Casse Déserte, Col d’Izoard
Arvieux, France
A bare slope of scree and ochre rock towers just below the 2,360 m Col d’Izoard, with a plaque to the cyclists Coppi and Bobet. Park in the small lay-bys; the D902 is closed in winter.
The Casse Déserte below the Col d'Izoard is a bare scree slope of ochre-coloured rock; according to the Envie de Queyras tourism site it consists of "cargneules" (cellular dolomitic rock) and loose stone. Nearby stand the memorial stelae to the cyclists Fausto Coppi and Louison Bobet. An easy, family-friendly path starts at the pass at 2,360 m, takes about 30 minutes one way (roughly 90 m of ascent) up to around 2,450 m, and ends at a viewpoint looking over the Casse Déserte, almost level with the stelae.
You can reach the Izoard from Briançon or Cervières, or from Guillestre via Arvieux. The pass road is closed in winter; check its status beforehand (as of October 2026). There is a car park by the stelae at the pass. Allow about an hour for the stop and the walk; in low light in the morning or evening the rock glows most strongly.
- Nearest town
- Arvieux, France
- Category
- Scenic viewpoints
- GPS
- 44.8045, 6.7295
- Editor's pick
- ★
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually June–September. Still fine, with some compromises, in May. Cold, short days in December–February. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Getting there
- France: Motorway tolls. Tolls on most autoroutes; the limit drops to 110 km/h in rain. Motorway limit for cars: 130 km/h.
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
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Campsites nearby
- Camping de l'IzoardCampsite1 km from Casse Déserte, Col d’IzoardTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterShowersToilets
- Camping des 5 ValléesCampsite12 km from Casse Déserte, Col d’IzoardTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsWaste disposalWi-Fi
- Camping Iscle de PrellesCampsite12 km from Casse Déserte, Col d’IzoardTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsWaste disposal
- Le VergerCampsite13 km from Casse Déserte, Col d’IzoardTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsWi-Fi
- Le GouretCampsite13 km from Casse Déserte, Col d’IzoardTentsCaravansElectricityShowersToiletsDogs allowedWi-Fi
- Aire l'Argentière-la-BesséeMotorhome stopover13 km from Casse Déserte, Col d’Izoard · 22 pitchesMotorhomesElectricityDrinking waterWaste disposalDogs allowedWi-Fi
All campsites in France · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Casse Déserte, Col d’Izoard?
Casse Déserte, Col d’Izoard is in Arvieux, France, at GPS 44.8045, 6.7295. It is about 4 km from Château-Queyras.
Can you camp near Casse Déserte, Col d’Izoard?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Camping de l'Izoard, about 1 km away; within 25 km there are 54 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Casse Déserte, Col d’Izoard?
Casse Déserte, Col d’Izoard is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Izoard, Queyras and the Cime de la Bonette.
What is there to see near Casse Déserte, Col d’Izoard?
Places worth a stop nearby: Fort Queyras (7 km), Mont-Dauphin fortress (17 km), Col de Vars (30 km) and Pian del Re, source of the Po (31 km).
When is the best time to visit Casse Déserte, Col d’Izoard?
The most pleasant months are usually June–September. Still fine, with some compromises, in May. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)