Col Du Frene
You can see the switchbacks of this pass from the valley of
the Isere, near its junction with the Maurienne Valley. But
the eye is drawn immediately to the tooth like peak next to
the pass, the Dent d'Arclusaz (2041m). On the other side of
the pass this route shows off more peaks of this nature in
the Bauge Massif.
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1.(300m,00.0km)
START-END SOUTH: bridge over L'Isere, south of Saint
Pierre D'Abigny
2.(950m,10.9km)TOP: Col du Frene
3.(730m,19.4km)START-END NORTH: jct with D60B to Jarsy
on right
4.(540m,40.2km)START-END NORTH ALT: Cusy
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Approaches
From South. A small side road runs along
the very southern edge of the Bauge Massif, together with a
railroad. There is no need to take busy D1006 in the center of
the valley, together with all the trucks. I just wish I would
have found it sooner. It leads right into St Piere d'Arbigny, a
very peaceful place on a Sunday afternoon, and near the school
there are plenty of nice benches in deep shade for a lunch
picnic.
Back to work. The road starts climbing immediately. The
switchbacks seem to get longer, and even if the road is trying
to get away from the big tooth above, it only does so
momentarily. The next switchback brings the Dent d'Arclusaz back
into focus, from just a little bit higher. The top is a small
meadow bounded by forest and the start of a trail up the tooth
itself.
From
North. But actually this side is even more scenic. The road
descends mildly and then aims like a bowling alley right for the
next peak, Mont Trelod (2181m). There are fewer trees to hide
the mountains on this side. And now the shape of the trees
become an integral part of the landscape itself, because
whatever trees there are left - now there form matters, when
they stand there by themselves. A fountain to cool down and
still a thirst, next to a church complementing its environment
are passed in Les Lindagnes. Several tempting looking roads
leave from here towards high mountain valleys. But they all are
out and back rides, at least as far as pavement is concerned.
Continuing downvalley from here, the alpine character of the
landscape moves more and more to the background, and the road
rolls into generic forested hills, reaching a low point at the
bridge in Lescheraines.
A Dayride with this point as intermediate summit
is on page: Col de Planpalais

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