Where is Pian del Re?
Italy, europe
11 km
2,020 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, picture this: you're in Italy, winding your way up to Pian del Re in the Piedmont region. This high-altitude plateau sits pretty at 2,020 meters (that's 6,627 feet!). You'll find it nestled in the Valle Po, not far from Crissolo.
Why "Pian del Re?" Apparently, it dates back to when the French army was hanging around during Francis I's reign.
The road itself? It's a fully paved 11 km (almost 7 miles) of pure driving joy, kicking off from Crissolo. Get ready for a climb! You'll gain 878 meters in elevation, so expect an average gradient of around 8%.
It's called Strada Provinciale 234. The road is in decent shape but gets narrow for the last 3 km as you approach Pian del Re. Trucks are a no-go, so you can enjoy a (usually) less crowded drive.
Important note: this road is only open from June to October. You're in the Cottian Alps, after all. Snow chains or snow tires might be necessary, even during the open months, depending on the weather. At the top, you'll find a parking lot, a refuge, and a few buildings. The Rifugio Albergo is the perfect spot to kick off hikes and experience the famous Giro del Monviso.
Road Details
- Country
- Italy
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 11 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,020 m
- Difficulty
- hard
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