Where is Col de la Moutiere?
France, europe
11.1 km
2,450 m
extreme
Year-round
Col de la Moutière is a total hidden gem in the French Alps, smack-dab in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region. This baby tops out at a cool 2,450m (8,038ft)!
Okay, let's be real – this drive isn't for the faint of heart. The road? Super narrow. Think one-car-width narrow. And those drop-offs? Seriously intense. Once you're committed, there's no turning back!
You'll find it straddling the Alpes-Maritimes and Alpes-de-Haute-Provence departments in southeastern France. Starting from Saint-Dalmas-le-Selvage, it stretches for 11.1 km (6.89 miles) with some seriously steep sections – we're talking a max gradient of 15%!
Prepare for a climb – 952 meters of elevation gain, averaging about 8.57%. Expect a bunch of hairpin turns winding through sparse woods that eventually open up to mind-blowing views above the tree line.
Heads up: this road is usually closed from late October to late June/early July.
Oh, and if you're feeling extra adventurous, a short, gravel road north of the pass leads to Faux Col de Restefond. But be warned: that 3.2km stretch is strictly 4x4 territory and prone to landslides!
Don't forget to check out the old military fort, Ouvrage La Moutière, right at the summit – it's part of the Maginot Line.
Road Details
- Country
- France
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 11.1 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,450 m
- Difficulty
- extreme
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