
Driving the unpaved road to Col de Gimont
Italy, europe
N/A
2,332 m
moderate
Year-round
# Col de Gimont
Perched at 2,332 meters (7,650 feet) in the stunning Cottian Alps, Col de Gimont sits right on the border between France and Italy—and it's totally worth the adventure.
Fair warning: the entire approach is unpaved, so you'll want to come prepared for some serious gravel grinding. But here's the thing—the payoff is absolutely worth it. You'll get access to the breathtaking Lago di Sette Colori, and the views from the summit? Absolutely magnificent. The lake spreads out below you in all its alpine glory, and on a clear day, it's the kind of scenery that makes you understand why people become obsessed with mountain passes.
Just keep in mind that weather up here can be moody. The road can close without warning when conditions turn sketchy, so always check conditions before you head up. That said, if you time it right and catch this pass in good weather, you're in for one heck of a ride.
Where is it?
Driving the unpaved road to Col de Gimont is located in Italy (europe). Coordinates: 43.9947, 12.5897
Road Details
- Country
- Italy
- Continent
- europe
- Max Elevation
- 2,332 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- 43.9947, 12.5897
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