Col des Moises
The Col des Moises
A puzzle (at least in theory)
Following on from the section entitled «Du bon usage de la carte» (p. 86-87 of the last issue), here is a case even more complex than those of the Champs or Saisies passes, since not only Michelin and the IGN (for once the DDE has not interfered in the debate), but also our friends from the FFRP (Fédération Française de Randonnée Pédestre) have joined forces, to whom we owe a number of passes (via signs posted on GR or PR trails).
If you are interested in the Col des Moises and before going there you consult the available documents you will find :
1. According to the «Chauvot»: road pass on the D246 at 1118 m,
2. According to the Michelin map: road pass on the D246 at 1123 m,
3. According to the IGN: mule track pass at 1121 m, 100 m to the left of the D246.
But if you go there, it gets more complicated, because you'll find :
1. On the D246 at the point indicated by Le Chauvot, there is no DDE sign (for this time the DDE has not interfered in the debate, or rather is not making this pass official) but a sign indicating «Col des Moises» with an arrow pointing south!
2. To the left of this sign, and therefore of the D246, is a geographical mule pass that corresponds perfectly to the IGN indications on the TOP25 map,
3. About 200 m further south and about 50 m from the road: a «Col des Moises - 1112 m» sign on the «Balcon du Léman» GR.
So... three cols des Moises, one officialized by Michelin, the other by IGN and the last by 2 signs (directional and summit) from the FFRP!!!!
No, I think that, like René Poty for the examples of the Col des Champs and Col des Saisies, you have to conclude that if you stay on the D246 you miss the pass (despite the Michelin sign), then which of the 2 mule tracks? The one on the IGN at 1121 m seems to me to be more correct geographically (despite the very nice FFRP sign).
Now it's René Poty's turn: should the Chauvot be modified? Because unlike the Col des Champs, there's no DDE sign but a sign indicating that the pass is lower. What a headache!
Fortunately, in the same region, the Cols de Cou, des Arces, de l'Encrenaz and du Feu, among others, present no particular problems.
Text by Michel de Brebisson
