Region: Savoie
Col du Sapey | 1306 METER | Hermillon Saint-Julien-Mont-Denis
The Col du Sapey is located near the Alpine passes Col du Chaussy and Col de la Confrérie and is similarly structured. As with the other Alpine passes, a steep rock face must first be overcome when coming from the Maurienn valley. To do this, many and sometimes narrow curves have been created. A dream.
The northern ramp therefore has a few steep sections (up to 18 per cent gradient), but the southern ramp is a little more harmless, offering all the more beautiful views down into the valley and over to the opposite side of the Col de la Confrérie.
From the Col du Sapey, there is a passage over to the Col du Chaussy – albeit unpaved. There is another Alpine pass on the route here: the Col de la Baisse.
More images of the pass:
The eastern ramp of the Col du Sapey has similar combinations of bends to the Lacets de Montvernier, the ascent to the Col du Chaussy.
The eastern ramp of the Col du Sapey has similar combinations of bends to the Lacets de Montvernier, the ascent to the Col du Chaussy.
There are several turnoffs on the Col du Sapey, so signage like this on the western ramp is extremely helpful.
There are several turnoffs on the Col du Sapey, so signage like this on the western ramp is extremely helpful.
Col du Sapey, eastern ramp: In some places, the roadside is a bit adventurous, the road is narrow and the asphalt is in poor condition.
Col du Sapey, eastern ramp: In some places, the roadside is a bit adventurous, the road is narrow and the asphalt is in poor condition.
Col du Sapey, western ramp: This route leads across a high plateau in the middle section, offering beautiful views.
Col du Sapey, western ramp: This route leads across a high plateau in the middle section, offering beautiful views.
Col du Sapey, western ramp: the ‘harmless’ section of the ramp leads over a beautiful high plateau, along a rocky edge.
Col du Sapey, western ramp: the ‘harmless’ section of the ramp leads over a beautiful high plateau, along a rocky edge.
Impression of the eastern ramp section, which runs partly along a steeply sloping rock face – with beautiful views of the Maurienne Valley.
Impression of the eastern ramp section, which runs partly along a steeply sloping rock face – with beautiful views of the Maurienne Valley.
The summit of the Col du Sapey, looking south. The last few metres of this ramp have a gradient of up to 18 percent.
The summit of the Col du Sapey, looking south. The last few metres of this ramp have a gradient of up to 18 percent.
Col du Sapey, west ramp: Halfway up, on a high plateau, stands this small church, Notre Dame de Montandré.
Col du Sapey, west ramp: Halfway up, on a high plateau, stands this small church, Notre Dame de Montandré.
Col du Sapey, eastern ramp – somewhat adventurous, poorly paved road with magnificent views.
Col du Sapey, eastern ramp – somewhat adventurous, poorly paved road with magnificent views.
The Col du Sapey Alpine pass surprises with a similar number of combinations of bends and hairpin turns as the Col du Chaussy (Lacets de Montvernier), which is located slightly further west.
The Col du Sapey Alpine pass surprises with a similar number of combinations of bends and hairpin turns as the Col du Chaussy (Lacets de Montvernier), which is located slightly further west.
View down onto some of the many bends and hairpin turns that characterise the eastern ramp in particular.
View down onto some of the many bends and hairpin turns that characterise the eastern ramp in particular.
Passtracks close by:
Col de la Baisse, Col de la Confrérie, Col du Chaussy, Col de Beau Plan, Col d’Albanne
Suggested videos (Passtracks close by)
| Country | Frankreich |
| Region | Savoie |
| Coordinates | 45.29256159, 6.38174426 |
| Elevation | 1306 m |
| Max. slope | 18 % |
| Toll road | no |
| Road surface | Asphalt |
| Cul-de-sac | no |
| Length | 20 Km |
| Route | Hermillon Saint-Julien-Mont-Denis |
few clouds, 6.4°C