A memorable road trip to Col du Poutran in the French Alps

A memorable road trip to Col du Poutran in the French Alps

France, europe

Length

4 km

Elevation

1,996 m

Difficulty

hard

Best Season

Year-round

# Col du Poutran

Tucked away in the heart of the French Alps sits Col du Poutran, a mountain pass sitting pretty at 1,996m (6,548ft) in the Huez commune of Isère. This gem sits in the southeastern corner of France, in the Rhône-Alpes region, and offers a spacious parking area right at the summit.

The Route des Lacs is your ticket to the top—a fully paved 4.0 km (2.48 miles) stretch that winds from south to north, connecting L'Alpe d'Huez to Lac Besson. You'll find the trailhead right at the top of the legendary Alpe d'Huez ski resort, right next to the Grande Rousses cable car. Fair warning though: this road's seen better days. Narrow sections and steep pitches keep you on your toes, and the pavement isn't exactly pristine.

If you're into cycling, you're in for a treat. This region is absolutely magnetic for cyclists from around the globe, so expect plenty of company on two wheels. Whether you're driving or pedaling, the Central Alps scenery makes every twist and turn worth it.

Where is it?

A memorable road trip to Col du Poutran in the French Alps is located in France (europe). Coordinates: 46.4425, 2.1253

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Road Details

Country
France
Continent
europe
Length
4 km
Max Elevation
1,996 m
Difficulty
hard
Coordinates
46.4425, 2.1253

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