A memorable road trip to Cime de Caron

Cime de Caron is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 3.182m (10,439ft) above the sea level located  in the Savoie department in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region in south-eastern France. It's one of the highest roads of Europe.

The road to the summit is totally unpaved and Impassable in winters. 4x4 vehicles only. The track to the summit includes several narrow and steep sections (up to 25%). Do not take this drive if you have respiratory problems or any type of heart condition. Notorius lack of oxygen that tests the organisms and a high degree of steepness. Most people feel altitude sickness at around 2,500-2,800 meters. Extremely low oxygen for engine combustion. A major hazard of altitude is the sickness that can indiscriminately affect anyone regardless of age or fitness. The summit has about 40% less oxygen than at sea level, thus breathing is more difficult. Your pulse rate will increase and movement will be more laborious at the summit. The high elevation with its risk of altitude sickness, weather concerns, steep road grade, and overall inaccessibility make the pass dangerous and summit trips difficult. 

The pass lies withn the Massif de la Vanoise range. Don't forget your camera with lots of film/memory, fully charged batteries and an empty memory card! From the top, the panoramic view takes in a thousand summits in France, Switzerland and Italy. It’s brutally tough with roughly sections, on very rocky, slippery path / ski piste at occasionally impossible steepness. The road follows the unpaved ski-lift service roads, approaching the top of the cable car station. It's one of the highest roads of the country.
Pic: Pierre QUILICI