Col Agnel
Col Agnel (or Colle dell’Agnello in Italian) is one of the highest mountain passes in Europe, straddling the border between France and Italy. With an elevation of 2,744 meters (9,003 ft), it is a spectacular climb, popular among cyclists and known for its appearances in major cycling races like the Giro d’Italia and occasionally the Tour de France. Both sides are long, high-altitude climbs that demand endurance and stamina. As the altitude rises, oxygen levels drop, increasing the challenge. The upper sections of the pass are exposed and barren, which can mean battling strong winds, especially near the summit. The French side offers lush alpine meadows in the lower half, transitioning to rocky, more dramatic landscapes closer to the summit.
Region: Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur
City: Château-Ville-Vieille
Distance: 21.37 km
Elevation Gain: 1360 m
Elevation Loss: 11 m
Difficulty: 1087 (Very Hard)
FIETS Index: 8.52 FIETS
Avg Grade: 6.31 %
Max cat climb: HC
Min elevation: 1384 m
Max elevation: 2733 m
Ride Category: Epic Climb