Where is Col de la Cayolle?
France, europe
40.2 km
2,339 m
moderate
Year-round
Col de la Cayolle is a seriously high mountain pass, topping out at 2,339m (7,673ft) in the French Alps. You'll find it in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region, specifically the Ubaye Valley within the Parc National du Mercantour, right on the border of the Alpes-Maritimes and Alpes-de-Haute-Provence departments. Picture this: you're driving along the D2202, part of the legendary Route des Grandes Alpes, tracing the source of the Var River as it heads towards Nice.
This paved but narrow road stretches for 40.2km (24.97 miles) from Uvernet-Fours in the north to Entraunes in the south. Keep in mind, though, that it's typically closed from October to June/July due to snow. When it's open, you'll find a mountain refuge and parking at the summit. Heads up, though: heavier vehicles and caravans aren't allowed.
Originally built by the army in 1914, the Cayolle has some seriously steep sections, with gradients hitting up to 10%. Plus, a portion north of the pass is famous as one of France's best "balcony roads". It gets a fair amount of traffic in the summer, so be prepared to share the road! The views alone make the trip worthwhile.
Road Details
- Country
- France
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 40.2 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,339 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
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