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Col d'Izoard is one of the most popular passes of Tour de France (and was in 2007 also part of Giro d'Italia). However, it is not comprehensible that Izoard is also supposed to be one of the scenically most popular passes. The trip to Izoard usually starts on southern ramp from Guillestre and routes through formidable gorge of Queyras. You can gain there great impressions of landscape but unfortunately no altitude difference. Due to rainy weather specified tour was done without that 18km part through Queyras-gorge but started at the junction to the pass shortly before Chateau Queyras. Thus, there are still some 1,000m of altitude diference in drizzle rain. Casse Deserte is only a short passage of 50 meters and is not worth the trip. On top the well-known obelisk and the prospect of a subsequent damned cold downhill ride.
Start: Junction at Chateau Queyras 1,345m
Elevation profile including return way
Supposed unique Casse Deserte is only a boulder area and can be found in similar form all over the Alps.
Directly behind Casse Deserte the memorial to cycling legends Fausto Coppi und Louison Bobet.
Pass summit