The mountain stands on the long ridge which, starting from the Main chain of the Alps, divides Maira Valley from Varaita Valley. It rises between two well defined mountain passes, Colle di Birrone (West of the summit, at 1,700 m) and Colle di Melle (1,871 m, East of it). Close to the Monte Birrone passes an old military road built in order to deserve several military emplacements. It's open to cars and motorbikes during summertime. Administratively the mountain is divided between the comunes of Frassino and Sampeyre (Varaita Valley) and San Damiano Macra (Maira Valley).