Where is Col de la Boaire-Colle della Boaria?

Where is Col de la Boaire-Colle della Boaria?

Italy, europe

Length

20 km

Elevation

2,102 m

Difficulty

extreme

Best Season

Year-round

Okay, picture this: Col de la Boaire-Colle della Boaria, straddling the border between France and Italy! You'll find it way up in the mountains, a lofty 2,102 meters (that's 6,896 feet!) above sea level, connecting the Queyras valley in France (Hautes-Alpes) with Pontechianale in Italy (Cuneo, Piedmont).

This isn't your average Sunday drive, though. This road has serious history, originally built way back in the Middle Ages for salt transport, then beefed up for military use, especially during World War II.

Heads up: the whole thing is unpaved. Seriously. It can get pretty rough around the pass, so take it slow (think 20km/h slow!) and be prepared for a bumpy ride. Definitely not recommended in a regular car!

And plan your trip carefully, because this route is usually closed from November 1st to March 31st. Snow and avalanches are real dangers up here, and icy patches can appear out of nowhere.

But if you're up for the adventure, you won't regret it. This wild, winding dirt road clinging to the ridges of the Maritime Alps offers absolutely incredible views of both the sea and the mountains. The landscape is raw and stunning – a truly unforgettable experience!

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Road Details

Country
Italy
Continent
europe
Length
20 km
Max Elevation
2,102 m
Difficulty
extreme

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