
Where is Col de Mallemort?
France, europe
9.9 km
2,543 m
moderate
Year-round
Alright, adventure seekers, buckle up for the Col de Mallemort! This wild ride tops out at 2,543 meters (8,343 feet) in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence department of France, nestled in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region, not far from Italy. You'll find a military signal station perched at the summit, offering incredible views.
Now, heads up: this isn't your average Sunday drive. The road to the top is unpaved and seriously rugged – think 4x4 vehicles only. You'll be winding past old military installations on a path barely wide enough for one vehicle, often with sheer drops on either side. Seriously, the photos don't do it justice!
Expect a constant barrage of hairpin turns. Many are so tight you'll need to make multi-point turns to navigate them. And once you're committed, there's no turning back!
From the paved D900, it's about 9.9 kilometers (6.15 miles) to the summit, climbing over 800 meters (2,600 feet) with an average grade of 8.1%. Built between 1933 and 1939, this historic track is typically closed during the winter months. Get ready for an unforgettable alpine experience!
Road Details
- Country
- France
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 9.9 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,543 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
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