Avenue du Col d'Izoard D902 Mountain Pass Route in France

The Avenue du Col d'Izoard is located in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region of France, within the French Alps mountain range. It crosses the Massif du Queyras and skirts the Massif d'Escreins, two prominent mountain massifs in the area. The road begins near the town of Briançon, situated just 653 meters from the starting point, and extends northward through high alpine terrain. The route reaches elevations up to 2,365 meters (7,759 feet) at the Col d'Izoard mountain pass, one of the key features of this road. The road also runs adjacent to the Cerveyrette river for approximately 19% of its length, adding to the natural landscape along the way. An interactive map showing the road section discussed can be found at the end of this article.

The Avenue du Col d'Izoard, designated as the D902, is an asphalt-surfaced mountain pass road with a length of approximately 36.7 kilometers (22.8 miles). The road is moderately curvy, with a curviness rating of 1.59 on a scale where 3 indicates extreme twistiness. The surface quality is rated at 4.5 out of 5, indicating a generally well-maintained pavement suitable for motorcycles. The road width varies, with about 79% of the route being wide enough for comfortable two-way traffic, and around 20% having a medium width. Approximately 28% of the road consists of single-lane sections, while two-lane segments make up about 53%. The speed limits vary along the route, ranging from 30 km/h (19 mph) in tighter or inhabited areas up to 90 km/h (56 mph) on more open stretches. Around 23% of the road passes through inhabited areas, primarily near the starting point close to Briançon.

This road is classified as a mountain pass road, featuring two significant passes. The highest is the Col d'Izoard at 2,361 meters (7,746 feet), a well-known alpine pass with historical significance in cycling and motorcycling communities. The second pass is the Col de la Platrière, which reaches an elevation of 2,215 meters (7,267 feet). The road climbs from a low point of 1,227 meters (4,026 feet) to these high elevations, offering riders a substantial altitude gain and varied riding conditions. The elevation changes contribute to the road's moderate curviness and require careful riding, especially in sections with tighter bends and narrower widths.

The Avenue du Col d'Izoard runs alongside the Cerveyrette river for a significant portion of its length, providing riders with natural waterway views. The route is also renowned for numerous viewpoints—at least fifteen are noted along the road—offering panoramic vistas of the surrounding alpine landscape. These viewpoints are popular stops for motorcyclists and tourists alike, providing opportunities to appreciate the Massif du Queyras and the broader Alps mountain range. The road's proximity to these natural features enhances the riding experience, combining technical road sections with rewarding visual breaks.

The Avenue du Col d'Izoard is a public road without any known tolls or entrance fees, though conditions may change, and riders should verify current regulations before travel. The road is generally open outside of winter months, but seasonal closures may apply due to snow at high elevations. For more detailed information on road conditions and closures, consulting local French road authorities or tourism offices is recommended. The Col d'Izoard has a dedicated Wikipedia page in French (Col d'Izoard), which provides historical and geographical context. The Massif du Queyras region is also detailed on Wikipedia (Massif du Queyras), offering additional insights into the area's natural environment.