Where is Col de l'Échelle?
France, europe
2.2 km
1,762 m
moderate
Year-round
Col de l'Échelle, sitting pretty at 1,762m (5,781ft) above sea level, is a must-drive if you're kicking around the Hautes-Alpes department of France.
Where to find it? Tucked away in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region near the Italian border. Fun fact: it's super close to another slightly higher pass (only 2.2 km apart!), making for some double-the-views action.
The road to the top—also known as Colle della Scala—is totally paved and known as D1T. Word on the street is that it’s the lowest mountain pass connecting France and Italy.
Clocking in at 9.1 km (5.65 miles), the pass cruises from Névache to the Italian border, setting you up perfectly to explore Bardonecchia.
Expect killer scenery as you climb, with the Italian side especially showing off. You'll wind through wooded areas before hitting the summit.
Don't expect any pit stops along the way, just a lone abandoned customs house at the top. The road's smoother on the Italian side, but keep an eye out for two unlit tunnels near the summit. And hold on tight—some sections ramp up to a hefty 12.1%!
In summer, you'll have plenty of company on this route. Once you conquer the pass, there's a small parking area to soak it all in.
Road Details
- Country
- France
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 2.2 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,762 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
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