The Tour de France arrives in Provence at the mythical Col du Granon

“It’s a pass that deserves to be known! We’re proud of it!” proclaims Marine Ferraris, the manager of the Buvette du Granon, the only estaminet on the entire climb of the Granon. The Tour arrives right in front of her house. “It’s from here that we have the most beautiful view of the glaciers. You have to come see us and enjoy a good beer”. It must be said that Marine has ordered 30 barrels of 30 liters and she is not sure if the crowds will consume them. A bet. Especially excitement. 36 years ago, his great-aunt ran the Buvette, the day Greg Lemond finally stole the yellow jersey from Greg Lemond.

On the eve of the passage of the Tour, the Granon was the must-see attraction by all possible means… by bike, on foot… but not in motorhomes stuck at the foot of the pass.

The Scarecrow Granon

The Col du Granon speaks for itself: 2,413 meters above sea level, 11.3 kilometers at 9.2%. Here is a col that has been desired, climbed only twice in the history of the Tour de France. The last arrival dates from 1986. Lionel Zablith is the president of the Briançon cycling club. He lives next door but “I don’t ride it every day” he said laughing. “You should never overestimate yourself, you have to stay humble when you tackle the Granon. It’s a mythical pass. In the last part we are at 12%. You feel alive, the pulse is never low”.

• Many traffic restrictions can be found on the website of the Serre-Chevalier Vallée Briançon tourist office
• Between Saint-Chaffrey and the Col du Lautaret: RD 1091 closed from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m.
• In Saint-Chaffrey, between the foot of the Col du Granon and the North roundabout (wind turbines): access closed from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m.
• In Saint-Chaffrey, between the foot of the pass and the South roundabout (cable car), access closed from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
• Route du Granon, at the foot of the pass at the top, including Villard Laté access: closed from July 12 at 8 p.m. to July 13 at 10 p.m.
• Map of Saint-Chaffrey for the day of July 13
• Map of the ascent of the Granon for the day of July 13
• Map of traffic restrictions Wednesday July 13 Tour de France Stage 11 Albertville / Col du Granon

There will be no shuttle to go up to the Col du Granon, but intramural and free shuttles will be set up in the morning from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. (maximum) and will resume at the end of the day from 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. bus Val St Bernard (Chantemerle)

• The Col du Galibier will be closed from July 12 at 8 p.m. on the Savoie side, until July 14 at 4 p.m.