Road trip guide: Conquering Col du Vallon
France, europe
13.9 km
2,456 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, adventure-seekers, listen up! Col du Vallon is calling your name. Nestled high in the French Alps, this mountain pass punches in at a whopping 2,456 meters (that's over 8,000 feet!). You'll find it hanging out in the Hautes-Alpes department.
Now, fair warning: this isn't a Sunday drive. We're talking a completely unpaved, bumpy ride. Think patched-up spots and a real need for a 4x4. Expect steep climbs, hairpin turns galore, and sections that are, shall we say, "well-worn." Oh, and winter? Forget about it. This route is buried under snow until late June, maybe even July some years. Mostly it’s used to access the ski lifts and lodges. It can get pretty breezy up there, too. The road gets seriously steep, hitting gradients of 10.5% in places.
Starting near the village of Vars, the trail stretches for almost 14 kilometers (about 8.6 miles) as it winds its way to the top. And the payoff? Unbelievable views! We're talking panoramic vistas of the Queyras, the Embrunais, and the majestic Pelvoux Massif. So, if you're ready for a rugged, off-the-beaten-path adventure, Col du Vallon is waiting!
Road Details
- Country
- France
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 13.9 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,456 m
- Difficulty
- hard
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