Vue en haut du col
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Col d'Izoard

4.8
·1k reviews·Arvieux, France

A legendary Tour de France pass with dramatic landscapes, including the unique Casse Déserte and stunning alpine panoramas.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Summer mornings

Cooler temps, fewer crowds

CrowdLow
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Vue en haut du col

Col d'Izoard

Best Time

Summer mornings

Cooler temps, fewer crowds

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A legendary Tour de France pass with dramatic landscapes, including the unique Casse Déserte and stunning alpine panoramas.

4.8
(1k reviews)

"Breathtaking views and an otherworldly landscape make this a must-visit alpine pass."

Vertical photo
TIP

📸 Capture Your Climb

Photographers often capture cyclists on the ascent; purchase a memorable shot of your achievement!

💧 Stay Hydrated

A drinking fountain is available on the climb, a welcome sight for cyclists.

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Rating

4.8 · 1,172 reviews

Type

Natural Feature

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Casse Déserte

The Casse Déserte

Southern approach to the pass

An otherworldly landscape of weathered rock formations, a stark contrast to the surrounding greenery.

Tour de France Route

Tour de France Route

The entire pass

Experience the thrill of cycling a legendary Tour de France stage, with photographers capturing your achievement .

Instagram+1
Summit Views

Summit Views

Top of the pass (2,360m)

Panoramic vistas of the Alps, with opportunities for stargazing on clear nights .

InstagramReddit
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Planning Your Visit

Timing Your Ascent

The Col d'Izoard is a popular cycling route, especially during summer. To avoid the peak crowds and enjoy cooler temperatures, consider visiting in the early morning or late afternoon. Be prepared for potential headwinds on certain sections, as experienced by cyclists.Reddit

Essential Gear & Prep

This high-altitude pass offers stunning views but can be exposed. Pack layers for changing weather, sunscreen, and plenty of water. Cyclists should ensure their bikes are in good condition, as the climb can be demanding.Instagram+2

Best Times

When
Summer mornings
Why
Cooler temps, fewer crowds
Crowd
Low
When
Late afternoon
Why
Golden hour light
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Col d'Izoard 2025 🔥 #cbr #slide #ride
guillaume_bnh
239 likes • 4.1K views

📸 Capture Your Climb

Photographers often capture cyclists on the ascent; purchase a memorable shot of your achievement! TikTokInstagram

💧 Stay Hydrated

A drinking fountain is available on the climb, a welcome sight for cyclists. Reddit

Col d'Izoard, France, 2.360m with Harley Davidson Pan America 1250 Special and Kesstech Exhaust #coldeiseran #coldizoard #coldeizoard #westernalps #touring #motorcycle #harleydavidson #panamerica #switzerland #swissalps #france #italy #camping #motorcyclecamping #tent #touring #europe #motorcycletouring #moutains @harleydavidson @harleydavidson.deutschland @houseofflamesmunichwest @kesstech_o...
m_2_k
418 likes • 59.5K views
Une enclave d’altitude, un bout du monde resté à l’écart des grandes migrations touristiques, blotti entre les Écrins et l’Italie, dans les Alpes du Sud. Depuis le sommet du col d'Izoard, véritable porte d'entrée du massif, Chroniques d'en Haut vous propose une immersion dans le Queyras. . ▶️ “Les amoureux du Queyras”, retrouvez le REPLAY de Chroniques d'en Haut dans la bio : linkr.bio/France3Alpe...
france3alpes
495 likes • 11.3K views

☁️ Seek Shelter

A covered area at the top offers respite from sun or rain. Reddit

🌌 Night Sky Magic

Experience incredible stargazing from the summit on clear nights. Reddit

Am Col D'Izoard wurden wir geblitzdingst! 📸 #coldizoard #routedesgrandesalpes #rdga #husky #husqvarna #norden901 #mototravel
mz1000sf
92 likes • 690 views

Tips

from all over the internet

📸 Capture Your Climb

Photographers often capture cyclists on the ascent; purchase a memorable shot of your achievement! TikTokInstagram

💧 Stay Hydrated

A drinking fountain is available on the climb, a welcome sight for cyclists. Reddit

☁️ Seek Shelter

A covered area at the top offers respite from sun or rain. Reddit

🌌 Night Sky Magic

Experience incredible stargazing from the summit on clear nights. Reddit

⚠️ Watch for Speeders

Be aware of other vehicles, including motorcycles, on this scenic route. Instagram

What Travellers Say

4.8
(1k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors rave about the breathtaking alpine scenery and the unique geological formations of the Casse Déserte. It's a celebrated route for cyclists, with photographers capturing memorable moments. While the summit offers basic amenities, the true draw is the stunning natural beauty and the experience of traversing a legendary mountain pass.

