Col du Mont Cenis from Lanslebourg

Description

The 2084-m high Col du Mont-Cenis towers above the Maurienne and Susa Valleys, at the heart of the Mont-Cenis Range.
This prestigious pass marked the border between France and Italy until 1947. The very narrow road that existed under the First Empire (wagons had to be disassembled and carried on mules) was widened by Napoleon Bonaparte, with construction taking ten years, from 1803 to 1813, and involving the toil of 3000 labourers. During the work, the 9th-century hospice was extended so it could provide shelter for poor travellers, not for travellers “who thanks to their fortune can enjoy the hospitality of the inns set up along the road”, to quote the rules introduced by the Bishop of Saint-Jean-de-Maurienne.
Pope Pious VII stayed at the hospice in 1812. He was in such poor health he was given the last rights but, against all expectations, he recovered and was able to get back to France.

There are some kilometer markers during the Mont-Cenis itinerary.

Period of opening

From 01/05 to 31/10 daily.

Subject to favorable snow and weather conditions.

Equipment & services

• Picnic area
• Bar
• Public WC
• Orientation board
• Parking nearby
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Prices

Free access.

Languages ​​spoken

• English
• French

Animals

Localisation