Travel guide to the top of Col des Embrasures
France, europe
N/A
2,305 m
moderate
Year-round
# Col des Embrasures
Want to experience something truly wild? Head to the Savoie department in southeastern France, where you'll find Col des Embrasures perched at a jaw-dropping 2,305 meters (7,562 feet) in the Cottian Alps, practically on the doorstep of Italy.
Here's the deal: this isn't your typical paved mountain pass. The route is an old military track, completely unpaved and absolutely brutal in winter when snow shuts it down entirely. Seriously, this is 4x4 and Enduro bike territory only, and after heavy rain, you can forget about access altogether. But if conditions are right? The ride is genuinely rewarding with absolutely stunning alpine views.
The real draw is Le Fort de la Redoute waiting at the summit. Built way back in 1630 by the House of Savoy, it originally went by the name Fort Traverset. When France absorbed Savoy in 1860, they weren't taking chances with their Italian neighbors—a brand new fort went up in 1892 as a defensive stronghold. Fast forward to World War II, and this strategic border position became the scene of intense fighting. Today, the fort is off-limits due to structural concerns, but the history saturating this place is palpable.
The steep, narrow climb rewards you with incredible scenery and centuries of European history. This one's definitely for the adventurous types who appreciate both a challenging route and a good story.
Where is it?
Travel guide to the top of Col des Embrasures is located in France (europe). Coordinates: 47.1191, 2.5088
Road Details
- Country
- France
- Continent
- europe
- Max Elevation
- 2,305 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- 47.1191, 2.5088
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