Where is Col du Clapier-Colle Clapier?
France, europe
7 km
2,490 m
moderate
Year-round
Okay, so picture this: the Col du Clapier-Colle Clapier, perched way up high at 2,480m (that's 8,170ft!), right on the border where France shakes hands with Italy. We're talking serious alpine scenery, tucked into the northern Cottian Alps, linking Savoie in France to Piedmont in Italy.
Now, about getting there... it's an adventure! Think bridle path, not highway. It starts up from Bramans at 1,220 m on the French side, heading towards Susa in Italy way down at 503 m. And FYI, winter slams the door shut from around September to June with tons of snow.
If you're starting from Col du Petit Mont Cenis, it's about 7km (4.3 miles) to the top. The first bit's an old military road – 4x4s and bikes can handle that. Speaking of which, this whole area is steeped in history, dotted with high-altitude military relics from way back when.
Heads up: past Lac de Savine, you're ditching the vehicle. Bikes might still be okay, but the Italian side turns into a walking-only mule track.
Oh, and history buffs! This might be the spot where Hannibal crossed the Alps with his elephants! Seriously, historians have been arguing about it for centuries. Did he really drag 50,000 troops, thousands of horses, and a bunch of elephants through here in 218 BC? Napoleon thought it was the Col du Mont Cenis, but this wilder spot is definitely a contender.
Road Details
- Country
- France
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 7 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,490 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
Related Roads in europe
hardCol de Frejus
🇫🇷 France
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! Col de Frejus in the Hautes-Alpes of southeastern France is calling your name! We're talking a legit high mountain pass experience, topping out at a whopping 2,474m (8,116ft). Fair warning: this isn't your Sunday drive. This "road" to the summit, nestled in the Massif des Cerces range, is more of a rugged, rocky, gravel trail. Expect it to be super bumpy and sometimes sketchy. Mother Nature usually shuts it down from October to June, so plan accordingly. Experienced off-roaders will be in heaven here. Definitely need a 4x4, and a healthy dose of courage. This trail is steep, and some of the narrow sections have serious drop-offs. If heights aren't your thing, maybe grab a postcard instead. But if you're up for an adrenaline-pumping adventure with insane views, Col de Frejus won't disappoint!
hardA paved road to Sanctuaire de Notre Dame de la Salette
🇫🇷 France
# Notre Dame de la Salette Sanctuary: A Scenic Alpine Drive Tucked away in the Isère department of southeastern France, the Notre Dame de la Salette Sanctuary sits pretty at 1,787 meters (5,862 feet) above sea level. Getting there? A breeze, really—the D212C is a smooth, well-maintained asphalt road that winds its way up with plenty of satisfying curves without ever feeling too demanding. It's wide, not overly steep, and blessedly free of the bumper-to-bumper crowds you'd find on busier Alpine routes. As you climb, you'll pass a poignant memorial and cemetery just a few kilometers up the road—it honors the 51 people who tragically lost their lives when an airplane crashed into the nearby Grande Tête de l'Obiou peak back in 1950. The site is beautifully maintained and worth a respectful pause. Once you reach the summit, you'll find everything you need to make a day of it: a welcoming hotel, a solid restaurant, boutique shops, and a bookstore. Whether you're stopping for a quick bite or planning to linger and soak in the mountain atmosphere, the sanctuary has you covered. It's a rewarding drive with some genuine Alpine charm.
moderateCol de l'Echelle is the lowest mountain pass between France and Italy
🇫🇷 France
# Col de l'Échelle: A Hidden Alpine Gem Nestled in the heart of the French Alps near the Italian border, Col de l'Échelle sits at a respectable 1,762 meters (5,781 feet) and holds a quirky distinction—it's the lowest mountain pass connecting France and Italy. Located in the Hautes-Alpes department of southeastern France, it's just 2.2 km away from its slightly taller neighbor, Le Mauvais Pass. The 9.1-kilometer route (also known locally as Colle della Scala and marked as D1T) runs from the charming village of Névache all the way to the Italian border, eventually connecting to Bardonecchia in Piedmont. The whole road is beautifully paved, making it accessible and inviting for drivers looking to tackle an Alpine crossing. What makes this pass special is the stunning scenery—you'll wind through forested terrain that opens up to impressive vistas, especially once you hit the Italian side. The climb isn't a gentle stroll though; expect some steep ramps pushing up to 12.1% gradient that'll really test your driving skills. There's an abandoned customs house sitting at the summit like a ghostly monument to Alpine history. Fair warning: two unlit tunnels near the top demand your attention, and while the road is generally well-maintained, the Italian side boasts better conditions. Summer brings its share of traffic, so don't expect solitude. A small parking lot awaits at the peak if you want to stretch your legs and soak in the Alpine air.
extremeWhere is Col de la Couillole?
🇫🇷 France
Col de la Couillole, sitting pretty at 1,678m (5,495ft), is a must-drive in the Alpes-Maritimes department of France. You'll find it snaking through the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region, smack-dab in the Mercantour National Park. This beauty is part of the Route des Grandes Alpes, and the entire 23.4km (14.54 miles) stretch from Beuil to Saint-Sauveur-sur-Tinée is paved – just follow the D30, which magically transforms into M30 after you conquer the col towards Saint Sauveur sur Tinée. Prepare for a steep and curvy adventure! Expect some narrow sections, hairpin turns, and charming tunnels. But trust me, the scenic views more than make up for it. Cyclists, take note: this climb is a real workout. Starting from St. Sauveur-sur-Tinée (504m), it’s a 15.7 km grind with a whopping 1,174 meters of elevation gain, averaging a 7.5% gradient. It's consistently steep, barely dipping below 6%, with stretches hitting 8% and peaking at 11%! Pro tip: make a detour to Roubion, a ridiculously picturesque village near the pass. It’s literally the end of the road, but totally worth the detour! Coming from Beuil, you won't see signs for it, so keep your eyes peeled.