Col des Lèques, Mountain pass in Alpes-de-Haute-Provence, France
Col des Lèques is a mountain pass in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence with a series of hairpin turns rising along the D4085 road. The route climbs steadily, connecting lower valleys with higher elevations as it crosses through dramatic rocky terrain.
This pass sits within a region where rock formations record millions of years of earth history, with evidence of tropical conditions during the formation of these alpine layers. Tectonic forces gradually lifted and tilted the rock strata, creating the dramatic slopes visible today.
The pass serves travelers moving through the alpine landscape, offering views of the layered rock formations that define this corner of Provence. The route connects communities and allows visitors to experience the natural geological drama of the region firsthand.
The road over the pass is well-maintained and provides a steady climbing route that is accessible by bicycle and car year-round. Check weather conditions before heading up, as mountain passes can be unpredictable and road conditions may vary with the seasons.
Fossils of ancient sea mammals have been discovered in the rock layers surrounding the pass, evidence of when this highland area sat beneath the ocean. These discoveries reveal the dramatic scale of geological change that reshaped the landscape over vast spans of time.
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