
Is the road to Col de St-Pantaleon in Italy paved?
Italy, europe
19.6 km
1,676 m
moderate
Year-round
Okay, adventurers, picture this: You're in the Valle d'Aosta region of Italy, ready to tackle the Col de St-Pantaléon! This beauty of a mountain pass clocks in at a lofty 1,676m (5,498ft), so get ready for some serious views.
Good news, road trippers—the Strada Regionale 42 (SR42) leading to the top is completely paved and wide, making for a smooth ride. But be warned, it’s a consistently steep climb, so expect some serious inclines and keep an eye out for potential rock slides! The road stretches for 19.6 km (12.17 miles), connecting Verrayes and Antey-Saint-Andrè. Some sections reach a lung-busting 13.3% gradient—no wonder the Giro d’Italia has tackled this climb!
But trust me, it's all worth it. The scenery is absolutely breathtaking. And the summit? That's where the magic happens. You'll find the charming Cappella Di Saint Pantaléon, perfect for a quick stop. Take a moment to soak in the panorama of the Marmore valley and the majestic Mount Cervino. If the weather is playing nice, you might even catch a glimpse of the iconic Matterhorn! Plus, there's a handy panel to help you identify all the surrounding mountain peaks. Get your cameras ready!
Road Details
- Country
- Italy
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 19.6 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,676 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
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