A brutal unpaved road to Col des Pres
France, europe
6 km
2,652 m
moderate
Year-round
# Col des Prés
Ready for a proper alpine adventure? Col des Prés sits pretty at 2,652m (8,700ft) in France's Savoie department—making it one seriously high mountain pass. You'll find it nestled in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region in southeastern France, just a stone's throw from the Italian border and west of the impressive Rocher du Charvet peak.
Here's the thing: this isn't your typical paved mountain road. The entire route is completely unpaved, and frankly, it's built as a chairlift access trail for the Val d'Isère ski resort. You'll need a proper 4x4 to even attempt it. The drive from Val-d'Isère to the summit is only 6km (3.72 miles), but those are six seriously rugged kilometers.
Perched high in the stunning French Alps within Vanoise National Park, this route offers incredible scenery—but come winter, forget about it. The road becomes completely impassable once the snow rolls in, so timing your visit is absolutely crucial. This is peak summer adventure territory for hardcore off-road enthusiasts who want to experience the raw beauty of the high Alps.
Where is it?
A brutal unpaved road to Col des Pres is located in France (europe). Coordinates: 47.4738, 1.9514
Road Details
- Country
- France
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 6 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,652 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- 47.4738, 1.9514
Related Roads in europe
hardFlabouro
🇬🇷 Greece
# Flabouro: A Wild Ride to the Top Ready to tackle one of Greece's most thrilling mountain drives? Flabouro rises to a seriously impressive 2,131m (6,991ft) in Central Macedonia, making it one of the country's highest roads. Nestled in the stunning Pierian Mountains, this isn't your typical scenic route—it's an adventure. The road itself? Think gravel, rocks, and plenty of washboard bumps that'll keep you on your toes. This is definitely a trail for experienced off-roaders who know their way around unpaved mountain passes. If you're not comfortable with rough terrain, do yourself a favor and skip this one. A 4x4 is pretty much essential here, and honestly, it's not negotiable. The stretch from Agiassos to Kalantos is legitimately steep and unforgiving. The scenery is incredible—those high-altitude views are why people tackle roads like this in the first place—but they come with a caveat: this road absolutely isn't for anyone nervous about heights. Throw wet weather into the mix, and that muddy surface becomes a slippery beast that demands respect. Bottom line? This is proper backcountry driving territory. Come prepared, bring a capable vehicle, and only attempt it if you've got serious mountain driving experience. For everyone else, there are plenty of easier ways to enjoy the Greek countryside.
hardA paved mountain road to Harghita-Madaras in Romania
🇷🇴 Romania
Okay, road trip fans, let's talk about Harghita-Mădăraș! This amazing pass punches up to 1,624 meters (that's 5,328 feet!) in the Harghita Mountains of eastern Transylvania, Romania. Picture this: You're snaking your way up, up, up through the Eastern Carpathians. The road's been freshly paved (yay!), but hold onto your hats, because it's still seriously steep with tons of tight turns and some seriously narrow stretches. Once you conquer the climb, you're rewarded with a ski resort, a hotel, and the super cool Harghita Madaras chalet (it's been around since 1941!). This gem is hidden right in the heart of Romania. The drive is about 33.8 kilometers (21 miles) between Sub Cetate and Vlăhița. Just a heads up: you might hit some traffic, so pack your patience! But trust me, the views are worth it.
moderateA very steep (19%) mountain road to Riedberg Pass in Germany
🇩🇪 Germany
# Riedbergpass: A Bavarian Alpine Adventure Ready for some serious elevation gain? Riedbergpass sits pretty at 1,407m (4,616ft) in the Oberallgäu district of Bavaria, just a stone's throw from the Austrian border. This is proper mountain pass territory. The 19.1 km (11.86 miles) route runs west-east from Austria to Fischen, and let me tell you—it doesn't mess around with the grades. The western approach hits a lung-busting 16%, while the eastern side from Fischen? That's a brutal 19% climb. Buckle up for that one. The good news? The road itself—officially called Riedbergstraße (OA9)—is completely paved and in excellent condition. It stays open year-round, so you can tackle it in any season. Just note that heavy vehicles aren't allowed through here, keeping the pass peaceful and less congested than you'd expect. At the summit, you'll find a parking area where you can catch your breath and soak in the Alpine scenery. If you're into hiking, there are several dedicated parking lots scattered around. Plus, there's a quirky little side road that branches off near the top leading to the mountain village of Grasgehren—worth a quick detour if you're exploring. Located within the stunning Allgäu Alps, this pass delivers both challenge and reward. Whether you're a cyclist hunting for a brutal climb or a driver looking for an engaging mountain route, Riedbergpass delivers the goods.
hardHow long is Road DN66A?
🇷🇴 Romania
Okay, buckle up, because DN66A in Romania is a wild ride! This 105km (65 mile) stretch cutting through Gorj, Hunedoara, and Mehedinti counties is NOT for the faint of heart. Think southwest Romania, and then picture something seriously off the beaten path. We're talking ROUGH. Like, "kiss your car goodbye" rough if you try it in a standard 2WD. Much of it is unpaved and what *was* paved is now a patchwork quilt of broken concrete thanks to landslides and time. Expect uneven surfaces, stones galore, and a high chance of wedging your vehicle. From the dam up to Izvoarele Cernei, you're winding through dense forest on a narrow, single-lane track. Be prepared for deep puddles (we're talking almost 50cm!), falling rocks, downed trees, and collapsing edges. Seriously, keep your eyes peeled! The section hugging the northern shore of the Acumularea Cerna reservoir is especially intense. We're talking over 100 hairpin turns in just 20km! You’ll need serious driving skills here. And pro tip: a spare tire isn’t enough. You need to *know* your car inside and out. Oh, and one more thing? Zero cell service. You're on your own out there, so pack accordingly and be prepared to hike out if things go south. Despite the challenges, the scenery is breathtaking, making it an unforgettable adventure for the truly prepared.