Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur · France
Col de la Cayolle
D2202D902Barcelonnette to Uvernet-Fours
A wild, gorge-and-meadow pass in the southern Alps.
The D902 over the Col de la Cayolle at 2,326 m links the Ubaye and the upper Var through the deep Gorges du Bachelard, becoming the D2202 on the Var side, a quiet, beautiful southern-Alps road on the Route des Grandes Alpes. Narrow and remote; mind the gorge drops, the livestock, and snow outside summer.
Scenery
MountainGorge
Best seasons
SpringSummerAutumn
In these collections
In these guides
Where it runs17.9 mi · point to point
BarcelonnetteStart · Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur
Uvernet-FoursEnd · Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur
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Character
Corners40bends
Tightness7of 10
Max gradient9%≈ 1-in-11
Hairpins5tight bends
Climb1,192 mtotal ascent
Summit2,272.6 mhighest point of the line · 7,456 ft
Corners
busiest around mile 1Elevation
under 4%4–8%over 8%1,125.1 – 2,272.6 mFrom the road
Points of interest3 stops
- Cascade des AndrieuxLandmark4.1 mi in
- Cascade des PasquiersLandmark4.7 mi in
- Cascade des PinassesLandmark3.6 mi in
Hazards
- Narrow gorge sections with drops
- Livestock on the open road
- Closed in winter
Is Col de la Cayolle open? Typical season and live summit weather ›
Sources
“It's said to be one of the most beautiful climbs in Europe.”
Verified route: mapped from real road geometry and fact-checked by a human editor. How roads get checked
Driving the Col de la Cayolle: quick answers
How long does it take to drive the Col de la Cayolle?
Col de la Cayolle runs 17.9 miles (29 km) and takes about 39 min to drive without stops.
How difficult is the Col de la Cayolle to drive?
We rate it demanding: 40 corners including 5 hairpins, a maximum gradient of 9%, and a tightness of 7 out of 10.
When is the best time to drive the Col de la Cayolle?
Spring and Summer and Autumn are best. The road closes seasonally over winter; check it has reopened before setting out.
Nearby roads
The closest great drives to Col de la Cayolle.
Col de la Cayolle
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