A brutal road to Col de Lauzun in the French Alps
France, europe
8 km
2,809 m
hard
Year-round
# Col de Lauzun
Picture this: you're perched nearly 2,800 meters up in the French Alps, surrounded by the rugged Massif de la Vanoise range in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region. Welcome to Col de Lauzun, one of France's most extreme mountain passes.
This isn't your typical alpine drive. The 8-kilometer journey from Val Thorens ski resort to Cime de Caron follows an unpaved chairlift service road that's basically only passable if you're rolling in a serious 4x4. Think narrow, rocky terrain with steep ski-piste sections that'll test your nerves—we're talking gradients hitting 30% in places. The surface is slippery and unforgiving, with brutally rough sections that demand respect and skill.
The reward? You'll be conquering one of France's highest accessible roads while traversing some genuinely stunning alpine scenery in the southeastern corner of the country. Just keep in mind this is a strictly seasonal adventure. From September through May, the pass is completely impassable, so save this one for the summer months if you're feeling adventurous enough to tackle it.
Where is it?
A brutal road to Col de Lauzun in the French Alps is located in France (europe). Coordinates: 46.3665, 1.4116
Road Details
- Country
- France
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 8 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,809 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 46.3665, 1.4116
Related Roads in europe
extremeWhat is Strada Statale Amalfitana famous for?
🇮🇹 Italy
Cruising the Amalfi Coast in Italy? Picture this: you, the open road, and some of the most stunning coastal views *ever*. Starting near Sorrento and winding down to Salerno, this 50-kilometer (30-mile) stretch is legendary. Think hairpin turns, dramatic zigzags, and vistas that'll make your jaw drop. This isn't just a road; it's a movie set come to life! The charming towns of Amalfi, Positano, Scala, and Vietri sul Mare are must-stops. Built high into a steep angle of the cliffs, the road offers unique views of the coast. Now, let's be real: this drive isn't for the faint of heart. The road clings to the cliffs, offering very little room, especially when tour buses, cars, and scooters compete for space. One side is soaring rock; the other is a steep drop to the sparkling Mediterranean. The Amalfi Coast drive is a nerve-wracking and unforgettable trip! This white-knuckle drive, completed in 1854, will always be one of Italy's greatest drives, a narrow road that carves into the cliffs high above the waves. Just remember to keep your eyes on the road - you'll never want to miss the next turn.
hardHow to drive the challenging Road F894 (Öskjuvatnsvegur)?
🇮🇸 Iceland
F894, also known as Öskjuvatnsvegur, is a wild ride through the Northeastern Region of Iceland! This isn't your average Sunday drive – it's one of Iceland's famous F Roads, so you'll need a 4x4 with serious ground clearance. The road leads to a truly remote and surreal place: the Askja caldera and the Víti crater. This east-west route stretches for 7.8 km (4.84 miles), starting from the F910 road and ending at a car park in Vikraborgir, right near the edge of the Askja caldera, and very close to the stunning Öskjuvatn lake. Expect a rough and challenging experience. The black volcanic surface is what makes it unique but demanding. It’s a completely unpaved track, and gets narrow in spots, with plenty of big rocks, deep potholes, and ruts to navigate. Some sections are pretty steep and bumpy. Seriously, leave the small car at home. This terrain isn't forgiving, but luckily there are no major river crossings. Perched way up in the Icelandic Highlands, this road is usually only open in the summer months (late June to early September), depending on snow and weather. Even then, be prepared for sudden changes – strong winds, storms, or rain can roll in fast. Don't expect crowds – this track is remote, and it's not recommended to travel alone. Cell service is spotty, and you won't find any inhabitants nearby. But the views! Lunar landscapes stretch out around you, with volcanic plains, lava fields, and the towering peaks of Askja. From the Vikraborgir car park, you can hike to the Víti crater and Öskjuvatn lake – some of Iceland's most spectacular sights.
hardIs the road to Mount Artos open in winter?
🇹🇷 Turkey
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! Deep in the Van Province of Turkey lurks Artos Dağı, a totally rad dormant volcano reaching a sky-high 3,225 meters (that's 10,580 feet!). Getting to the top is an adventure in itself – we're talking a 17.29km (10.74 mile) unpaved, super-narrow track that climbs a hefty 1,530 meters from Gevaş. That's an average gradient of almost 9%! Forget your sedan, you'll need a 4x4 with serious clearance to tackle this beast. The road, also called Çadır Dağı, is generally only passable during summer, from June to October, so plan accordingly. But trust me, the panoramic views of Lake Van from the summit are SO worth it! Plus, you might even spot some lead ore on the mountain. Just picture it: you, your trusty 4x4, and an unbelievable view. What are you waiting for?
moderateWhere is Drumbeg Road?
🇬🇧 Scotland
Okay, buckle up, adventurers! You HAVE to experience the Drumbeg Road (B869) in the Assynt district of Sutherland, Scotland. Seriously, people rave about this being one of the most stunning coastal drives in the whole country, and they aren't wrong. This little gem winds its way for about 22 miles (35.4km) from Lochinver to Unapool in the northern Highlands, and you'll want at least an hour and a half to soak it all in. And trust me, you'll want to stop! Think turquoise waters, white sandy beaches (Achmelvich and Clachtoll are must-sees!), and unbelievable views of lochs, mountains, and the rugged coastline. This drive is a feast for the eyes. Now, a word of warning: this isn't a relaxing cruise. It's a single-track road, meaning it's super narrow! Add some steep hills, hairpin turns (some you can't even see around!), and dramatic drops right down to the sea, and you've got yourself a real driving adventure. It hits a maximum gradient of 25% in places! You'll climb to a dizzying 436 feet (132m) above sea level. Definitely not for the faint of heart, or those driving a caravan or coach! The best time to experience the road is during the off-season. While it's blissfully empty in winter, it can be chaotic with tourists flocking to the beaches during the summer months. Whenever you go, be prepared to use those passing places to let others by, and pull over often to snap some photos. This is one Scottish road trip you won't forget!