Col de la Cayolle

Col de la Cayolle

The Col de la Cayolle sits at an elevation of 2,326 meters within the Mercantour National Park, marking the boundary between the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence department to the north and the Alpes-Maritimes to the south. Geographically, the pass serves as a primary link between the Ubaye Valley and the source of the Var River. The northern approach originates in the town of Barcelonnette and follows a southward trajectory through the Gorges du Bachelard, while the southern ascent departs from Saint-Martin-d’Entraunes, heading north through the high Var Valley. Historically, the current transit route was established in the late 19th century when the French military upgraded an ancient mule trail into a strategic mountain road, which was eventually completed between 1900 and 1914.

As a fixture of the Route des Grandes Alpes, the climb is a staple for endurance cycling and often serves as a key segment of the “Les 3 Cols” loop alongside the Col d’Allos and Col des Champs. Despite its status as a high-altitude Alpine giant, the pass has been featured in the Tour de France only three times, with the most recent crossing occurring in 1973 when Vicente López Carril led over the summit. Previous passages included Jean Robic in 1950 and Charly Gaul in 1955. While the neighboring Col de la Couillole has seen more recent professional action—including serving as a decisive finish for Tadej Pogacar’s sixth stage win in the 2024 Tour de France—the Col de la Cayolle remains excluded from modern Grand Tour itineraries. It is technically characterized by narrow, balcony-style roads and multiple arched stone bridges, offering a primitive environment preserved from high-traffic commercialization.