Roche du Grand Galibier, Alpine summit in Dauphiné Alps, France.
Roche du Grand Galibier is an alpine summit in the Dauphiné Alps standing at 2599 meters with steep slopes and rocky terrain. The peak demands careful route-finding and technical skill for those ascending it.
A passable road was constructed in 1876 creating a vital link between the Maurienne and Briançon regions. This route became crucial for trade and communication across the Alps.
The summit holds meaning in cycling culture as the site where competitors strive for the Souvenir Henri Desgrange prize. This award has become one of the most demanding honors in professional cycling.
The ascent from Saint-Michel-de-Maurienne is a long and demanding journey requiring good physical conditioning and preparation. Visitors should be ready to handle changing weather conditions and sustained climbing.
A tunnel built at 2556 meters in 1976 served as the sole passage for decades. A new road to the summit was eventually opened in 2002, changing how people could reach this point.
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