Above Chalmieu (1910m)

After Col du Mollard, there is a tricky descent of a few kilometres and just before joining the route to Croix de Fer is the turn off to Chalmieu. It’s a steep ride from here at a steady 10%ish gradient. At the village of Chalmieu, follow the paved road through the parking lot.

It’s more pastoral than savage, with cow-filled fields and big mountains. The route heads straight towards the distinctive three mountain peaks of Les Aguilles d’Arves

At 1910 metres the paved road ends, but there is an unbelievably inviting, good quality, gravel road that continues if you can brave the surface