The Steep, Rough Road to Col de la Vallee Etroite is Not for the Faint of Heart
Col de la Vallée Étroite is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 2,735 m (8,973 ft) above sea level, located in the Savoie department of France. It's one of the highest roads in Europe.
Where is Col de la Vallée Étroite?
The peak is located in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, in the southeastern part of the country, within the Vanoise National Park.
How Long is the Road to Col de la Vallée Étroite?
The road to the summit is a rough old gravel road. A 4x4 vehicle is required. Starting from Saint-Martin-d'Arc, the ascent is 21.9 km (13.60 miles) long. Over this distance, the elevation gain is 2,014 meters. The average gradient is 9.19%.
Is the Road to Col de la Vallée Étroite Open in Winter?
Set high in the Massif de la Vanoise range, in the French Alps, it’s one of the highest roads in the country. The road is totally impassable in winter, usually from October to May.
Pic: Philippe Thibeaut