Col de la Madeleine, Mountain pass in Savoie, France
Col de la Madeleine is a mountain pass in the French Alps connecting La Léchère to La Chambre at roughly 2,000 meters elevation. The road winds through steep slopes and open grasslands offering views across the valleys below.
Monks from Tamié abbey used the high pastures around 1100 and built a chapel dedicated to Mary Magdalene. The modern road developed gradually, with Spanish Civil War refugees contributing to its construction in the 1930s before paving was completed decades later.
The chapel at the summit honors Mary Magdalene, a figure that gave the pass its name and reflects the spiritual connections medieval travelers sought in these high places.
The road is passable during warmer months with basic facilities available at the summit including parking and refreshment options. Visitors should prepare for changing weather and wear sturdy footwear if walking around the high terrain.
Kilometer markers placed along the route show current elevation and gradient percentages, helping cyclists track their progress up the mountain. These markers turn the climb into a measurable challenge with regular feedback on physical effort.
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