An Explorer's Guide to Col de la Bailletta
France, europe
9.4 km
2,852 m
hard
Year-round
# Col de la Bailletta: A High-Alpine Adventure
Ready for an epic mountain experience? Head to the Savoie department in southeastern France, where Col de la Bailletta sits pretty at 2,852m (9,356ft) above sea level—tucked within the stunning Bailletaz Nature Reserve in the Rhône-Alpes region.
This 9.4 km (5.84 miles) route starts near Lac du Chevril, just below Val d'Isère in the Tarentaise Valley, and it's got serious elevation gain. The first stretch is actually paved, climbing all the way up to Lac/Barrage du Saut—one of France's highest paved roads, which is pretty cool if you ask us. Below the reservoir on the way to Lac de la Sassière, things get real as the pavement gives way to gravel.
What you're driving on is essentially an old military road that winds its way up the mountain, and it's genuinely wide for the most part. But here's where it gets wild: around 2,700 metres near Lac Santel, the road basically vanishes (thanks, landslides) and transforms into a hiking trail. From that point on? You're on foot, my friend. Vehicles simply can't make it.
The scenery? Absolutely incredible. The views surrounding you at every turn make this one unforgettable adventure—especially knowing you're tackling one of the country's highest alpine passes.
Where is it?
An Explorer's Guide to Col de la Bailletta is located in France (europe). Coordinates: 46.1461, 2.6932
Road Details
- Country
- France
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 9.4 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,852 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 46.1461, 2.6932
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