Where is Col d'Allos?
France, europe
39.1 km
2,250 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, picture this: the Col d'Allos, a seriously high mountain pass nestled way up in the French Alps. We're talking 2,250 meters (that's 7,382 feet!) above sea level, in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence department. You'll find it in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region, chilling west of the Parc National du Mercantour.
This pass has some history! Built back in 1891, supposedly to defend against potential Italian and German attacks, so it's got a story to tell.
Now, getting there...the D908 is completely paved, but let's be real, it's not exactly smooth sailing. Think bumpy surfaces, hairpin turns galore, and a road that feels a little narrow at times. Definitely not for the faint of heart, especially with those dramatic drop-offs! Caravan and truck drivers, consider yourselves warned. It's STEEP too – hitting a maximum gradient of 9% in places. It's a Tour de France favorite, so you know it's intense.
The whole pass stretches for about 39.1 km (24.29 miles), connecting Colmars-les-Alpes and Barcelonnette in a south-north direction.
But trust me, it's worth the trek! At the summit, you'll find a parking area and a mountain refuge (Refuge du Col d'Allos). Keep your eyes peeled along the way for marmots, sheep, and cows just living their best lives in the fields.
Heads up: the road is usually closed from October to July due to snow. And if you're planning a visit in July or August, Friday mornings are reserved for cyclists. Oh, and if you're feeling extra adventurous, there's a minor gravel road south of the pass that climbs up to a mountain peak at 2,350m (7,709ft). Get ready for some incredible views!
Road Details
- Country
- France
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 39.1 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,250 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in europe
hardWhat makes Skarvanes so special?
🌍 Faroe Islands
Okay, so you're headed to Skarvanes, a tiny, super-charming coastal village on the west side of Sandoy. Let me tell you, getting there is half the adventure! The road in, Skarvanesvegur (or Route 37), is only about a mile and a half long, branching off from Route 40. Now, don't let the short distance fool you! This road is an experience. Think paved... but seriously narrow. We're talking "hold your breath and hope no one's coming the other way" narrow. Two average-sized cars? Forget about it. Reversing skills are a MUST. If you're not a fan of edge-of-the-world driving, maybe skip this one. Because this road hugs the coastline TIGHT. One wrong move, and you're taking an unplanned dip in the ocean! But if you're up for the thrill, the views are absolutely incredible. Just take it slow, be careful, and get ready for some seriously stunning coastal scenery.
moderateBormio 2000
🇮🇹 Italy
# Bormio 2000 Nestled in the Italian Alps near the Swiss border in Lombardy's Province of Sondrio, Bormio 2000 is a fantastic ski resort sitting pretty at 1,938 meters (6,358 feet). What makes it special? The perfectly paved road that winds up to it—and yeah, it's famous enough that the Giro d'Italia has tackled it! Starting from the charming town of Bormio, you're looking at a 9.85-kilometer climb that'll gain you 735 meters of elevation. Don't let the average 7.5% gradient fool you—there are some punchy sections that kick up to 11% that'll definitely keep you on your toes. Whether you're cycling, driving, or just keen to experience some Alpine beauty, this route delivers seriously impressive scenery and a solid challenge. It's one of those iconic mountain passes that feels special every single time.
moderateWhere is Nufenen Pass?
🇨🇭 Switzerland
Nufenen Pass, or Passo della Novena as the Italians call it, is a real showstopper! Perched way up in the Swiss Alps, right on the border between Valais and Ticino cantons, this road tops out at a whopping 2,485m (8,152ft). Opened back in 1969 for a dam project, it's now one of the highest paved roads in Switzerland. This beauty stretches for 37km (22 miles), connecting Ulrichen to Airolo. Expect a winding, paved road with some serious hairpin turns and a maximum gradient of 13% in places. This climb is no joke! Fabian Cancellara calls it the toughest in the country. Keep in mind, it's closed to heavy vehicles and usually shut down from October to June thanks to the snow. Is it worth the trip? Absolutely! Give yourself around 45 minutes to drive it straight through, but you'll want to stop! Weekends and holidays can get busy. The views of the Bernese Alps and Gries Glacier are breathtaking. Plus, there's a hotel and restaurant at the summit for a well-deserved break.
hardCol Vidal
🇮🇹 Italy
# Col Vidal: A High-Alpine Adventure Ready for some serious altitude? Col Vidal sits pretty at 1,876 meters (6,154 feet) above sea level in the heart of Belluno Province, nestled in Veneto's stunning northeastern corner of Italy. What you're getting here is no smooth cruise—this is an old military gravel track that demands respect. The road is seriously narrow and relentlessly steep, making every switchback feel like an accomplishment. But here's the payoff: when you finally reach the summit, you'll find yourself at Forte Alto di Col Vidal, an impressive WWI fortress that's equal parts history and wow factor. This isn't a route for the faint of heart or your average sedan, but if you're up for a wild, raw mountain experience with incredible views and tangible history waiting at the top, Col Vidal absolutely delivers. It's the kind of drive that makes for unforgettable stories.