Driving one of the steepest tracks in the world to Le Gros Villan

Le Gros Villan is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 2.522m (8,274ft) above sea level, located in the Savoie department in France.

Le Gros Villan

Where is Le Gros Villan?

The peak is located on the boundary of Tarentaise and Maurienne valleys, in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, in the south-eastern part of the country.

Is the road to Le Gros Villan unpaved?

The road to the summit is totally unpaved. It is a chairlift access trail. It’s very complicated with very steep slopes and exposed turns and therefore rather exciting. 4x4 vehicles only.

How long is the road to Le Gros Villan?

The track is extremely steep. Starting from the paved D213 Road, near the legendary Col de la Madeleine, the ascent is 2.4km (1.49 miles) long. Over this distance the elevation gain is 538 meters. The average gradient is 22.41%.

Is the road to Le Gros Villan open year-round?

Set high in the Lauzière massif of the French Alps, the road is passable in the summer season only.

 

 

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