Col du Granon — Saint-Chaffrey to Névache via the 2,404 m Alpine Summit
Gravel alpine crossing into the quiet Clarée.
Col du Granon is one of the highest gravel passes in France. It climbs out of Saint-Chaffrey in the Serre Chevalier valley, working up through larch forest and open alpine meadow to a 2,404 m summit. The surface is narrow and mixed, and the old road hugs steep slopes with few places to pass. Views stretch across the Écrins and the Cerces massif, and the summit gives you a clear look into the valley you’re about to drop into. From the top, the northern descent turns to rough gravel and loose rock, winding toward Névache and the Clarée Valley, one of the quietest corners of the French Alps.
It’s a Moderate drive that demands attention. A stock 4WD or good high-clearance vehicle handles it fine in dry weather. Rain turns the gravel slick, and washouts can appear after storms. Plan on June through September, since snow keeps the high road shut outside summer. Check with local authorities before you go, because access rules and seasonal closures change by commune. Expect steep drop-offs on the descent and tourists on bikes in July and August. Wild camping is restricted across this part of France, so book a campsite or refuge in the valley. Fuel up in Briançon. What you get is a proper alpine crossing with real altitude and none of the Stelvio crowds. Have a dirty day.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Moderate |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | High Clearance |
| Surface | Gravel |
| Features | High Altitude, Historic, Scenic |
| Length (miles) | 13 mi / 21 km |
| Duration | 2-3 hours |
| Max elevation (ft) | 7887 ft |
| Best season | June-September |
| Minimum vehicle | Stock 4WD or high-clearance |
| Nearest town | Briançon, Hautes-Alpes |
| Land manager | Commune of Névache / Serre Chevalier valley municipalities |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | Spotty |
| Water crossings | No |
| Dispersed camping | No |
| Verified | |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
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Location
Trail Conditions
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Frequently asked questions
Can a stock 4Runner or a regular crossover do Col du Granon?
A stock 4WD or high-clearance vehicle handles it fine in dry weather. The gravel is rough, with embedded rock, washboard, and occasional washouts, so low-slung cars risk scraped underbodies and sidewall damage. Drive it slowly and carry a full-size or properly repaired spare.
When does Col du Granon open and can I drive it in winter?
Plan on June to September. At 2,404 m the pass holds snow well into early summer and closes with the first heavy autumn snowfall. It is not a winter route, so check current conditions with the Serre Chevalier or Névache tourist offices before you go.
Do I need a permit or pay a fee to drive Col du Granon?
No dedicated trail permit is required for the pass itself, but you must stay on the open public track. French law restricts motor vehicles off designated roads, and the Clarée Valley is a protected area where the commune may enforce seasonal restrictions or parking fees. Confirm with the Névache mairie before you drive.
What is the hardest part of the Granon crossing?
The gravel descent into the Clarée Valley is the toughest section. It is narrow and rutted with loose rock and exposed drop-offs, and there is little room to pass oncoming traffic. Expect hikers, cyclists, and livestock, and give uphill traffic priority where you can safely pull over.
Can I camp, get fuel, and rely on cell service along the route?
Fill up in Briançon or Saint-Chaffrey, since there is no fuel on the 21 km route, and expect spotty cell coverage on the pass. Wild camping and overnight vehicle parking are tightly regulated in the Clarée, so book a campground or refuge in Névache rather than planning to improvise a camp.
Trail track
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