The 3 Cols Loop

The route starts directly from Barcelonnette. You can find parking within the town itself to begin your ride up the Col d'Allos.

The road surface is generally well-paved, but some sections, particularly on the descent back towards Barcelonnette, can be quite narrow, 'bumpy,' or 'embossed.' The initial kilometers from Barcelonnette are wider and straighter, but as you ascend, the road narrows significantly with dramatic twists and turns. The descent is considered technical due to tight bends and deep ravines.

This is considered a hard road ride, requiring very good fitness. It's known as one of the most demanding climbs, with an average gradient of 6.2% to 8.04% over 16.9 to 21.5 kilometers, and sections reaching 9%. The sustained nature of the climb, combined with a technical descent, makes it a significant test of endurance.

You'll experience remarkable and superb high mountain landscapes. The route offers breathtaking panoramic views, winding through alpine pastures and forests. As you climb, you'll overlook the impressive Gorges du Bachelard, with a vertiginous ravine on one side. The pass itself is revealed at the last moment in a bend, offering views of the road already conquered. Being in the Mercantour National Park, the area is rich in biodiversity.

Yes, the route features several notable points. You'll pass over the famous Col d'Allos itself. You'll also find the Champs Pass, which offers a great viewpoint, and the Cayolle Pass is often part of popular multi-col loops in the area.

The best time to cycle is typically during the summer months when the pass is clear of snow. In July and August, the Col d'Allos is often closed to motorized vehicles on Friday mornings (8 a.m. to 11 a.m.), providing a unique and safer cycling experience.

Yes, as a special initiative for cyclists, the Col d'Allos is often closed to motorized vehicles on Friday mornings from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. during July and August. This offers a unique opportunity to experience the climb with significantly reduced traffic.

Yes, the Col d'Allos is a popular component of multi-col cycling routes. It's frequently combined with the Col de la Cayolle and Col des Champs in a '3 Cols' loop starting from Barcelonnette. The route also overlaps with sections of official trails like 'Le Grand Tour Alpi Marittime-Mercantour Guillaumes * Barcelonnette' and 'Route des Grandes Alpes à vélo, étape 11, Barcelonnette / Valberg'.

While there are no specific permits or entrance fees required for cycling the Col d'Allos itself, as it's a public road, you are cycling within the Mercantour National Park. Please respect park regulations, which generally include staying on marked paths, not disturbing wildlife, and not leaving any trace.

This is a challenging road cycling route, so bringing dogs along for the ride itself is not typical. If you are traveling with a dog and plan to be in the Mercantour National Park area, dogs are generally allowed on a leash in certain zones, but specific restrictions may apply, especially in core protected areas. Always check the latest park regulations if you plan to bring a pet.

The Col d'Allos has a rich history with the Tour de France, first appearing in 1911. It has been included 34 times, making it the 12th most visited col in TDF history. It's famously remembered for a legendary stage in 1975, where Bernard Thévenet described the descent into Barcelonnette as 'The most nightmarish moment of the 1975 Tour.'