Conquer Col de la Croix de Fer: The Iron Cross of the Alps

The experience

Col de la Croix de Fer — the Iron Cross — is one of the great linking climbs of the French Alps. From Rochetaillée the road stretches roughly 24 km with an average around 5.2%, but that number hides an irregular profile: steep ramps, flatter recoveries, and stretches that ask for patience rather than pure power.

Early kilometres settle you into the valley. Then the gradient comes and goes in waves. Riders who chase every surge often pay later; those who ride the rhythm of the road arrive at the upper lake country with something left.

Lac de Grand Maison is the scenic heart of the climb — a high reservoir framed by alpine slopes. It is a natural checkpoint: drink, look around, then keep turning toward the col. The scenery opens as you climb; the air cools; the road keeps asking for steady cadence.

At the summit the iron cross marks 2,067 m. Col du Glandon sits only about 2.5 km away — many riders tag both on the same day. Whether you stop for the photo or continue, the Croix de Fer feels like a proper alpine day out, not a one-note wall.

Pro tips

• Pace the irregular profile. Surges on the steep bits and soft-pedalling on the flats will empty the tank before the upper kilometres.
• Enjoy the recovery near Le Rivier and the dam at Lac de Grand Maison — use it, do not race through it.
• Combine with Col du Glandon: the cols sit only about 2.5 km apart, making a classic Alps double when legs and weather allow.
• Bring a layer for the high lake and summit; wind off the water can feel colder than the valley.
• Fuel early on a 24 km climb — the average grade looks friendly until the waves of gradient stack up.