Col de Saint-Alexis: A Scenic Gateway to the Vercors Highlands
France, europe
7.7 km
1,222 m
moderate
Year-round
# Col de Saint-Alexis
Tucked away in the Drôme department of southeastern France, Col de Saint-Alexis sits at 1,222m (4,009ft) and offers a surprisingly chill escape through the heart of the Vercors Regional Natural Park. This limestone massif is famous for its dramatic cliffs and gorges, but this particular pass? It's the laid-back cousin of the region's more notorious white-knuckle climbs.
The 7.7km (4.78 miles) route runs straight south to north, connecting Col de Rousset with the charming village of Vassieux-en-Vercors. What makes it special is what it *doesn't* have — no hairpin turns, no cliff-hugging switchbacks, and a wonderfully gentle gradient. The D76 is fully paved and impressively straightforward, making it perfect for when you want to actually enjoy the ride instead of white-knuckling the steering wheel. Cyclists love it as a recovery route between the more brutal climbs nearby.
But here's where it gets interesting: Vassieux-en-Vercors isn't just another pretty mountain village. It's a symbol of French Resistance history, and the nearby Mémorial de la Résistance overlooks the plateau with stunning views and a sobering reminder of WWII's impact on this region.
Keep in mind that the Vercors doesn't mess around in winter — heavy snowfall is common despite the modest elevation. The D76 stays well-maintained since it's crucial for the cross-country skiing stations, but winter tires or chains are non-negotiable during the cold months if you're planning to tackle this alpine plateau safely.
Where is it?
Col de Saint-Alexis: A Scenic Gateway to the Vercors Highlands is located in France (europe). Coordinates: 45.2072, 0.8086
Road Details
- Country
- France
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 7.7 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,222 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- 45.2072, 0.8086
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