12.2
FIETS
14.4 mi
DISTANCE
5,277 ft
GAINED
6.9 %
AVG. GRADE
FULL CLIMB STATS
INTRO
This is a wonderful and scenic climb near the climbing hub of Saint-Jean-de-Maurienne, France. There are three routes to the Col de la Croix de Fer (Pass of the Cross) and we have charted those in the “Routes in Area” section for this Climb Page. The northern approach to this pass is by far the most difficult of the three and overlaps the entirety of Col du Glandon- East, which is 12.1 miles and 5,000’ (Croix de Fer continues on another 1.8 miles/492’/5.3% from Col du Glandon to its summit).
6.9% average grade (7.3% climb only). The bulk of this climb (68%) is in the 5-10% gradient range while 12% is at 10-15%. The steepest 500 meters is 11.7% at kilometer 11.2%.
See more details and tools regarding this climb's grade via the “Profile Tool” button.
Roadway: The first 1.8 kilometers are on a narrow and residential D927 Saint-Etienne-de-Cuines, and the next 18.6 kilometers are still on D927 but in more rural and agricultural settings. The roadway is in fair to good condition and never has a shoulder. The remaining three kilometers are on good pavement and runs above a shallow canyon in a very rural setting ending at one of the great French cycling finishes.
Traffic: Mild.
Parking: There are spots to park in open spaces on D927, 400 meters northeast of the climb start (Map; Street View).
Provisions: There are several places to eat and drink along the climb - Chalet Col du Glandon (Google Map + Reviews) at kilometer 20.3 before beginning up to the Col de la Croix de Fer. At the summit is Bar Restaurant Croix de la Fer - Google Map + Reviews.
Before heading out on any cycling adventure check out our Things to Bring on a Cycling Trip and use our interactive check list to ensure you don't forget anything.
Visit our Saint-Jean-de-Maurienne, France and Le Bourg-d'Oisans, France climb area pages - both are outstanding hubs for cycling many of the most famous bike climbs in the world.
Also, use the “Routes in Area” button on the menu bar to see other bike climbs in this area.
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halibutsteve
We did this as the second part of Col de Glandon East. From the summit of Glandon, Croix de Fer North is an easy 2.4 km. There was much less traffic on this section than the Glandon section...so see our posting of Glandon East. It is definitely worth riding up the extra bit to the top for the additional views and to complete the challenge. The descent from both peaks is fun with the hairpins and the very good road condition. Just don't do it on the weekend!!
