
Travel guide to the top of Col de la Colle-Saint-Michel in the Provence
France, europe
26 km
1,431 m
hard
Year-round
# Col de la Colle-Saint-Michel
Tucked away in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence region of southeastern France, Col de la Colle-Saint-Michel sits at a respectable 1,431 meters (4,694 feet) above sea level. This gem is part of the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur area, and it's absolutely worth adding to your French Alps bucket list.
The 26-kilometer (16-mile) route runs north-south between Beauvezer and Le Fugeret along the D908, and here's the good news: it's completely paved. The road got some serious TLC back in 2004 when sections were freshly resurfaced.
What makes this pass special? The northern approach is seriously steep and narrow—it's the kind of section that'll get your adrenaline pumping. But don't worry; the overall experience is surprisingly enjoyable. You'll wind through forested terrain at a lower elevation, surrounded by beautiful Alpine scenery that makes every switchback worthwhile.
History buffs will appreciate that this pass has earned its stripes in the cycling world, featuring multiple times in the legendary Tour de France. Whether you're a cyclist, a road tripper, or just someone who loves dramatic mountain scenery, the Colle-Saint-Michel delivers on all fronts.
Where is it?
Travel guide to the top of Col de la Colle-Saint-Michel in the Provence is located in France (europe). Coordinates: 47.5411, 2.6431
Road Details
- Country
- France
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 26 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,431 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 47.5411, 2.6431
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