Adventure along the wild road to Col du Petit Mont Cenis
France, europe
7.9 km
2,184 m
moderate
Year-round
Col du Petit Mont Cenis is a high mountain pass sitting pretty at 2,184m (7,166ft) above sea level in the Savoie department of southeastern France. Also known as Colle del Piccolo Moncenisio, it's nestled in the Rhône-Alpes region and home to the charming Refuge du Petit Mont Cenis nearby.
Here's the fun part—legend has it that Hannibal himself might have marched his elephants through this very pass during his epic Alps crossing. Whether that's historically accurate or not, it definitely adds some adventure vibes to your drive!
The road itself is mostly paved but pleasantly narrow, keeping things interesting without being intimidating. You'll find the asphalt in solid condition, and traffic is typically light, so you won't be fighting crowds. The climb stretches 7.9 km (4.90 miles) starting from Col du Mont Cenis, with excellent scenery the whole way up. If you're feeling extra adventurous, there's a short gravel road just north of the pass that pushes even higher—all the way to 2,216m (7,270ft)—for those who want to squeeze out every last meter of elevation.
It's the kind of drive that blends history, gorgeous mountain landscapes, and the satisfaction of conquering Alpine terrain without needing nerves of steel.
Where is it?
Adventure along the wild road to Col du Petit Mont Cenis is located in France (europe). Coordinates: 45.4237, 0.7471
Road Details
- Country
- France
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 7.9 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,184 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- 45.4237, 0.7471
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