Col de la Colombière, Mountain pass in Le Reposoir, France
The Col de la Colombière is a mountain pass in Le Reposoir that links two valleys through a fully paved road. The pass reaches 1,613 meters and offers a bar-restaurant, parking areas, and a souvenir shop at the summit.
The pass was first included in the Tour de France in 1960 and has appeared in the prestigious cycling race over twenty times since then. Its addition transformed it into a key mountain stage for professional cyclists.
The Charterhouse at Le Reposoir sits along the route, showing how religious communities shaped the valley's architecture and daily life. Travelers passing through can observe the monastic buildings that reflect centuries of spiritual tradition in this mountain region.
The pass is typically open from May to November, so visitors should expect snow and closures outside these months. It is wise to check local conditions beforehand, especially during shoulder seasons.
The northern approach offers a particularly challenging route for cyclists, becoming noticeably steeper in the final four kilometers above Chinaillon. This technical passage has made the pass legendary among cycling enthusiasts.
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