Take the Scenic Route and Discover Col de la Charmette
France, europe
11.5 km
1,284 m
extreme
Year-round
# Col de la Charmette: A Alpine Adventure in the Chartreuse
Nestled in the heart of the Chartreuse Alps between Chambéry and Grenoble in France's Isère department, Col de la Charmette sits at a breathtaking 1,284 meters (4,212 feet). This stunning mountain pass offers two very different routes to the summit—and trust us, only one is for the faint of heart.
## The "Easier" Option: D105
If you're looking for a challenge but want to keep your car intact, take the D105 from Saint-Égrève. This fully paved 11.5 km (7.14 mile) route climbs with relentless intensity, boasting a brutal 17.1% gradient at its steepest sections. You'll gain a whopping 1,026 meters in elevation, averaging 8.92% throughout. It's steep, it's narrow, and it demands respect—but your vehicle will thank you.
## The Extreme Route: Route Forestière de la Charmette
Ready to really test yourself? The old Route Forestière de la Charmette is pure adrenaline. This 10 km (6.21 mile) route—closed to cars for good reason—mixes paved and unpaved sections and hasn't seen maintenance since the 1990s. Look for an easy-to-miss unsigned turnoff near the Gorges du Guiers Mort (heading right toward the Chartreuse de Curière monastery). After the monastery, the real adventure begins: a crumbling cliff road with four unlit tunnels, treacherous hairpin turns, dramatic drop-offs, gaping potholes, and regular rockslides. It's rugged, it's raw, and it's absolutely unforgettable.
Where is it?
Take the Scenic Route and Discover Col de la Charmette is located in France (europe). Coordinates: 46.5670, 2.7333
Road Details
- Country
- France
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 11.5 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,284 m
- Difficulty
- extreme
- Coordinates
- 46.5670, 2.7333
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