May 26, Chambéry to Grenoble (70+ km, 1890 m)
Col du Granier, Col du Cucheron & Col de Porte
Today’s route leads across three passes through the gorgeous Massif de la Chartreuse.
Little traffic, superb roads and lovely scenery; the distance is about 70 km, with an optional loop (marked in
yellow on the map) of 30 km, through the gorges and forests that are famous for this region. Needless to
mention the loop is not flat at all.
Parts of the “Classic des Alpes” (and therefore must rides) are the two passes Col du Granier and Col du
Cucheron. Not only are these classic rides, but classic scenery and due to this and beauty and cultural
heritage within the Massif de la Chartreuse the region was made regional Nature Park in 1995.
The third pass of the day is the Col du Porte. We’ll follow the signs for Charmant Som and after six
kilometres of climbing you attain an altitude of 1680m. This is the highest road in the Chartreuse, and a
stunning view of the Alps opens up. You then fly down into the Isere valley along quiet roads past small
villages and hamlets to the outskirts of Grenoble. The Col de Porte, by the way, was one of the first Alpine
climbs added to the Tour in 1907.
Grenoble is a great town to be in for a night, you will enjoy walking through the pedestrian area of the old
town.
No comments:
Post a Comment