"Beautiful climb for cyclists with a drinking fountain, an area to hang out with a roof, so you don't get sunburn or wet and there are photographers on the climb, where you can purchase a photo of yourself whilst climbing.
On top of the mountain is a tiny store with decoration, food, drinks and a bathroom."

Thomas Stibenz

"This is simply THE WORST CAMPSITE IN ALL OF FRANCE.

I'd reccomend every tourist or person visiting this region to keep on driving, don't stop, don't visit and certainly don't camp here!!!

It may be the new facilities that looked luxurious, well thought out and integrated into the landscape so well we almost missed them.

Talking about the landscape, I'd avoid this at all cost... breathtaking views, of mountains green hills and bright blue sky make for views unlike anything you have seen before, I prefer a basement in queens with my video games buried under smog and rain.

The campsites are well thought out with increadible views and good facilities. You have about 4 platform to choose from and about 2 benches that you can just sleep on with a nigh bag.

I'd strongly discourage anyone from stopping here as the beauty and uniqueness should only be know by a select few..."

Stephan Lukac

"Visited on a long drive from Briançon to Menton."

Tim Austin

What People Like

Spectacular mountain views
Unique Casse Déserte landscape
Iconic cycling route

What People Dislike

Limited dining options
Potential for strong headwinds

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Col d'Izoard is accessible by car and is a popular route for cyclists. It's part of the Route des Grandes Alpes.Instagram From Briançon, you can take the D947 road. Be aware that some sections can be narrow and winding. Instagram+1

The pass is typically open from late May/early June to October, depending on snow conditions. Always check local road status before your visit, especially outside of peak summer. Instagram

Many visitors enjoy cycling the pass, as it's a famous Tour de France route.Instagram+1 Driving offers stunning views with easier access to viewpoints. Instagram

Col d'Izoard is a key point on the Route des Grandes Alpes, a famous scenic drive through the French Alps. Instagram+1

Briançon is the closest major town to the north, and Guillestre is to the south. Instagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, there are no entrance fees or tickets required to visit Col d'Izoard. It's a public mountain pass. Reddit

The pass is an open road and doesn't have set opening hours. However, it can be impassable due to snow in winter and spring. Instagram

Parking is generally free at designated areas along the pass and at the summit. Instagram

There's no need to book anything for simply visiting the pass. If you plan to camp nearby, booking might be advisable during peak season. Reddit

Standard road regulations apply. Large RVs or trailers might find some of the narrower sections challenging. Instagram

🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience

At the summit, you'll find breathtaking panoramic views, a small store selling souvenirs and refreshments, and a covered area for shelter. InstagramReddit

Absolutely! The Casse Déserte is a unique landscape for photos, and the summit offers stunning alpine vistas. Photographers also capture cyclists on the climb. Instagram+1

Yes, families can enjoy the scenic drive and the unique landscape of the Casse Déserte. The summit area is accessible for short walks. Instagram

While not guaranteed, you might spot alpine marmots or various bird species in the surrounding natural habitat. Instagram

The Casse Déserte is a striking geological formation on the southern side of the pass, characterized by barren, eroded rock spires. Instagram

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

There is a small store at the summit that offers drinks and snacks. For a wider selection, plan to eat in Briançon or Guillestre. Reddit

Yes, there are several scenic spots where you can enjoy a picnic. Remember to pack out all your trash. Instagram

Yes, a drinking fountain is available on the climb, and the summit store sells beverages. Reddit

The store typically offers basic snacks, drinks, and souvenirs. Reddit

Briançon and Guillestre offer a variety of restaurants and cafes with local cuisine. Instagram

📸 📸 Photography

The Casse Déserte offers dramatic landscapes, while the summit provides sweeping alpine panoramas. Don't miss capturing cyclists on the iconic route. Instagram+1

Early morning and late afternoon offer beautiful light, with golden hour casting a warm glow over the mountains. Instagram

Yes, photographers are often present on the climb to capture cyclists, and you can purchase these photos. TikTokInstagram

A wide-angle lens is great for landscapes, while a telephoto lens can capture distant peaks or details. A drone can offer unique aerial perspectives. Reddit

While specific tours might be rare, local guides or photography enthusiasts might offer personalized experiences. Instagram

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