Mountain passes around Authon (Alpes-de-Haute-Provence) offer routes through a diverse natural landscape. This region features passes that connect valleys and provide access to elevated terrain. The area is characterized by its mountainous environment, with passes ranging in elevation and offering various types of routes. These passes are integral to exploring the local geography and natural features.
Last updated: June 21, 2026
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Starting from La Robine sur Galabre, we go up the gorges by road before turning off at Ainac on a gravel track. This track has some passages at almost 20% which will probably require a good development or pushing the bike a little. The track then allows you to reach the Col de Fontbelle by a nice, smooth descent. This climb is beautiful but physically demanding.
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The Col du Jas culminates at 840 meters above a small forest. Accessible by a track or a path, it has the particularity of being close to the geological site of the ichthyosaur.
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A great viewing platform is installed here.
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Hyssope Pass is 1,236 meters above sea level. It has a view over the Duyes valley. Geology enthusiasts will be able to distinguish the overlap of the Digne-les-Bains aquifer on that of Valensole.
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From Sisteron, the Col de Fontbelle is 26.3 kilometers of climbs with segments at 6 or 7%, and others between 1.5 and 5%. In your ascent, passing the intermediate Mézien pass after the 6th kilometer tells you that you have made the first part complicated and that you are starting the second part, long but less steep. On the open parts of the pass, you can see the mountain of Gueruen and the mountain of Mélan and its Grande Aiguille.
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The Col de Fontbelle culminates at 1304m. From the village of Thoard it is a climb of almost 13km which comes in two parts. The first is the most difficult with sustained percentages over almost 9 km including 3 at more than 8% on average which will take you to the hamlet of Mélan then the intermediate pass of Hyssop (1236m) where moreover an exceptional panorama will offer to you (we don't make an effort for nothing anyway). The second part is relatively simple with lower percentages, barely 2.5 km at 3% average which joins the col de Fontbelle located in the forest in a VERY isolated way
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The Col des Sagnes allows passage between the Durance and Grand Vallon valleys. The road is almost deserted. The only noise we hear comes from the Sasse river.
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The mountain passes around Authon offer a diverse range of terrain. You can find quiet, winding roads like The winding road of the Col des Sagnes, which provides passage between valleys with the Sasse river as a natural soundtrack. For those seeking more challenge, there are also gravel tracks with steep gradients, such as the Gravel Route from La Robine-sur-Galabre to Col de Fontbelle.
Yes, several passes offer unique natural features and views. Col d'Hysope, at 1,236 meters, provides superb views over the Duyes valley and is of interest to geology enthusiasts for its aquifer overlap. Col du Jas is located near a geological site featuring an ichthyosaur.
The region around Authon's mountain passes is excellent for various outdoor activities. You can find numerous routes for hiking, running, and cycling. These activities allow you to explore the diverse landscapes and natural features connected by these passes.
Absolutely. The Gravel Route from La Robine-sur-Galabre to Col de Fontbelle is known for its challenging nature, including sections with gradients approaching 20%. This physically demanding route transitions from gorges to a gravel track, offering a rigorous experience.
For those interested in geology, Col d'Hysope offers a chance to observe the overlap of the Digne-les-Bains aquifer on that of Valensole. Additionally, Col du Jas is situated close to a geological site famous for an ichthyosaur.
Visitors appreciate the variety of experiences offered by the mountain passes. Many enjoy the quiet, natural settings, such as the deserted road of The winding road of the Col des Sagnes where the Sasse river is the primary sound. The superb views from passes like Col d'Hysope and the unique geological sites also draw significant interest.
Yes, at Col d'Hysope, a great viewing platform has been installed, allowing visitors to fully appreciate the superb views of the Duyes valley.
Accessibility varies by pass. For instance, Col du Jas is accessible by either a track or a path, making it reachable for different types of adventurers. Other passes might involve quiet roads or more demanding gravel tracks, so checking specific route details is always recommended.
The passes in the Authon region vary in elevation. For example, Col d'Hysope reaches 1,236 meters above sea level, while Col du Jas culminates at 840 meters.
Yes, the Gravel Route from La Robine-sur-Galabre to Col de Fontbelle is a prime example. This route starts by going up gorges by road before transitioning to a gravel track, eventually leading to a descent towards Col de Fontbelle, offering a varied natural experience.
Yes, The winding road of the Col des Sagnes is particularly known for being almost deserted. The only sound you are likely to hear is the Sasse river, making it ideal for those seeking tranquility.


See even more epic mountain passes by checking out these guides around Authon: