Col du Pignon | 821 METER | Aspres-sur-Buëch Veynes

The Col du Pignon Alpine pass is purely a connecting pass in the south-western foothills of the Alps. It is well paved throughout, wide and has few bends. Nevertheless, it is popular with motorcyclists as it lies on the route connecting several beautiful Alpine passes from Gap to the west. For example, towards Col des Tourettes, Col de Carabes, Col de Cabre or Col de la Haute Beaume.

The region around Gap, especially to the south and west, already shows many maritime features. Some of the mountains are rounder in shape or, interestingly, ‘broken off’ in one direction and gently sloping on the other. When the high Alpine passes of the Western Alps are no longer passable, there are wonderful alternative motorcycle tours to ride here. Examples include the comparatively high Alpine passes Pas de la Graille and Col du Noyer

By the way: ‘Pinon’ translates as ‘gear wheel’ in English.