RSF logo

 
The Routes Archive
 

     

 
 Home
 Routes Archive
 Photo Gallery
 Local Meets
 Noticeboard
 Links
 Publications
 Contacts
 Join RSF
 

 

Col du Parpaillon

Height (m)

2643

Route start-finish

La Condamine-Crévoux

km

22.5

Time (hrs)

6

Difficulty

Easy

Maps IGN 100,000

54

Maps Michelin 200,000

81/8 or 245/10&9 Crévoux end is just on M77/18

 

A tarmac road, in a poor state of repair, pretty steep, zig-zags up the hillside above a stream, to a cluster of chalets just before Chapelle de Sainte Anne. From here the road surface gets worse but is still rideable.

The road here goes along the south side of the valley, through a forest. After the forest the track is very rough, but possibly rideable.

Parpaillon Tunnel entrance (pictured above) is furnished at each end with a large metal door. These doors are only open during the summer season, approx 1 July - 15 October. However there is a path (20 minutes walking distance) to the top.

The tunnel heght is inscribed on the entrance. There are a few shallow puddles in the tunnel, which is 500yards long and fairly straight. The descent is very rough and it will take you the best part of an hour and a half to reach tarmac.

The view from the tunnel entrance looking north.

It is best to reserve a full day for this route.

     

 
Home ] [ Routes Archive ] [ Photo Gallery ] [ Local Meets ] [ Noticeboard ] [ Links ] [ RSF Publications ] [ Contacts ] [ Join RSF ]