all levels.
In the heart of the French Alps, our iconic passes: the col du Galibier and the col du Télégraphe are not just sporting challenges, but also witnesses to the history of cycling. Crossed time and again by Tour de France riders, these mythical cols imbue the atmosphere of our region with an aura of legend.
Every year, Valloire hosts popular events such as the Marmotte Granfondo Alpes, attracting thousands of international cyclists to challenge the slopes of our Alpine passes.
Our policy in favor of electric bikes is reflected in our infrastructure, with electric charging stations to enable cyclists to extend their adventures without limits. Our routes are well maintained and an app dedicated to outdoor sports in Valloire makes it easy to choose and enjoy the trails.
Valloire is the ideal place to live out your cycling passion in a spectacular setting. For more information on our routes, events and services dedicated to cycling, consult our official website!
Summer in Valloire
Nested between two iconic passes, the Telegraphe and the Galibier, Valloire is an unspoilt haven of peace in the Alps. At an altitude of 1,430 meters, this charming resort-village is home to a friendly population of 1,100 inhabitants, carefully guarding its rich historical and cultural heritage. In summer, Valloire is a cool oasis punctuated by cultural and artistic events, giving it a friendly, dynamic atmosphere.
Each week is punctuated by large-scale, original events such as the International Straw and Hay Sculpture Competition in June, the Valloire Festival Baroque week dedicated to classical music, the Highline festival featuring mountain sports, or the Pic Sonne, which will delight rock music fans. Concerts, markets and events take place throughout the season, to the delight of sports enthusiasts and families alike.
In addition to cycling and hiking, Valloire offers a multitude of outdoor activities: husky discovery will delight animal lovers, climbing and via ferrata for the daring, refreshing canyoning and ruisseling, and even paragliding to fly over majestic peaks. Between breathtaking scenery and adventure, summer in Valloire promises an authentic and unforgettable getaway.
Coming back in winter
Winter in Valloire is synonymous with varied pleasures on the 160 Km of ski runs and a friendly, festive atmosphere. The village resort appeals to both experienced winter sports enthusiasts and families. Downhill skiing takes pride of place on the resort's ski slopes, while Nordic and cross-country skiers can explore the marked trails through snow-covered landscapes. Biathlon, giant zip lines, snowshoeing and Mountain Karting offer a variety of activities for all levels and tastes. Valloire also offers the chance to discover its rich cultural and historical heritage, as well as its comforting mountain gastronomy.
Other events
Valloire, a dynamic destination, offers a rich calendar of major events in both summer and winter. Between the International Straw and Hay Sculpture Competition, baroque (Valloire Baroque) and rock (Le Pic Sonne) music festivals, prestigious sporting competitions like the Galibier-Thabor Trail, as well as traditional festivals and patronal celebrations... Valloire is the place where culture, sport and conviviality meet.
In winter, the resort is transformed into a white paradise from December onwards with the Magical Christmas festivities. January sees the events that have made the resort internationally famous: the International Ice and Snow Sculpture Competitions. Downhill skiing, Nordic skiing, biathlon and other winter activities offer visitors unforgettable moments, enriched by the warm atmosphere of the chalets and après-ski entertainment.
Services
A true mountain village, Valloire boasts a wealth of services and shops. Year-round market, mini-markets, butchers, farms, caterers, cheese shops, bakeries, pastry shops... You'll find everything you need during your stay.
The Office de Tourisme de Valloire is open all year round, with staff on hand to answer your questions and help you organize your stay.
A wide range of accommodation to suit all tastes and budgets, from luxury hotels to traditional chalets and apartments. You can also find vacation rental agencies and reservation centers to help you find the perfect accommodation for your stay.
Good news for electric vehicle owners, Valloire has several electric charging stations where you can recharge your vehicle (car and bike).
It's great to live in Valloire all year round!
The map
The map
10 Alternative stage Saint-François-Longchamp / Valloire
12 Val Cenis / Valloire
15 Valloire / Briançon
Testimonials
Here we are, week in Valloire over and once again this year a real pleasure to stroll around, hiking, drinking a good beer (Galibier of course! Matchut obviously my favorite) with a 360° view) listening to Rock music and many other pleasures and good times! See you next year! Virginie
The Col du Galibier, my first big climb by bike from Valloire, to see the Tour de France
I was 14 ...and a ratty bike...But what a memory arriving up there, between 2 walls of snow!!!. Claude
Beautiful mountain village, beautiful hike nice guides who shared with us their love for this beautiful heritage I still have a memory as blue as the lakes! Edith
Very beautiful region, very beautiful resort, there's plenty to do even in summer, hiking, zip-lining, mountain kard etc.... friendly and welcoming shopkeepers, convivial restaurant where you can eat very well, I loved many memories shared with my family during 15 days unfortunately ended on Saturday. See you soon in Valloire. Christelle
We spent 2 superb weeks with the ascent of 2 peaks to 3000m and the Galibier by bike 🚵♀️, can't wait to go back this winter. Dan
FAQ
What world-class events is Valloire the only French resort to organize?
Valloire is the only one to organize 3 original competitions: The International Ice Sculpture Competition, The International Snow Sculpture Competition and The International Straw and Hay Sculpture Competition. The winter competitions take place in January, and the Straw and Hay competition is held at the end of June.
Valloire is surrounded by two internationally renowned mountain passes, which ones?
The col du Galibier and the col du Télégraphe frame Valloire.
Has Valloire ever been a stage for the Tour de France?
Valloire has been a Tour de France stopover town 3 times (2024 included), but riders know the destination well as it has been crossed 60 times since the Tour de France was founded, the col du Galibier and the col du Télégraphe among the flagship passes.
Access
Summer road access
- From the north: freeway (A43) from St Michel de Maurienne + D902
- From the south: D902 and Col du Galibier
Winter road access
- From the north: freeway (A43) from St Michel de Maurienne + D902
SNCF train and bus stations:
Numerous direct train connections to stations near Valloire
- Saint Michel de Maurienne + bus or cabs to Village center
- Saint Jean de Maurienne + bus or cabs to Village center
- Saint Jean de Maurienne + bus or cabs to Valloire Village
- Modane + bus or cab to Village center
Free shuttles between Valloire and its hamlets
A free shuttle service to help you get around on your winter and summer vacations in Valloire! 8 lines make it easy to get around.
Contacts
Valloire Tourisme
☎ 04 79 59 03 96 www.valloire.net
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