France, Hautes-Alpes, France
Hairpins through larch forest give way to the lunar Casse Deserte, a surreal high altitude finale.
Length
33 km
In miles
20.5 mi
Driving time
1 hr 2 min
Atlas rating
9.5 / 10
The run
Briancon to Guillestre, following the D902. Drive it in either direction, though the views usually favour the climb.
Season
Closed roughly November to April
Nearby
21 km away
Col Agnel
Remote high altitude pass to the Italian frontier with tight ribbons and stark empty scenery.
25 km away
Colle dell'Agnello
One of the Alps' highest paved passes, remote and narrow near the French border.
30 km away
Col de Vars
A gentler Alpine link road with sweeping meadows between two harder edged giants.
35 km away
Col du Lautaret
A broad glacier flanked highway linking the Romanche and Guisane valleys beneath the Meije massif.
37 km away
Colle delle Finestre
A gravel topped final stretch of tight hairpins made famous by the Giro d'Italia.
37 km away
Col du Galibier
The spine of the Route des Grandes Alpes, a relentless climb to one of driving's holiest summits.
Longer journeys