Where is Col d'Izoard?
France, europe
19.8 km
2,367 m
moderate
Year-round
Okay, picture this: the Col d'Izoard. We're talking serious bucket-list material here in the Hautes-Alpes region of France, part of Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur. You'll find this gem tucked away in the southeastern corner of France, a highlight along the Route des Grandes Alpes.
This isn't just any road; it's legendary! The first version was carved out way back in 1710, but the road we know and love today was built between 1893 and 1897. Fully paved as the D902, it winds for almost 20km (12+ miles) between Cervières and Arvieux. Brace yourself – some sections crank up to a 12% gradient! Expect company in the summer months as you wind up.
Word of warning: this high-altitude road is usually snowed in from late October to late June/early July, so plan your trip accordingly.
Okay, so why make the trek? For starters, the views are absolutely insane. You'll transition from lush, green mountains near Briançon to the bizarre, almost lunar landscape of the Casse Deserte as you gain elevation. The rocky scenery at the top is just breathtaking.
But the Izoard is about more than just scenery; it's about history! This pass is cycling royalty, famous for its Tour de France moments. A tiny cycling museum awaits you at the summit. And on the southern slope, near the top, you'll find a memorial to cycling legends Fausto Coppi and Louison Bobet in the Casse Deserte. Seriously, if you're a cycling fan, this is a pilgrimage.
Road Details
- Country
- France
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 19.8 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,367 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
Related Roads in europe
hardPas des Escaliers
🇫🇷 France
Okay, thrill-seekers, listen up! I just discovered this mind-blowing mountain pass in the Isère department of France called Pas des Escaliers. We're talking a lofty 1,700 meters (that's 5,577 feet!) above sea level, people. The road, also known as Route du Poursollet, is paved and ready for your tires. But heads up – it's the D114E, which is seriously steep and skinny. Think hairpin turns and breathtaking drops. You'll need your wits about you, but the views from the top are seriously worth the adrenaline rush. Get ready for some serious alpine scenery!
extremeRotwand
🇩🇪 Germany
# Rotwand: A Bavarian Alpine Adventure Ready for some serious elevation gain? Rotwand is calling your name. This impressive 1,727-meter peak sits in the Miesbach district of Bavaria, making it one of Germany's highest driveable summits and a true gem of the Mangfall Mountains. The route kicks off from the B307 and climbs 11.9 kilometers of pure gravel and rocky terrain straight to the Rotwandhaus mountain refuge. You're looking at nearly 1,000 meters of elevation gain over that distance—we're talking an average gradient of 7.9%, with a particularly gnarly 700-meter stretch that hits 18%. This is no leisurely Sunday drive. Weather and altitude will keep you honest no matter what season you tackle this beast. The combination of steep inclines, rugged road conditions, and unpredictable mountain weather means you need to come prepared. But if you've got the chops for it, the views and that sense of accomplishment at the refuge? Absolutely worth it.
moderateWhere is Col de la Légette?
🇫🇷 France
Okay, picture this: you're winding your way up Col de la Légette, a seriously cool mountain pass nestled in the Savoie department of France. We're talking Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, southeast France vibes! Park the car at the top and soak it all in. The road, known as Route des Crêtes, is mostly unpaved, adding a touch of ruggedness to the adventure. Heads up, though – being way up in the Alps, this road is usually a no-go during the winter months. From the D218B road near Les Saisies, it's a quick 2.5 km (1.55 miles) push to the top. You'll gain about 120 meters in elevation, so expect an average gradient of around 4.8%. The views? Absolutely worth it!
hardAdventure along the wild Old Terradets Canyon Road
🇪🇸 Spain
# Old Terradets Canyon Road Picture this: you're winding through one of Spain's most breathtaking canyon drives, nestled in the Pallars Jussà region of Lleida, Catalonia. Welcome to the Old Terradets Canyon Road—a thrilling 2.5 km stretch that'll make your heart race and your palms sweat in equal measure. Perched high in the Serra del Montsec Protected Natural Area within the Pre-Pyrenees, this road is basically a river carved into the mountainside. Since it opened back in 1912, it's been hugging the cliffs like a snake, offering jaw-dropping views of the Terradets reservoir along the way. The road is mostly paved (though fair warning: the conditions are pretty rough), and it features two narrow, unlit tunnels that add an extra dash of adventure to your drive. Here's the kicker: this is a genuine single-track road in places, which means meeting another vehicle head-on is basically your worst nightmare scenario. The lack of barriers doesn't help your nerves either—those old-school Spanish drivers had guts! Though the modern C-13 bypassed this route back in the late 1970s, the canyon road still stands as one of Spain's most scenic drives. Just watch out for rockslides and snow during bad weather, as the road can close without warning. If you love dramatic landscapes, heart-pounding curves, and roads with serious character, this is absolutely worth adding to your bucket list.