A challenging old military road to Cima Marta
France, europe
N/A
2,138 m
hard
Year-round
# Cima Marta: A High-Alpine Adventure
Looking for an off-the-beaten-path mountain experience? Cima Marta—also called Cime de Marta—is a stunning high mountain pass sitting at 2,138 meters (7,014 feet) in the French Ligurian Alps, right near the Italian border.
This isn't your typical paved highway. The entire route is unpaved, seriously steep, and narrow—the kind of road that demands respect and attention. Winter? Forget about it. Snow and ice make this pass completely impassable during the cold months. That's because this is no ordinary mountain road; it's an old military thoroughfare with serious character.
When you finally reach the summit, you'll discover Balconi di Marta, a fascinating military fortress that crowns the peak. Pretty cool views of history and landscape combined!
Fair warning though: the road was recently closed to motor vehicles, so if you're planning to tackle this route, check local conditions first. But if you can access it on foot or bike, the dramatic alpine scenery makes the effort absolutely worthwhile.
Where is it?
A challenging old military road to Cima Marta is located in France (europe). Coordinates: 47.6735, 1.1410
Road Details
- Country
- France
- Continent
- europe
- Max Elevation
- 2,138 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 47.6735, 1.1410
Related Roads in europe
hardWhere is Col des Lessieres?
🇫🇷 France
Okay, buckle up, adventure-seekers, because Col des Lessières in the French Alps is calling! We're talking seriously high – almost 10,000 feet high in the Savoie department, near the Italian border. This isn't your Sunday drive; it's a rugged 2.6-mile climb from the D902. The road? Well, "road" might be a generous term. Think unpaved, rocky, loose gravel – 4x4 territory only! Expect narrow sections, hairpin turns galore, and some seriously steep gradients, pushing up to 25% in places. It gains 1,500 feet of elevation! The views are incredible, but be warned, this beast is usually snowed in from October to June. So, plan your trip accordingly for a thrilling summer adventure.
extremeWhat are the F Roads of Iceland?
🇮🇸 Iceland
Ready for an epic Icelandic adventure? The F Roads are where it's at if you want to experience the country's most jaw-dropping highlands. The "F" stands for "fjalla" (mountain in Icelandic), and these routes absolutely deliver on the scenery—think dramatic vistas and untamed wilderness at every turn. But let's be real: these aren't your typical Sunday drives. F Roads are unpaved mountain tracks that demand serious respect. You'll absolutely need a sturdy 4×4 vehicle, and sometimes even that isn't enough—higher clearance vehicles are often essential. Attempting these in a regular car? That's a no-go and potentially catastrophic. Here's what you need to know before you go: these roads feature plenty of loose gravel and seriously intimidating river crossings. They're only accessible July through late September due to weather, so plan accordingly. Loose gravel means tricky traction, and those rivers? Your insurance definitely won't cover ford-related damage, so approach them with extreme caution. Safety first: never drive solo on F Roads. Travel in a convoy of at least two vehicles, tell someone your route, and drive deliberately slow. Take time to scout what's ahead before committing to it—conditions change fast. Some stretches barely qualify as roads at all, more like mountain tracks, so this isn't terrain for inexperienced drivers. If you're not completely confident behind the wheel in extreme conditions, consider sticking to Iceland's main routes instead. Before heading out, check road.is and safetravel.is to confirm which routes are actually open. Safe travels!
hardWhat’s the Cap Corse Road?
🇫🇷 France
Cruising the D80, aka Cap Corse Road, in northeastern Corsica, France, is an absolute must-do! This 102 km (63 mile) coastal gem winds from Bastia to Saint-Florent, serving up non-stop ocean views and postcard-perfect villages. Picture this: wild mountains tumbling into sparkling beaches, charming towns clinging to the cliffs, and views for days! The road itself? Let's just say it keeps things interesting. It's paved, but the surface can be a little rough, and some sections get seriously narrow – think "barely enough room for a bus" narrow. Maneuvering past oncoming traffic on those cliffside curves definitely adds a thrill! Trust me, the views are worth it. Drive north to south to hug the seaside for the best panoramas. Pull over often – there are plenty of spots to soak it all in, especially on the west coast with its sweeping views of the Gulf of Saint-Florent. Keep your speed around 40 km/hour on that side; this road hasn't changed much in decades! Pro tip: South of Pino, look for a super-tight, paved road just a few hundred meters from the D80. It's even more exhilarating, but take it slow – there's zero room for error! Get ready for a drive that's both breathtaking and maybe just a little terrifying, in the best possible way!
easyIn the Footsteps of the Grimm Brothers: Driving The Fairy Tale Route
🇩🇪 Germany
# The Fairy Tale Route: Germany's Most Enchanting Drive Ready for a road trip that feels straight out of a storybook? The Märchenstraße—or Fairy Tale Route—is one of Germany's most magical scenic drives, and it's basically a love letter to the Grimm Brothers and all those classic tales that shaped our childhoods. This 600-kilometer (370-mile) route stretches from Hanau in central Germany all the way to Bremen on the North Sea coast. Along the way, you'll hit over 60 stops, each one connected to the Grimm Brothers' lives and the stories they collected. You'll cruise through the towns where they were born, the places they studied, and the villages where they gathered inspiration for Cinderella, Snow White, and all the others. Here's the best part: the entire route is paved and totally doable for any vehicle. Sure, you'll encounter some winding sections as you snake through forests, picturesque villages, and past stunning castles, but nothing too intense. The route is super well-marked, so you won't get lost hunting for the next fairy tale landmark. Since its establishment in 1975, the route has become a cultural treasure, packed with museums, guided tours, and festivals that bring these beloved stories to life. Many towns along the way host events and performances inspired by the tales, so you're not just sightseeing—you're actually stepping into the stories themselves. It's the kind of road trip that'll have you believing in magic again.