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Col Izoard

Mountain pass in Arvieux

  • The Col Izoard is one of the upper gateways to the Queyras, the transition to the Briançonnais. Inaccessible in winter, it is one of the busiest tourist routes in the Hautes-Alpes in summer.

  • But the pass is best known for its spectacular Casse Déserte site, which is made up of scree from which cargneulic peaks emerge. As well as being a spectacular geological feature, the pass has become an iconic stop on the Tour de France cycling race. With a gradient of 8% on the last ten kilometres of the ascent to the pass, the greatest champions such as Fausto Coppi and Louison Bobet have forged their reputations there. Indeed, a stele has been erected in their memory.
    It is also the...
    But the pass is best known for its spectacular Casse Déserte site, which is made up of scree from which cargneulic peaks emerge. As well as being a spectacular geological feature, the pass has become an iconic stop on the Tour de France cycling race. With a gradient of 8% on the last ten kilometres of the ascent to the pass, the greatest champions such as Fausto Coppi and Louison Bobet have forged their reputations there. Indeed, a stele has been erected in their memory.
    It is also the venue for a host of other prestigious cycling races such as the Critérium du Dauphiné Libéré, the Giro d'Italia, the Serre-Che Luc Alphand, the Embrunman (one of the toughest triathlons in the world)...
    Over time, the Izoard has become a myth. Don't we say that ""a champion enters the casse déserte alone""?
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  • From May 1, 2024 until November 12, 2024
    Open Everyday
  • From May 16, 2025 until November 11, 2025
    Open Everyday
  • * Subject to favorable weather Subject to snow conditions
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