
A Guide to Pas de l'Agree in the Heart of Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur
France, europe
8.6 km
1,192 m
hard
Year-round
# Pas de l'Agrée
Nestled in the Alpes-Maritimes department of southeastern France near the Italian border, Pas de l'Agrée sits at a dramatic 1,192 meters (3,910 feet) above sea level. This high-altitude pass is tucked within the breathtaking Mercantour National Park, where Alpine scenery steals the show.
The 8.6-kilometer (5.34-mile) route, called D54, connects Col de Braus to Pas de l'Escous as it winds east-west through some seriously jaw-dropping landscapes. Fair warning though—this isn't a straightforward cruise. Expect countless hairpin turns, steep climbs, and passages so narrow you'll need to focus intently on the road ahead.
The good news? The entire route is fully paved, and you can tackle it year-round without seasonal closures. The not-so-good news? The road surface has seen better days, adding a bit of extra spice to the drive. Those tight turns, steep grades, and crumbling pavement mean this pass demands respect and careful handling.
If you're up for a challenging alpine adventure with stunning views as your reward, Pas de l'Agrée delivers exactly that.
Where is it?
A Guide to Pas de l'Agree in the Heart of Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur is located in France (europe). Coordinates: 46.1943, 2.5060
Road Details
- Country
- France
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 8.6 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,192 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 46.1943, 2.5060
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