Col de Rousset is an epic road in the Vercors massif
Col de Rousset is a mountain pass at an elevation of 1,254 m (4,114 ft) above sea level, located in the Drôme department of France. The road through the pass winds its way between Die and the village of Chamaloc in a setting that still feels like Provence, with its lavender fragrance.
Where is Col de Rousset?
The pass is located in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, in the southeastern part of the country, within the Vercors Regional Natural Park. The summit is home to an Alpine ski resort. The drive offers spectacular viewpoints over the south of the Vercors and the start of the Pays Diois area.
What’s the history of Col de Rousset?
Set high in the Vercors massif, the true history of this road was the drilling of the tunnel between 1861 and 1866, allowing trade between Die and the Vercors. This trade turned naturally towards the north with the Grands Goulets road that opened in 1854.
Is the road through Col de Rousset paved?
The road to the pass is called D518. It is fully paved and generally in very good condition, with well-maintained road markings. The route includes 8 wide hairpin turns, making it very curvy but manageable. Some sections reach a gradient of up to 8.5%, though the road is not excessively steep overall. Traffic is usually light to moderate, but expect to encounter a good number of motorbikes along the way.
How long is the road through Col de Rousset?
The road through the pass is 28.5 km (17.70 miles) long, running north-south from Saint-Agnan-en-Vercors to Chamaloc.
How steep is the road through Col de Rousset?
The mountain has been visited many times by the Tour de France race. There are 2 routes to reach the summit. Starting from Saint-Agnan-en-Vercors, the ascent is 14 km long. Over this distance, the elevation gain is 464 meters. The average percentage is 3.3%. Starting from Die, the ascent is 20.6 km long. Over this distance, the elevation gain is 858 meters, with an average percentage of 4.2%. From Chamaloc, the succession of twists begins—with impressive hairpin bends offering a unique variety of landscapes and colours. The arrival at the col is just as exceptional, with a panoramic view over the Diois valley and the Drôme foothills. A tunnel lets you cross the ridge and arrive at the ski resort, with a few more bends to descend into the hamlet of Rousset. Just breathtaking. Great scenery whether you are traveling up or down.