An Explorer's Guide to the Col de la Bailletta
Col de la Bailletta is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2.852m (9,356ft) above the sea level, located in the Savoie department (Rhône-Alpes region) in southeastern France. It's one of the highest roads of Europe.
The road to the summit is unpaved. It’s a fairly wide old military gravel road climbing up the pass, but at 2700 metres the road seems to disappear (destroyed by landslides) and becomes a hiking trail. The last part is totally impassable for vehicles. It's one of the highest roads of the country.
Located in the Tarentaise Valley, within the the Bailletaz Nature Reserve, the steep and stenuous trail starts by turning off the main road beside Lac du Chevril, in between a couple of tunnels, just below Val d’Isere. It is paved until Lac/Barrage du Saut (one of the highest paved roads in France). Take time to enjoy the incredible views all around you.
Pic: pascal desgardin