The road to Col de la Cayolle in the Provence will take your breath away
France, europe
40.2 km
2,339 m
moderate
Year-round
# Col de la Cayolle: A Stunning Alpine Adventure
Ready for an unforgettable mountain drive? Col de la Cayolle sits pretty at 2,339m (7,673ft) in the heart of southeastern France's Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region, and it's honestly one of those roads that'll take your breath away—literally and figuratively.
Nestled in the gorgeous Ubaye Valley within Parc National du Mercantour, this pass marks the border between two departments while keeping company with famous neighbors like Col d'Allos and Col de la Bonette. Fun fact: the Var River, which eventually flows into the sea near Nice, springs to life just around here.
The 40.2km (24.97-mile) journey runs north-south from Uvernet-Fours to Entraunes, and while it's completely paved, don't expect a highway experience—this beauty is delightfully narrow and twisty. Part of the legendary Route des Grandes Alpes, the climb cranks up to a spicy 10% gradient in spots, making it genuinely challenging and thrilling.
Built by the military back in 1914, the pass has earned serious bragging rights as one of Europe's most spectacular climbs (the Tour de France has featured it multiple times!). The road through the Gorges du Bachelard section is particularly famous for its dramatic balcony-road vibes.
Just know that winter shuts things down from October through June-July, and the road doesn't welcome heavy vehicles or caravans. When it's open, expect decent summer crowds, a mountain refuge, and parking at the summit. Absolutely worth the drive.
Where is it?
The road to Col de la Cayolle in the Provence will take your breath away is located in France (europe). Coordinates: 46.8679, 2.7618
Road Details
- Country
- France
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 40.2 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,339 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- 46.8679, 2.7618
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