Col de la Croix Saint-Robert, Mountain pass in Puy-de-Dôme, France.
Col de la Croix Saint-Robert stands at 1,451 meters elevation, connecting the valleys between Mont-Dore and Chambon-sur-Lac through challenging terrain with panoramic views of the surrounding volcanic landscape.
The pass lies on the D36 between the Dordogne and Couze Chambon valleys, between the Puy de l'Angle and the Roc de Cuzeau. Since 1961 it has hosted the Mont-Dore/Chambon-sur-Lac hill climb, a 5,075-metre course with 43 bends. The Tour de France crossed it in 2011 (Tejay van Garderen), 2023 (Warren Barguil) and 2025 (Ben Healy).
Local pastoral traditions include seasonal cattle grazing called estive, where herds are brought to high altitude pastures during summer months, maintaining ancient agricultural practices of the region.
The 6.5-kilometer ascent from Mont-Dore features an average gradient of 6.2% with steep sections reaching 8%, and the pass becomes impassable during winter due to heavy snowfall.
The site hosts an annual hill climb automobile race since 1961, featuring a winding 5,075-meter course with 43 turns that attracts European drivers to this challenging mountain route.
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