Col de la Fageole

The Col de la Fageole is a mountain pass in the Massif Central, located in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, in the department of Cantal.

Toponymy

The name Fageole comes from the Occitan diminutive faja, which becomes fajòla, meaning "small beech wood."

History

This pass, part of the road from Saint-Flour to Massiac, was used to travel from the South to the North of France through the Cantal region. Due to frequent snow whirlwinds in winter, indicator poles had been installed along the road.

Geography

Location

The Col de la Fageole is situated in the municipality of Coren, at an altitude of 1,114 meters. It is accessible from the A75 motorway.
A wind farm is located nearby.

Climate

This pass is feared in winter as the ascent can become difficult due to frequent snowfalls from late autumn until May. Snowdrift barriers have been installed there.