A region of major mountain passes and a long-standing partner of Route des Grandes Alpes®, Maurienne Galibier is one of the 30 regions selected for the first cohort of the ‘Destination France à vélo’ scheme. This national recognition further cements cycling’s place in the region’s identity and tourism strategy.
Unveiled on 1 October 2026 in Nancy, during the 2nd Cycling & Walking Network, the 30 winners were selected as part of the ‘Destinations France à vélo’ call for expressions of interest. Launched in spring 2026 by the Directorate-General for Enterprises (DGE), in partnership with France Vélo and the Cycling & Walking Network, this initiative forms part of the national strategy for the development of cycle tourism.
From the Télégraphe to the Galibier: a cyclist’s paradise
For cyclists travelling along the Route des Grandes Alpes®, the Maurienne Galibier region is an unmissable destination. First, you’ll cross the Col du Télégraphe, at an altitude of 1,566 metres, before continuing on to Valloire and tackling one of the route’s iconic climbs: the Col du Galibier at 2,642 metres.
But here, cycling is not just about the major mountain passes and the most competitive cyclists. Road cycling, mountain biking, e-MTBs, long-distance touring or a more leisurely exploration of the region: the range of activities is growing, as are the services on offer. Bike hire and repair shops, instructors, charging points for e-bikes, parking and repair facilities, accommodation providers and service providers committed to the ‘Accueil Vélo’ scheme are all contributing to this momentum.
This cycling culture is also reflected in the many events hosted in the region: the Tour de France, the Galibier Challenge, Galibier aux vélos, the Marmotte Granfondo Alpes and the Étape du Tour. Last September, Saint-Michel-de-Maurienne also hosted the Concours de Machines, an event dedicated to the craftsmanship of frame-builders.
Two years to go even further
The ‘Destination France à vélo’ award now marks the start of a new phase. For two years, Maurienne Galibier, like the other winning regions, will receive support aimed at boosting its profile and continuing to develop its cycling offering.
The aim is twofold: to raise awareness of the destination amongst French and European visitors, whilst also bringing local stakeholders closer together around cycle tourism.
This ambition fits naturally into a region where cycling is not only a tourist activity but also a cultural practice and an integral part of the mountain landscape’s collective imagination.
Six towns at the heart of the Maurienne
Maurienne Galibier comprises the towns of Saint-Michel-de-Maurienne, Saint-Martin-d’Arc, Saint-Martin-la-Porte, Valloire, Valmeinier and Orelle.
A mountain destination in both summer and winter, the region boasts two of the most famous mountain passes in the Alps: the Télégraphe and the Galibier. Two names that are enough to set cyclists’ hearts racing… and which have long placed Maurienne Galibier on the map as a major cycling destination.