A classic road trip to Col de l’Homme and Notre-Dame de la Salette
France, europe
14.3 km
1,766 m
moderate
Year-round
# Col de l'Homme: A Pilgrimage Drive with a View
Tucked away in France's Isère department, Col de l'Homme rises to 1,766 meters (5,793 feet) in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region. It's a spot where spirituality meets stunning Alpine scenery—the summit is crowned by Notre-Dame de la Salette, a gorgeous 19th-century basilica that's been drawing pilgrims for generations. You'll find a gift shop, some charming buildings, statues, and a substantial parking lot once you reach the top.
The drive itself is a pleasant surprise. The 14.3-kilometer (8.88-mile) Route de la Salette (officially D212C) climbs steadily from the village of Corps, but it's done in the friendliest way possible. Fully paved, nicely wide, and peppered with gentle curves, this road won't have your knuckles white on the steering wheel. You'll gain 822 meters of elevation at an easy 5.74% average gradient, and traffic is refreshingly light.
The area has a poignant history too. In 1950, a tragic plane crash claimed 51 lives near the nearby Grande Tête de l'Obiou peak—49 of the victims were Canadian. A memorial cemetery a few kilometers along the road honors those lost.
It's the kind of drive that rewards you with both inner peace and mountain-top views.
Where is it?
A classic road trip to Col de l’Homme and Notre-Dame de la Salette is located in France (europe). Coordinates: 45.1618, 1.7418
Road Details
- Country
- France
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 14.3 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,766 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- 45.1618, 1.7418
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