Pic Bayle, Mountain summit in Isère, France
Pic Bayle is a mountain summit in the Grandes Rousses range within the Dauphiné Alps, rising to 3,465 meters in elevation. The peak displays mica schist rock formations and sits at the boundary between three valleys and municipalities in the Isère department.
Pic Bayle is named after Abbé Joseph Ferdinand Auguste Bayle, born in 1841 at Cornillon-en-Trièves, who made the first ascent on 17 August 1874. A parish priest and alpinist, he died in 1880 at Oz in Isère. His climb gave the highest summit of the Grandes Rousses its name.
The peak is named after Abbé Joseph Ferdinand Auguste Bayle, a priest from Oz in Isère, who made the first recorded ascent on 17 August 1874. Born in 1841 at Cornillon-en-Trièves, he was both curé and alpinist, and the mountain has carried his name since that climb.
Hikers can access the peak via marked paths starting near the Alpe d'Huez ski resort area. The approach requires mountain experience and good weather, with the Abri Rajon shelter available partway up for rest and protection.
Pic Bayle stands just one metre higher than the neighbouring Pic de l'Étendard to the north, 3,465 m against 3,464 m. Its eastern side carries the Malatres glacier, which descends to join the Quirlies glacier below. The summit lies above the Alpe d'Huez resort and is shared by the communes of Vaujany, Clavans-en-Haut-Oisans and Le Freney-d'Oisans.
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