The Road to Col de Viraysse: No Turning Back If You Change Your Mind
Col de Viraysse is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2,746m (9,009ft) above sea level, located in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence department of France. The road is extremely narrow, and the drop-offs can be quite intimidating. There’s only enough room for one car to go up, and there’s no option to turn around if you change your mind. It’s one of the highest roads in Europe.
Where is Col de Viraysse?
The pass, also known as Tête de Viraysse, is situated in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region, in the southeastern part of France, near the Italian border.
Is Col de Viraysse Open in Winter?
Set high in the Cottian Alps, in the southwestern part of the Alps, the road to the summit is impassable between September and June due to weather conditions.
When Was the Road to Col de Viraysse Built?
It’s an old military road, not suited for beginners, built between 1885 and 1888. It's one of the highest roads in France.
Is the Road to Col de Viraysse Unpaved?
The road to the summit is completely unpaved and features endless hairpin turns. It’s extremely narrow and steep, with sections reaching up to a 17% incline. The road is winding, with some areas only wide enough for a single vehicle, and many sections are bordered by drops of hundreds of meters without guardrails. It’s best to avoid this road if you have a fear of heights.
How Long is the Road to Col de Viraysse?
The road to the summit is 9.6 km (5.96 miles) long, starting from the paved D225 road. Over this distance, the elevation gain is 995m, with an average gradient of 10.36%.
Is the Road to Col de Viraysse Worth the Drive?
Along the route, via Col de Mallemort, there are several military structures and fortresses. From the summit, you’ll enjoy stunning views of Italy, the Mercantour, and the Ubaye Valley.
How to Get to Fort de Viraysse?
The road continues as a hiking path to Fort de Viraysse, a fortification complex at an elevation of 2,772m (9,094ft), built to defend France from potential invasions from Italy. It was one of the highest military posts in France and the only one in the Alps with a clear view of Italy.
Pic: Ole Christian Paasche