Col du Pre is a narrow quiet road with lots of hairpins

# Col du Pré: A Alpine Adventure in the French Alps

Nestled in the Savoie department of southeastern France, Col du Pré sits pretty at 1,703m (5,587ft) — though if you're aiming for the actual summit marker, you'll climb all the way to 1,755m (5,757ft). This high mountain pass is part of the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region and delivers everything you'd want from an Alpine road trip.

The 10.9km (6.77 miles) stretch from Col de Méraillet to Les Gérats is completely paved, which is a relief when you're tackling those endless hairpin turns. It's a beautifully narrow, peaceful road that feels sheltered from the wind — and honestly, it can get surprisingly warm up there, so don't be fooled by the altitude.

Now, fair warning: this climb is *legit*. We're talking maximum grades of 13.0%, with three separate sections hitting around 11%, and the final 1.5km averaging over 10%. It's steep enough to have earned its spot in the Tour de France, so come prepared. But that's part of what makes it epic, right?

The real payoff? The views. Seriously. You've got the stunning deep blue waters of Lac de Roselend and its impressive dam spread out below you, the surrounding Alps towering around you, and on clear days, Mont Blanc looming majestically as you approach the top. It's the kind of vista that makes every hairpin turn worth it.