Driving the wild road to Cormet d'Areches in the Alps
Cormet d'Arêches is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2.109m (6,919ft) above sea level, located in the Savoie department of France.
Where is Cormet d'Areches?
The pass is located in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, in the southeastern part of the country.
Is the road to Cormet d'Areches paved?
The road to the summit is mostly unpaved. It’s paved at the beginning and end but becomes unpaved in the central 6-7 kilometers. A 4x4 vehicle is recommended.
Is the road to Cormet d'Areches challenging?
The road starts in good conditions at the center of Beaufort, at the turnoff to Areches. To reach the pass, follow the signs to Lac de St. Guerin and the Cormet. After the lake, turn left and continue going up. Shortly after a slight descent, the road becomes unsealed and stony. The narrow road winds down the slope with a few dangerous turns. The road is pretty demanding and steep, hitting a maximum gradient of 12.1% on some of the ramps. You'll need to cross a small river after the pass.
How long is Cormet d'Areches?
The pass is 30 km (18 miles) long, running north-south from Beaufort (also known as Beaufort-sur-Doron) to La Plagne Tarentaise.
Is Cormet d'Areches worth it?
Set high in the Alps mountain range, the pass connects the valley of Beaufort with the valley of Aime. The drive is very scenic and reaches higher altitudes than Cormet de Roselend. It offers stunning views of Lac de Saint-Guérin.