Col d'Izoard & Casse Déserte
Col d'Izoard
Famous Tour de France climb at 2,360 meters; the Casse Déserte on the south side has weathered rock pillars and scree slopes that resemble a lunar landscape.
Col d’Izoard rises to 2,360 meters and links Briançon with the Queyras mountains. It is a classic climb in the Tour de France. The north side passes through larch forest. On the south side, shortly after the descent begins, lies the famous Casse Déserte: wide grey-yellow scree slopes studded with weathered rock pillars, a barren and unique landscape. Roadside stone memorials honor Tour de France legends Coppi and Bobet, and the summit has an obelisk and a small museum. It is about 40 minutes’ drive from Briançon and can be combined with Fort Queyras and Saint-Véran.
Opening hours
All day during the summer road-open season
Nearby sights
- Fort Queyras
- Montgenèvre
- Fort des Têtes & Fort du Randouillet
- Pont d'Asfeld
- Cité Vauban (Briançon Old Town)
- Collégiale Notre-Dame-et-Saint-Nicolas
- Saint-Véran
- Serre Chevalier