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Col du Souchet

From an aesthetic point of view, the Col du Souchet (FR-05-2365) is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful in the northern Alps. It nestles on the Emparis (or Paris) plateau and faces the Meije massif and its glaciers. It can be included in a loop circuit starting from Lac du Chambon or, even more spectacularly, in a traverse to Le Chazelet and La Grave.

Col du Souchet map from the Centscols ®IGN catalogue
Col du Souchet map from the Centscols ®IGN catalogue

You can start the climb from Le Bourg-d'Oisans (34km, ascent: 1,641m) or from the Lac du Chambon dam (20km, ascent: 1,320m). After crossing the dam wall, take the road that climbs steeply to the village of Mizoën and continues towards the Col de Sarenne (FR-38-1999). On the right, the D25 joins Besse, one of the prettiest mountain villages, with its houses huddled together on a slope that was once an attractive feature.

The village of Besse seen from the bends in the track leading up to Les Collets.

At Besse, if you feel like it, you can win a round trip to Les Collets (FR-38-2044) on an R1 track offering superb views of the winding Col de Sarenne (FR-38-1999) to the west and the Mont-de-Lans glacier and La Meije to the south.

Motherly tenderness at Les Collets (FR-38-2044).
In the background, the dark mass of the Emparis plateau.
In the distance: the Mont-de-Lans glacier towards the Jandri pass (FR-38-3151).

Back in Besse, continue on the tarmac road to Les Granges du Gay. Here a wide R1 track begins, winding upwards. A dip in the ridge indicates the Col Nazié. (FR-38-1902b).

On the left of the photo, the lower ridge line corresponds to the Col Nazié (FR-38-1902b), the track passes slightly below the pass. At the end of the winding track, you reach Chalet Josserand at 2245m, which marks the start of the Emparis plateau.

You have to push your bike through the pasture for 150m to reach the start of the plateau. The track continues to wind up to reach the Col de Saint-Georges (FR-38-2245a) close to Chalet Josserand. To the right, the R1 trail continues towards the Mouterres refuge (lunch). On the way back, you can take this route to Mizoën after a superb balcony descent above the Lac du Chambon dam! To reach the Col du Souchet (FR-05-2365), leave this track to the right and plunge down into the wide valley of the Rif Tort (S1-2), cross the torrent then climb the other side following the signposted path (S2). At the highest point, you come to the Col du Souchet (FR-05-2365). There are magnificent views of the Meije, the Râteau and the glaciers...

Summit of the Col du Souchet.
An incomparable balcony overlooking the Meije massif at 3982m (the pointed summit on the left).
Further right: Râteau 3809m.

If you opt to cross over to Le Chazelet, continue straight ahead. The path is partly cycleable (S1-2) but requires pushing (S3) for the final descent to the D33 leading to La Grave.

Profile of the Col du Souchet from the Lac du Chambon dam.

Text and photo credits by René POTY.

Editor's note: in the member routes you will find a route that crosses the Col du Souchet. This is not the route suggested by René above. It turns in the other direction, offering splendid views of the Meije throughout the ascent.

See the tour