Loop 27 - The Col du Parpaillon

Description

A legendary pass, Le Parpaillon (2637 m) is one of the last remaining examples of what a major Alpine pass might have looked like before the era of cars and tarmac. Discover an unspoilt, pure and wild mountain where the marmots will announce your arrival. Like many roads at the time, this mountain road was built by the military. It's not unusual to come across road bikes that have lost their way after being misled by the classification as a departmental road! 1) From the village square, take the road leading from the war memorial. At "Champ La font 2", climb the gravel track towards the hamlet of La Chalp. Continue straight ahead on the main road. At Travers du Moulin go straight up the track. 2) At the bend go straight on (stony climb). At the bend in the road (D39T), turn right. At the picnic area, continue straight ahead. 3) At the Parpaillon tunnel, go through the tunnel (you will need lights) and turn around to go back down to Crévoux. Follow the route taken on the outward journey back to the village of Crévoux.

Difficulty

Official rating: moderate, by Parc national des Écrins.

Getting there

Start: Crévoux, Crévoux (05).

Sources

• Track: Parc national des Écrins, Licence Ouverte 2.0, Licence Ouverte 2.0 (Etalab) (destination.ecrins-parcnational.fr/trek/996137-Boucle-27---Le-col-du-Parpaillon). Time estimated by GPX Path with the Mac app rule, breaks not included.
• Official elevation gain: 1,064 m, Parc national des Écrins