Where is Sommet de Bellecote?

Where is Sommet de Bellecote?

France, europe

Length

11.5 km

Elevation

3,071 m

Difficulty

hard

Best Season

Year-round

Alright, adventure junkies, listen up! Let's talk about Sommet de Bellecote, a seriously stunning peak chilling at 3,071m (that's over 10,000ft!) in the Savoie region of France. You'll find it nestled in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, deep in the northern part of the Vanoise National Park.

Now, here's the deal: this isn't your average Sunday drive. Forget your sedan – we're talking 4x4 territory only. The "road" is actually an unpaved, seriously steep chairlift access trail, so leave the private vehicle at home. Starting from Belle Plagne, it's about 11.5 km (7.14 miles) to the top, climbing a whopping 1,148 meters with an average gradient of around 10%. Translation? It's a leg burner for your car!

But trust me, the views are worth it, especially the peek at the Glacier de la Chiaupe. Just a heads up, this beauty is usually only accessible between July and September. Tucked way up in the Graian Alps, inside the Vanoise Massif, it's definitely one of the highest roads in France!

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Road Details

Country
France
Continent
europe
Length
11.5 km
Max Elevation
3,071 m
Difficulty
hard

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