
Travel guide to the top of Col du Grand Renard
France, europe
N/A
2,455 m
extreme
Year-round
# Col du Grand Renard
Tucked away in the Savoie department of France's Rhône-Alpes region, Col du Grand Renard sits at a breathtaking 2,455m (8,054ft) and is absolutely not for the faint of heart. This is serious mountain pass territory.
Fair warning: the road here is intense. We're talking gravel all the way, following old unpaved ski-lift service roads with a rocky, loose surface that'll keep you on your toes. Plenty of slippery gravel to navigate, though thankfully the gradient never gets completely bonkers. Still, you'll want excellent vehicle control and nerves of steel.
The real kicker? Being this high up means Mother Nature calls the shots—the pass can shut down without warning whenever snow decides to roll through. That's just part of the adventure at this elevation.
The Alpine scenery is worth every white-knuckle moment, though. This is raw, rugged mountain beauty that'll stay with you long after you've conquered it.
Where is it?
Travel guide to the top of Col du Grand Renard is located in France (europe). Coordinates: 46.6573, 1.1321
Road Details
- Country
- France
- Continent
- europe
- Max Elevation
- 2,455 m
- Difficulty
- extreme
- Coordinates
- 46.6573, 1.1321
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