Larche Pass is an awe-inspiring drive in the Alps with 16 hairpin turns

Col de Larche-Colle della Maddalena is this stunning international alpine pass sitting at 2,005 meters (6,578 feet) right on the Italy-France border. It connects the Stura valley in Italy with the Ubaye valley in France, nestled between the Cottian Alps and Maritime Alps in a seriously gorgeous mountain setting.

The route is fully paved and runs about 12.3 kilometers from Val-d'Oronaye in France to Argentera in Italy. On the Italian side, you'll be cruising Strada Statale 21 (Colle della Maddalena), while the French side goes by D900 (Col de Larche). The pass is open year-round unless heavy snow decides to close the party—thankfully a rare occurrence.

Now, here's where it gets interesting: the drive has 16 wickedly sharp hairpin turns that'll keep you engaged, but the gradient never gets too steep—maxing out around 8%. It's technically a pretty manageable climb, though definitely one that commands respect. Heads up if you're planning to cycle the French side from Les Gleizolles up to the pass—it's officially off-limits because of rockfall and landslide hazards, so stick to the road.

At the summit, you'll find a souvenir shop and a spacious parking lot perfect for stretching your legs and soaking in the views. There's also a cool statue honoring legendary cyclist Fausto Coppi's iconic 1949 Giro victory. Definitely worth a stop if you're into cycling history!