This is the third, more difficult way to cycle to Cormet de Roselend. The reward for the extra effort is one of my favourite views in the Alps from Col du Pré above Lac de Roselend. Additionally, this route lets you cycle over the Barrage (dam) de Roselend and along-side the entire length of the lake. Very nice.
I started in beautiful Beaufort. From town, turn off the main road following signs to Arèche. Col du Pré is soon well signed.
For details of both the north and the south sides of Cormet de Roselend via the main road – see here.
It’s not the most remote region, plenty of chalets and little villages, but it’s certainly beautiful. Mountains in all directions. After a few kilometres the road splits. The other road is also a superb climb first to Lac/Dam de St-Guérin (paved), then an extension much higher to Cormet d’Arèches – details here.
As the above profile shows, the last few kilometres to Col du Pré are steep. But again, it’s worth the effort. Just beyond the col is one of my very favourite photo spots:
I was excited to see the water levels so high – I’ve seen them low – the water colour is breathtaking. The road winds down to the lake and crosses the dam:
From the dam the road then meets the main road at Col du Meraillet (see map below). Next are several easy, scenic kilometres beside the lake. Beyond the far side, one can see where the road heads higher through a gap in the mountain – top middle of photo below.
The last few kilometres are thankfully easier. I was glad to see my friend the saucissons/drinks salesmen at the summit. Strangely, I passed on my usual beer and gratefully chugged some caffeine.
I didn’t have the legs to visit the south side today. But it’s also an extremely scenic road. See link at top of post for details. And here is an old ride on the south side with a detour to La Ville des Glaciers.
I descended back down staying on the main road for Beaufort at Col du Meraillet. Just below the col though, I made one final detour to visit another dam/lake: Lac de la Gittaz.
It’s a dead-end, and this tunnel-coward braved a short dark tunnel. But the view is worth the short detour.
Cormet de Roselend is a beautiful climb, one of my favourites in the Alps. But take the "hard way" view Col du Pré for the best views.
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Rode up here to watch the Tour de Savoie on Saturday. Fantastic road through alpine meadows up the Col du Pre and then glorious scenery over the barrage and on to the Cormet de Roselend. I had wanted to do this climb for thirty years and wasn’t disappointed.