One of the highest cols in Europe (2770 m), superb panorama over the glaciers of Haute-Maurienne.

A little history
Delayed by the first world war, the col is opened to motor traffic in July 1937 after 3 years of roadworks ; it provides a link with Haute-Tarentaise and will be the last great work on the "route des Grande Alpes" linking Geneva to Nice on PLM coaches.

The inhabitants of Bonneval, chamois hunters, are reputed to be excellent guides.As early as 1860, Joseph Blanc initiated his 4 sons, one of whom will guide an Englishman in the Himalayas in 1910. Bonneval (distinguished as one of the most beautiful villages in France) organizes each Friday a timed climb to L'Iseran.

• Difficulty : Black
  
  
• Ascent, overall : 970 m
  
  
• Average grade : 5%
  Maximum grade : 7%
  
  
• Time : 2 h
  
  
• Distance : 14 km
  
  
• Recommended gear ratio : 39 x 27
  
  
• Guide: IGN map 3633, Pays du Mont-Cenis, Atlas des cols p. 122 à 125

• Information : TO Bonneval-sur-Arc
  
  
• Repairs : Lanslebourg, Lanslevillard
  
  
• Access : A43 exit 30, N6 to Lanslebourg then D902.