Col du Palet
France, europe
N/A
2,658 m
hard
Year-round
# Col du Palet: A High-Alpine Adventure
If you're after serious mountain driving credentials, Col du Palet delivers. This spectacular pass sits at 2,658 meters (8,720 feet) in the Savoie department of southeastern France's Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, making it one of the country's most formidable high-altitude roads.
Nestled within Vanoise National Park, this isn't your typical Sunday drive. The gravel and rocky surface gets rough and bumpy in places, demanding genuine off-road chops and a 4x4 vehicle. The steep grades and exposure mean acrophobia sufferers should probably pick a different route—the views are stunning, but they come with a side of serious altitude.
Winter essentially shuts this road down from October through June, so timing your visit is crucial. Hit it during the brief summer window, and watch out for muddy conditions after rain—they'll test your driving skills considerably.
Reach the summit and you're rewarded with the charming Refuge du Col du Palet and the picturesque Lac du Grattaleu. A minor fork in the road pushes even higher to 2,677 meters (8,782 feet), where a chairlift station awaits.
Bottom line: This is strictly for experienced mountain drivers who know their vehicle and aren't intimidated by exposure and technical terrain. It's unforgettable—but only if you're properly equipped and skilled.
Where is it?
Col du Palet is located in France (europe). Coordinates: 46.2781, 1.2658
Road Details
- Country
- France
- Continent
- europe
- Max Elevation
- 2,658 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 46.2781, 1.2658
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