Col de l'Asclier, Mountain saddle in Cévennes, France
Col de l'Asclier is a mountain pass located at 907 meters elevation within the Cevennes range, characterized by thick forest cover throughout the approach. The pass serves as a route connecting different valleys through this rugged terrain.
A stone bridge was built at the pass in 1875 to support the seasonal movement of sheep herds between valley and mountain pastures. This structure dates to the period when shepherds regularly moved livestock across these mountain routes.
A shepherd sculpture created by Michel Soubeyran in 2011 stands at the summit to honor the region's pastoral past. This artwork recognizes the communities who relied on seasonal migration of their flocks.
The road includes 12 hairpin turns with an average gradient of around 5 percent and is accessed via departmental road D20. Exercise caution during descents as local animals, including donkeys, often cross the roadway.
The road is known for its tight hairpin turns that demand careful attention during descent. Animals such as donkeys use this route regularly and may appear around corners unexpectedly.
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