Col du Pré Loop

June 3, 2025

We have 3 full days here in Beaufort, two for unloaded day rides (weather permitting) and one for rest, since the next few days will be challenging.

Today the weather looked just fine this morning to ride up Col du Pré, past the Barrage de Roselend, up Col de Méraillet, and back to Beaufort on D925. It looked like there might be late afternoon thundershowers again, but I’m writing this at 6 p.m. and the afternoon has been and still is sunny and warm.

We started with a bit of drivetrain TLC after yesterday’s rainy ride.

Next stop was a boulangerie to pick up a sandwich for Al and a mini quiche for me. Then we were off.

The official climb starts right in town, at the intersection of D925 and D218A.

We climbed past our hotel and through the village, then came the first set of steep switchbacks. I was glad I hadn’t booked us in Arêches! We climbed ~300 metres in 5 km to get there.

At Arêches, the series of 14 hairpin bends began.

Breath-catching view! The hamlet of Boudin, I think.

The grazing meadows were all enclosed by movable electric fences. This farmer had a use for old ski poles.

Finally made it to the first col sign, but I was suspicious because it was much less than 1 km from the last official climb sign and gives the elevation as 1703 m, less than the posted summit.

There was more than one sign stating “Col du Pré 1703 m” but they might have to do with the trailheads and trail crossings here, not to mention the café.

And there were picnic tables so we decided to eat our lunch here. Al had scouted ahead while waiting for me and reported there was nothing except a sign at the actual summit.

Continuing to the real summit, feeling tiny

From the top, it was a swooping descent to Lac de Roselend and its Barrage.

Had to stop for this! That rocky projection might be the Aiguille du Grand Fond.

After the dead-level ride across the top of the dam came the climb to Col de Méraillet. It was a shock to the system!

Then came the descent back to Beaufort. This was on the main road between Beaufort and Bourg-Saint-Maurice, our next destination, and traffic was very light. The descent was another that seemed to go on forever. I expect the climb when we leave will seem even longer.

Heart

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Keith ClassenSpectacular scenery. Thanks for taking us along.
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