D97 / SP255 : Col de la Lombarde (Colle della Lombarda) , Col de la Larche : Isola 2000 - Larche

April 11, 2012 - 4.0

A beautiful and enjoyable road, particularly once you get above Isola 2000. Over the summit it's a bit of golf cart track as it's so narrow, but the surface isn't bad, and it's a laugh to ride. Despite how narrow it is you may encounter coaches/buses up there - I did! The scenery is spectacular, and it's only a few hours out of Nice.

May 6, 2009 - 4.0

Up from Isola 2000 the road is progressively narrower with horrible pavement. Seeing recreational vehicles up to the pass is not uncommon and I frankly don understand why this road is still open to such vehicles. Always be alert. Spectacular scenery surpasses the riding pleasure. Wonderful although only feasible during summer months.

August 14, 2008 - 4.0

Great scenery, great surface, quiet road, a few bikers, cyclists and a few cows. Some signs of WW2 defenses near top.

December 9, 2005 - 5.0

Leave Isola and travel towards Isola 2000 ski resort. Keep on "main" road up beyond the multiple choices of heading into the resort. The road narrows to just over a car width and winds up to the Col de la Lombarde (2350m). At the top there are no tourist cafes but a man selling stuff off a trailer. No drinks nothing! On the down slope you enter Cuneo province and are in Italy. The road winds and gradually gets wider as you approach Vinadio. Turn left onto S21 and then you have wide road with plenty of overtaking places parallel with the border. Entire route is "green lined" on the Michelin Map. The Col de la Larche is a wide-open section of road at 1948m above sea level. Run down back into France and the ski resort at Larche.