Col de Leschaux

Col de Leschaux is a mountain pass situated in the French Prealps within the Savoie department of southeastern France. It connects the valleys of the Combe de Savoie and the Val d'Arly, offering a secondary route through the Bauges Massif. With an elevation of 1,131 meters, it serves as a scenic traverse for local traffic and has gained recognition in the world of cycling.

Geography

The pass is located in the northern sector of the Bauges Massif, a regional natural park designated as the Parc naturel régional du Massif des Bauges. It lies approximately 15 kilometers northeast of the town of Albertville, host city of the 1992 Winter Olympics. The summit area is characterized by rolling alpine pastures and offers panoramic views of prominent peaks including the Dent de Cons and the Montagne du Charbon. The geology of the area is typical of the Subalpine range, consisting primarily of limestone and marl. Hydrologically, the pass separates watersheds feeding into the Isère River to the west and the Arly river to the east.

History

Historically, the pass served as a local trade and communication route between the Duchy of Savoy and the Genevois province. While never a major strategic artery like the nearby Col du Petit Saint-Bernard, it was used for seasonal transhumance and the transport of goods such as cheese and timber. The area remained relatively isolated until improvements in road engineering in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. During World War II, the surrounding massif was a known area of activity for the French Resistance, particularly the Maquis des Glières. The modern departmental road was fully paved in the latter half of the 20th century, integrating it into the regional network.

Access and routes

The pass is traversed by the D912 departmental road. The western ascent begins near the village of Lescheraines in the Châtelard valley, featuring a steady climb through forested slopes. The eastern approach starts from the hamlet of Le Planay, near the resort town of Praz-sur-Arly, and is generally considered the steeper of the two sides. The summit itself is a broad, open area with limited infrastructure, primarily used for pastoral farming. The road provides a vital link for the communes of Bellecombe-en-Bauges and La Compôte, facilitating access to services in larger towns like Ugine and Albertville.

Cycling

Col de Leschaux is a recognized climb in professional and amateur cycling. It has been featured multiple times in the Critérium du Dauphiné, a key preparatory race for the Tour de France. While not categorized in the Tour de France itself, its inclusion in the Dauphiné Libéré has seen it contested by champions such as Bernard Hinault and Miguel Indurain. The climb from Lescheraines is approximately 9.5 kilometers long with an average gradient of 5.5%, presenting a challenging but regular ascent. It is often paired with ascents of the nearby Col de la Croix Fry or Col des Aravis in sportive events like the Marmotte Granfondo Alpes. The pass is a popular training ground for cyclists based in the Tarentaise Valley and the Aravis range.

See also

* List of highest paved roads in the Alps * List of mountain passes in Savoie * Bauges Massif * Critérium du Dauphiné Category:Mountain passes of Savoie Category:Cycling climbs in the Alps