Travel guide to the top of Col du Festre
France, europe
22.1 km
1,441 m
moderate
Year-round
# Col du Festre
Tucked away in the Hautes-Alpes region of southeastern France sits Col du Festre, a mountain pass that rises to 1,441 meters (4,727 feet) above sea level. This is proper Alpine territory in Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, and it's got the credentials to prove it—the Tour de France has tackled this climb before.
The road up is fully asphalted, following the D937, which keeps things relatively civilized compared to some Alpine passes. You've got options depending on where you start your ascent. From Barrage du Sautet, you're looking at a 22.1 km grind with 648 meters of elevation gain—that works out to a mellow 2.9% average gradient, making it a pretty forgiving climb as mountain passes go.
If you're starting from La Madeleine instead, you'll cover 14.4 km with 591 meters of elevation gain, bringing the gradient up to 4.1% on average. It's slightly steeper but shorter, so take your pick depending on your mood and fitness level. Either way, you're in for some stunning Alpine scenery as you wind your way toward the summit.
Where is it?
Travel guide to the top of Col du Festre is located in France (europe). Coordinates: 46.1596, 1.9485
Road Details
- Country
- France
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 22.1 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,441 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- 46.1596, 1.9485
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