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 has served as a strategic route for centuries, facilitating trade and communication between different valleys, and has been featured multiple times in the Tour de France since 2011.
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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