Col de Parpaillon — Summit Approach Tent-Only Bivouac Below the Tunnel

The Parpaillon is a 2,600 m-plus gravel track with a hand-dug 520 m unlit military tunnel at the top. The grass and scree benches in the final stretch below the pass, on the Crévoux side, are where overlanders tend to stop for the night. There are no facilities, no water, no fire rings and no toilets. Pack out everything. Expect wind, a hard frost even in August, and sunrise light on the Alpine ridgelines. Cell signal is basically nil.

Know the rules before you park. In France, overnight camping with a vehicle is restricted or banned in many places, and a discreet tent bivouac is only tolerated in most mountain areas. It’s usually ‘pitch late, leave early’, no fires, and no camp-style setups. Check with the Crévoux mairie or the local tourist office before you commit. The track generally opens July to October, depending on snow. The tunnel is unlit and the floor is rough and wet, so carry a headlamp and run low beams. The exact flat spot varies. I’ve left the coordinates blank on purpose, so verify on the ground and respect local signage. Have a dirty day.

Tent bivouac below France's highest tunnel pass