Sunday, August 6, 2023

Col Du Galibier

Next up, on what had already been a pretty good touring day, was the Col du Galibier, a nearly perennial station on the Tour de France, and obviously more traveled by two- than four-wheelers.

Interesting rock pinnacles on the way down from Madeleine

Heading up toward Galibier and its monuments; bicyclistes everywhere

Very popular with moto-enthusiasts too

Note absence of guard rails


The place is a magnet for parasails too: drive to the top, harness up,
take a running leap into the void, and (hopefully) soar


Street scene

Switchback city




A one-lane 130 year old tunnel (re-done in 2002 or so) brings you finally to

The pass, Col du Galibier, and its monument to
Henri Desgrange, founder of the Tour de France

Ever onward and downward; the writing on the road offers 
encouragement to the Tour de France riders of yore



Bicyclistes whizzing by


Celebrating their achievement

The road went ever on from there, but, having now gotten the gist of
the Route des Grandes Alpes, we decided to begin our journey back to
Paris and to spend some more time in Burgundy along the way




And thus we spent the night in a sort of camping aire, with a scene
reminiscent of New Zealand, before turning back north

1 comment:

Tawana said...

Can't even imagine riding a bike up there. I am impressed by those who can, though! The only time I have ever seen herds of sheep like that was in Turkey.