Col des Champs


Col des Champs is a high mountain pass in the Alps at the border between the departments of Alpes-de-Haute-Provence and Alpes-Maritimes in France. It connects Saint-Martin-d'Entraunes and Colmars, joining the valleys of the Var River and the Verdon River.
Together with the Col de la Cayolle and the Col d'Allos it forms part of a popular round trip for cyclists.

Details of the climb

The western side, from Colmars, is 12.5 km long, climbing at an average of 6.6%. The state of the pavement is partly very poor. While some parts are recently renovated, others contain numerous potholes and are covered by loose gravel. On this side mountain pass cycling milestones for cyclists are placed approximately every kilometre. They indicate the current height, the distance to the summit, the average slope in the following passage, as well as the number of the street.
Starting from Saint-Martin-d'Entraunes, the climb is 16.5 km gaining, resulting in an average of 6.4%. The state of the pavement is generally good on this side. No signposts for cyclists are placed on this side. However, every kilometre a sign indicates the altitude, as well as the distance to the summit or the next villages.

The exact height

The height of the summit is commonly specified by, including the signpost at the summit used until 2013. However, the current signpost at the summit indicates a height of . A topographic map of the French Institut géographique national marks at this position of the sign, and some 50 metres away from the signpost.