Le Col du Sabot, located at an altitude of 2 meters in the Grandes Rousses massif, harmoniously embodies history and nature, while being a playground for mountain lovers.
Whether you come here to take on a sporting challenge, explore its geological riches or simply contemplate its landscapes, the col du Sabot will likely make an impression.
The history of Col du Sabot
Where does the name of this pass come from? Col du Sabot finds its origin in the word Sabaudia, which means Savoy in patois. Indeed, until 1860, the Col du Sabot served as a passage from France to Savoy, which then belonged to the Kingdom of Sardinia. This pass marked the border and was frequented, in particular, by peddlers and shepherds. The commune of Vaujany housed a border post intended to protect the province of Dauphiné. Today, vestiges of pastoral activities, such as low walls and shepherd's huts, recall this laborious past.
During World War II, like other remote areas of the Alps, the Col du Sabot served as a refuge for resistance fighters, taking advantage of its isolation and difficult topography.
Le Col du Sabot By Bike
For cycling enthusiasts, the Col du Sabot is a formidable climb. With an average gradient of 10% over its 12,4 km ascent from Vaujany, it tests even the most seasoned cyclists.
Although it does not regularly feature on the programme of major races, such as the Tour de France, it has become a cult challenge for cycling enthusiasts.
Le Col du Sabot Strolling along
The paths that lead to or leave from the Col du Sabot offer exceptional panoramas of the Grandes Rousses and Belledonne mountain ranges, as well as the peaks of Oisans. In mountain pastures, in the undergrowth, or on scree slopes, each hike is a discovery, with local wildlife adding a wild dimension to your journey.
Le Col du Sabot on a motorcycle
The road going up to the col du Sabot was created in the past to facilitate the ascent to the mountain pastures. It thus extends that of Vaujany, passes through La Villette and ends at col du SabotFrom Collet, the route immerses you in the mountain pastures. Once you reach the pass, where the road ends, you will see the Aiguillettes (2 m) and its impressive cliffs with their sharp, black folds.
