Col de Bassachaux: The paved climb and the hidden gravel 4x4 descent
Col de Bassachaux is a mountain pass at an elevation of 1,778 meters (5,833 feet) located in the Haute-Savoie department of France, located in the Portes du Soleil region near the Swiss border with a paved northern approach and a rugged gravel track on its southern side.
| Location | Haute-Savoie, France (Alps) |
| Elevation | 1,778 m (5,833 ft) |
| Paved Route (D228A) | 10.4 km / 6.44% average gradient |
| Gravel Track | 4.4 km (South to Les Lindarets) |
Where is the road to Col de Bassachaux?
The pass is located in the Rhône-Alpes region of eastern France, accessed from the village of Châtel. The paved D228A climbs 10.4 km (6.46 miles) with an elevation gain of 670 meters, ending at a parking lot at the summit beside the Refuge de L'Auberge de Haute Bise, which opens from mid-June to mid-September once snow clears.
Is the road to Col de Bassachaux paved?
The northern climb from Châtel on the D228A is fully paved but narrow, featuring steep drop-offs without guardrails in several sections along with frequent cyclists and livestock. Beyond the summit, the route turns into a rough 4.4 km gravel track descending south toward Les Lindarets.
How to drive the gravel road to Bassachaux?
The 4.4 km southern descent to Les Lindarets is a narrow unpaved track with steep grades, loose stones, and exposed drop-offs. High ground clearance is required to negotiate the ruts and bumps through the hairpin turns.
What are the hazards when driving the Col de Bassachaux?
Summer traffic and narrow lanes mark the paved climb, while the southern dirt descent suffers from erosion, deep ruts, and sudden rainstorms that make the surface slick. Snow lingers late into spring at 1,778 meters, keeping the unpaved section closed and requiring engine braking on the steep descent to prevent brake fade.