A Fantastic Road to Col des Saisies, with Great Views of Mont Blanc
France, europe
26.8 km
1,657 m
moderate
Year-round
# Col des Saisies
Tucked away in the Savoie department of southeastern France, Col des Saisies sits pretty at 1,657m (5,436ft) and serves as one of the crown jewels along the legendary Route des Grandes Alpes. Located in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, this pass has earned serious cycling credentials through its frequent appearances in the Tour de France.
The fully paved D218B road climbs for 26.8 km (16.65 miles) from Notre-Dame-de-Bellecombe to Villard-sur-Doron, and let me tell you—it doesn't take it easy. You'll tackle sections with gradients hitting 11.4%, so your legs will definitely feel this one. Fair warning though: the summit experience is a bit of an anticlimactic moment. Unlike some of the Alps' more dramatic peaks, you don't get that jaw-dropping summit view. Instead, the road just gently flattens out as it passes through what feels like a sleepy ski resort, which can feel a little underwhelming after all that climbing.
The pass stays open year-round most of the time, though Mother Nature has the final say—snow closures can happen anytime during winter months, so check conditions before you head up. Ready to add this Alpine challenge to your bucket list?
Where is it?
A Fantastic Road to Col des Saisies, with Great Views of Mont Blanc is located in France (europe). Coordinates: 45.5648, 0.4395
Road Details
- Country
- France
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 26.8 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,657 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- 45.5648, 0.4395
Related Roads in europe
easyWhere are the salt pans of Gozo?
🌍 Malta
Okay, picture this: you're cruising along the northern coast of Gozo, Malta, and you stumble upon the super cool Xwejni Salt Pans. Seriously, they're an island highlight! You'll find them tucked away near the sweet little village of Xwejni, practically spitting distance from the livelier Marsalforn. It’s like stepping back in time, watching this ancient salt-collecting tradition unfold. The whole area is just a patchwork of these geometric salt pans—it's Mother Nature doing her thing! Basically, seawater fills these shallow, square pools and then the sun and wind work their magic, evaporating the water and leaving behind all this glistening salt. You can totally drive there! The road, Triq Is-Sagħtrija, starts near Xwejni Bay (in the Żebbuġ area) and takes you right to the pans. It's about 3.2 km (or almost 2 miles) of paved road, but be warned, it's got a few potholes here and there from being weathered. But honestly, the drive is worth it for the killer views of Gozo's wild coastline. What makes these salt pans so special? Well, they've been around for ages, we're talking way back to the 11th century! They stretch for around three kilometers along Xwejni Bay and offer up incredible photo ops. These rectangular pools are carved right into the limestone, looking like a giant checkerboard from above. Each one is filled with seawater, patiently waiting to become delicious salt. It's a must-see!
hardA rough 4x4 road to Poios Brancos
🇵🇹 Portugal
Okay, adventurers, listen up! Deep in the heart of Portugal's Centro Region, way up in the Serra da Estrela mountains, awaits Poios Brancos! At a whopping 1,685m (5,528ft), this peak boasts some seriously brag-worthy views. Forget pavement, though; this is strictly 4x4 territory. The climb kicks off from the N339, winding its way up a steep, unpaved path for 1.4 km (0.86 miles). You'll gain 67 meters in elevation, tackling gradients of up to 7% along the way. At the top, you'll find a unique, two-meter-tall white tower marking your achievement. Trust me, the panoramic vistas are totally worth the rugged ride!
extremeWhat is the driving experience like on the FV975?
🇳🇴 Norway
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through the southern heart of Norway on the FV975 in Agder, a killer stretch of asphalt that's about 17.4 km (10.8 miles) long. This isn't just getting from A to B – it's a pure Norwegian experience cutting through the alpine wonderland. Think rugged granite, shimmering lakes like Sinnesvatn, Fidjelandsvatnet and Ortevatnet, and views that just don't quit. This road is your gateway to the famous Suleskarvegen – one of the highest and most epic mountain passes you'll ever lay eyes on. The road itself? It's paved perfection but don't get complacent. You'll be hugging the shores of those gorgeous lakes, but the road gets twisty with constant elevation changes. Some sections are tight, rock face on one side, water on the other. Watch out for local traffic (sheep included!). Near Fidjelandsvatnet, you'll be winding through ski slopes which make for unreal scenery. Keep an eye out for black ice in spring and fall – it can sneak up on you! Take it steady, find your rhythm with the curves, and soak it all in. When to go? Winter brings the snow bunnies heading to Sirdal's resorts. Summer is buzzing with travelers going to Lysebotn or Setesdal valley. But the real sweet spot? Late spring or early autumn. Crisp mountain air, fewer crowds, and reflections of those granite peaks in the still waters – pure magic!
hardCarosello 3000
🇮🇹 Italy
# Carosello 3000: Italy's Alpine Adventure Perched at a jaw-dropping 2,783 meters (9,130 feet) in the Province of Sondrio, Carosello 3000 ranks among Italy's most impressive mountain summits. Straddling the line between Lombardy and the Swiss border in the heart of the Alps, this peak is seriously not messing around. Getting to the top? You've got yourself a proper mountain challenge here. The route is basically a chairlift access trail that demands serious off-road chops. We're talking 4x4 only, folks—no exceptions. The terrain is steep, unpaved, and unforgiving, so unless you're genuinely comfortable tackling gnarly mountain tracks, you'll want to skip this one. If heights make you queasy, definitely keep scrolling. Mother Nature calls the shots here. The window for attempting this drive is tight—typically just July through September (weather willing). Come October, you're looking at impassable conditions that'll stick around until June. And here's the kicker: afternoon thunderstorms can transform those gravel roads from tricky to completely undrivable in the blink of an eye. On the flip side? The reward is real. You're looking at some genuinely stunning Alpine scenery, and there's a legit restaurant waiting at the summit to celebrate your victory. Just make sure you've got the skills, the right vehicle, and zero fear of heights before you attempt this beast.