Driving the paved road to Col de Moissiere in the Hautes-Alpes

Driving the paved road to Col de Moissiere in the Hautes-Alpes

France, europe

Length

18.6 km

Elevation

1,575 m

Difficulty

hard

Best Season

Year-round

# Col de Moissière

Tucked away in the Hautes-Alpes department of southeastern France, Col de Moissière sits pretty at 1,575 meters (5,167 feet) above sea level. This beauty is nestled in the Massif des Écrins within the stunning Alps, right in the heart of the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region.

The 18.6-kilometer route (about 11.5 miles) stretches north to south, connecting Saint-Léger-les-Mélèzes to La Bâtie-Neuve via the fully paved Route Départementale 213. Don't let the pavement fool you though—this road has some serious character. You'll encounter bumpy sections and tight curves that'll keep you on your toes, with gradients reaching a steep 14.6% in places that'll really test your legs (especially if you're cycling).

Despite the technical challenges, there's something magical about this route. It's peaceful, genuinely scenic, and perfect if you're looking for a challenging but rewarding bike ride through the Alps. The road demands respect and attention, but rewards you with mountain views that make every steep pedal stroke worthwhile.

Where is it?

Driving the paved road to Col de Moissiere in the Hautes-Alpes is located in France (europe). Coordinates: 45.7479, 2.2947

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Road Details

Country
France
Continent
europe
Length
18.6 km
Max Elevation
1,575 m
Difficulty
hard
Coordinates
45.7479, 2.2947

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