Col de la Coche

The Trois Vallées region of the French Alps features loads of interesting cycling climbs – most famously Courchevel (details here) and the incredible 38 km climb to Val Thorens (details here).

Col de la Coche shares the first 7 kms with the road to Val Thorens. But when the traffic heads left to all the ski stations, the route to Col de la Cloche turns right – up a very quiet, scenic road.

At the top is the Barrage de la Coche. A little alpine lake/dam.

As the map above shows, you can approach the dam by turning right a kilometre from the top, or take the direct road to the Col and descend down to the lake (they do link up).

I was looking forward to the usual beautiful mountain lake but was disappointed to find that the lake was completely empty apart from some snow. Oh well, just an excuse to return.