Alpine Passes

Mountain Roads of Europe

Col de Larche

Col de Larche

Col de Larche / Colle della Maddalena

France · Alpes-de-Haute-Provence

1,991m

Key Facts

Elevation
1,991m
Route length
48 km
Max gradient
8%
Hairpins
32
Driving difficulty
Challenging (3/5)
Surface
Good
Open
May - November

Route & Map

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Route

SBarcelonnette
48 km · max 8%
Col de Larche (1,991m)
Descent
EVinadio (Italy)
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Franco-Italian border pass connecting the Ubaye valley to the Stura valley in Piedmont. Gentle climb used as an important trade route.

Weather & Conditions

Driving Experience

Elevation Profile

911m1,214m1,517m1,819m2,122m0 km20 km40 km60 km2,122m
1,079m gain
1,307m loss
1,139m → 2,122m → 911m

Difficulty

Challenging

3/5 — car driving difficulty

Based on steepness, elevation gain, hairpins, road length & surface quality

Hairpin Turns

32

A relentless sequence of switchbacks

When to Drive

May - November (Best: July - September)

  • Open May - November. Check locally for exact opening dates as conditions vary each year.
  • Morning hours offer the best driving conditions with less traffic.
  • With 32 hairpin turns, take your time and use each switchback to enjoy the views.

Coordinates

Summit
44.4200°N, 6.8983°E
Start (Barcelonnette)
44.3867°N, 6.6511°E
End (Vinadio (Italy))
44.3069°N, 7.1717°E
#border-crossing#route-des-grandes-alpes#gentle

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Image: Berrucomons / CC BY-SA 3.0