Where is Col du Fréjus?
France, europe
13 km
2,546 m
moderate
Year-round
Col du Fréjus, also known as Passo del Frejus, is a crazy-high international mountain pass chilling right on the border between France and Italy at 2,546m (8,353ft). You'll find it linking the Piedmont region of Italy with the Savoie department of France.
At the top, you're greeted by the serene Petit lac du Frejus, a simple cross, and some seriously cool views.
Back in the 1890s, some French general decided they needed a road up here. The area is littered with old military ruins – barracks, forts, the works – with little signs dotted around giving you a history lesson. Apparently, there were even some scuffles between the Italians and French during WWII.
This pass used to be the main route, but then they built a massive 13 km tunnel in 1980, and everyone started using that instead.
Now, here's the thing: if you're thinking of driving up, listen up. The French side is all unpaved. You'll NEED a 4x4, and even then, the road is officially closed to private vehicles. Word is the road surface isn't too bad, but it can get slippery. The Italian side? Forget about it. It's just a super-steep hiking trail.
The French side, starting from Le Seuil, is a beast, stretching 8.4 km (5.21 miles) with an elevation gain of 873 meters. We're talking some brutally steep sections, maxing out at a gradient of 30%! On average, you're looking at a 10.39% incline. It's a proper workout for your vehicle! You'll find this tough climb on the western edge of the Massif du Mont Cenis, nestled in the Cottian Alps.
Road Details
- Country
- France
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 13 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,546 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
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