In the town of La Léchère les Bains, the Col de la Madeleine is a link between the valleys of the Tarentaise and the Maurienne. True place of pilgrimage for cycling aficionados from all over the world located at an altitude of 1990 m.
The Col de la Madeleine has been climbed no less than 26 times in the history of the Tour de France. Its ascent is often decisive as to the future of the future winner...
On the northern slope, starting from La Léchère-les-Bains, the road is picturesque and crosses many small villages such as Bonneval or Celliers that one would think hung on the mountain. However, this picture-postcard landscape does not make you forget that the pass is classified out of category...
On your arrival on the site, an orientation table and a belvedere will allow you to find your way around. In the heart of the Lauzière massif dominated by the Grand Pic de la Lauzière, at the foot of the Cheval Noir, magnificent panorama of Mont-Blanc on the Tarentaise side and on the Aiguilles d'Arves on the Maurienne side.
A collar also popular with bikers. Find out about the opening of the pass in spring on the Valmorel site.
The Col de la Madeleine is also the starting point for several walks. The Lauzière chain is classified as a Natura 2000 site. It is also possible to reach the pass on foot from Valmorel Village by taking the ski lifts (Altispace chairlift) then by walking for about 2 hours or from Doucy-station by taking the Combelouvière chairlift and the Celliers gondola then walking for 2 hours. For ski lifts, check the days and hours of operation at the tourist office.
Departing from the Logis des Fées refuge set at 1839 m in Lauzière above the village of Celliers, and accessible by car, do not miss the paravalanche trail inaugurated in 2019. 2h or 1h for less athletic, to know everything about avalanches and protection. Brochures available at tourist offices.
Do not miss the Léa and Niels farm at the foot of the Celliers cable car for their delicious goat cheeses and the Pachu sheepfold with its tasty sheep cheeses and yogurts.
The Col de la Madeleine is closed in winter. It is a pleasant ski slope to reach the two mountain restaurants open until October.
