Col du Rousset
Chamaloc, France
A pass where a tunnel through the Vercors rim opens suddenly onto the dry, southern-looking hills of the Diois. The old road above the tunnel has the best view.
The Col de Rousset lies at 1,254 m in the Vercors Regional Nature Park (Drôme département) and is one of the few crossings giving access to the southern Vercors. A 769 m tunnel, drilled in 1979, takes the road beneath the pass. It replaced the road of 1866, which still runs alongside it. The actual col lies on the ridge above the tunnel (1,367 m) and can be reached on foot. To the south the road leads towards Die, about 19 km away.
The Tour de France crossed the pass in 1984, 1996 and 1998. At the pass there is a ski area with a funicular and lifts, as well as a Nordic stadium; the Grande Traversée du Vercors (GTV) also starts here. Two orientation tables, at the tunnel exit and at the top of the chairlift, explain the view. A stop with a short climb to the ridge takes a little under an hour. Snow can cause restrictions, so check conditions in advance (as of October 2026).
- Nearest town
- Chamaloc, France
- Category
- Scenic viewpoints
- GPS
- 44.8483, 5.4053
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually June–September. Still fine, with some compromises, in May and October. Cold, short days in December–February. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Getting there
- France: Motorway tolls. Tolls on most autoroutes; the limit drops to 110 km/h in rain. Motorway limit for cars: 130 km/h.
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
Campsites nearby
- Camping Les PinsCampsite4 km from Col du RoussetTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterShowersToilets
- Aire Camping-Cars privée de Font d'Urle/Chaud ClapierMotorhome stopover9 km from Col du Rousset · 14 pitchesCaravansMotorhomesElectricityWaste disposalNo dogsFree
- Camping municipal de Saint-Agnan en VercorsCampsite11 km from Col du RoussetTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterShowersToilets
- Le Domaine du Mûrier Aire NaturelleCampsite11 km from Col du RoussetTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsWaste disposalDogs allowedWi-Fi
- Camping de JustinCampsite11 km from Col du RoussetTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsWaste disposal
- Ferme du Pas de l'AiguilleCampsite12 km from Col du RoussetTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterShowersToilets
All campsites in France · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Col du Rousset?
Col du Rousset is in Chamaloc, France, at GPS 44.8483, 5.4053. It is about 6 km from Vassieux-en-Vercors.
Can you camp near Col du Rousset?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Base Nature Vercors, about 3 km away; within 25 km there are 66 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Col du Rousset?
Col du Rousset is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Vercors: gorges and cliff roads.
What is there to see near Col du Rousset?
Places worth a stop nearby: Combe Laval (18 km), Pont-en-Royans (24 km), Gorges de la Bourne (24 km) and Palais idéal du Facteur Cheval (54 km).
When is the best time to visit Col du Rousset?
The most pleasant months are usually June–September. Still fine, with some compromises, in May and October. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)