Where is Col d'Izoard?
France, europe
19.8 km
2,367 m
moderate
Year-round
Okay, picture this: the Col d'Izoard. We're talking serious bucket-list material here in the Hautes-Alpes region of France, part of Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur. You'll find this gem tucked away in the southeastern corner of France, a highlight along the Route des Grandes Alpes.
This isn't just any road; it's legendary! The first version was carved out way back in 1710, but the road we know and love today was built between 1893 and 1897. Fully paved as the D902, it winds for almost 20km (12+ miles) between Cervières and Arvieux. Brace yourself – some sections crank up to a 12% gradient! Expect company in the summer months as you wind up.
Word of warning: this high-altitude road is usually snowed in from late October to late June/early July, so plan your trip accordingly.
Okay, so why make the trek? For starters, the views are absolutely insane. You'll transition from lush, green mountains near Briançon to the bizarre, almost lunar landscape of the Casse Deserte as you gain elevation. The rocky scenery at the top is just breathtaking.
But the Izoard is about more than just scenery; it's about history! This pass is cycling royalty, famous for its Tour de France moments. A tiny cycling museum awaits you at the summit. And on the southern slope, near the top, you'll find a memorial to cycling legends Fausto Coppi and Louison Bobet in the Casse Deserte. Seriously, if you're a cycling fan, this is a pilgrimage.
Road Details
- Country
- France
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 19.8 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,367 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
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