A memorable road trip to Col du Poutran in the French Alps
France, europe
4 km
1,996 m
hard
Year-round
# Col du Poutran
Tucked away in the heart of the French Alps sits Col du Poutran, a mountain pass sitting pretty at 1,996m (6,548ft) in the Huez commune of Isère. This gem sits in the southeastern corner of France, in the Rhône-Alpes region, and offers a spacious parking area right at the summit.
The Route des Lacs is your ticket to the top—a fully paved 4.0 km (2.48 miles) stretch that winds from south to north, connecting L'Alpe d'Huez to Lac Besson. You'll find the trailhead right at the top of the legendary Alpe d'Huez ski resort, right next to the Grande Rousses cable car. Fair warning though: this road's seen better days. Narrow sections and steep pitches keep you on your toes, and the pavement isn't exactly pristine.
If you're into cycling, you're in for a treat. This region is absolutely magnetic for cyclists from around the globe, so expect plenty of company on two wheels. Whether you're driving or pedaling, the Central Alps scenery makes every twist and turn worth it.
Where is it?
A memorable road trip to Col du Poutran in the French Alps is located in France (europe). Coordinates: 46.4425, 2.1253
Road Details
- Country
- France
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 4 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,996 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 46.4425, 2.1253
Related Roads in europe
hardWhere is la Petite Clue?
🇫🇷 France
Okay, picture this: the Passage de la Petite Clue, a super short and sweet mountain road tucked away in the Alpes-Maritimes region of France. We're talking Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur vibes, inside the stunning Mercantour National Park. Seriously, the River Cians carved this insane gorge with ridiculously red rock – it’s a photographer's dream! So, this little gem is only about 1,500 feet long. It used to be part of the old D-28, and you'll find the entrance near a parking area right before a tunnel. Paved, yes, but hold up – it's crazy narrow. Two cars passing? Forget about it. But hey, that just means you can really soak in the views: think colorful rock formations, a babbling stream with cute waterfalls, and nature doing its artistic thing. Now, the catch: this road is officially closed. Like, permanently. Why? Well, it's narrow, a bit sketchy, and Mother Nature throws tantrums with landslides and rockfalls. You'll probably see some fallen rocks along the way. The Tunnel de la Petite Clue bypasses it all, so if you want to drive through this area, take the tunnel. However, if you park and walk this section, the scenery is worth it.
hardIs the road to Przelecz Knurowska paved?
🌍 Poland
Okay, buckle up, road trip fans! We're heading to Przelecz Knurowska, a mountain pass chilling at 834 meters high in southern Poland. Think twisty, turny roads through the Lesser Poland Voivodeship – pure driving bliss! The pavement is smooth as butter all the way up, perfect for carving those curves. Speaking of curves, get ready for some seriously steep sections, hitting almost 13% in places. And watch out for those hairpin turns where you can barely see what's coming! This hidden gem stretches for about 12 km, connecting Ochotnica Górna and Harklowa. Best part? You'll practically have the road to yourself – minimal traffic means maximum fun. Get ready for some stunning Polish scenery!
hardWhere is Dosso dei Galli?
🇮🇹 Italy
Okay, adventure-seekers, let's talk about Dosso dei Galli! Nestled high in the Italian province of Brescia, in the Lombardy region, this mountain pass sits at a breathtaking 2,188m (7,178ft). You'll find yourself cruising along Strada Provinciale 345B (aka Delle Tre Valli) for about 17.4 km (10.81 miles). Be warned: this isn't your average Sunday drive! Most of the route hovers above 2,000 meters, clinging to mountaintops with seriously exposed drops. We're talking hundreds of meters down, and sometimes with no guardrails! The SP 345B connects to the SP 345 and ends at the junction with the SP 669 road, so you can tackle it from either direction. While the start and end are nicely paved, get ready for a gravelly middle section! Don't let that scare you off, though. It's totally doable, just watch out for rocks and rough patches, especially on the curves. Keep it slow (20 km/h is the limit), and remember, no passing or impromptu stops unless you're in a designated spot. The scenery is unreal, so take it all in, but keep your eyes on the road!
extremeShtame Pass is a tragic road in Albania
🇦🇱 Albania
Alright, adventure seekers, buckle up for Qafë Shtamë, a mountain pass sitting pretty at 1,229m (4,032ft) in Albania! You'll find this beauty nestled between Durrës and Dibër counties, smack-dab in the Shtamë Pass National Park. Keep an eye out for the obelisk at the top, a tribute to Major Abaz Kupi. This epic road, also known as Qafa e Shtames, Qafshtama, or Qafë-Shtamës, stretches for 55.7 km (34.61 miles) from Fushë-Krujë in the west to Burrel in the east. Heads up – it's a tale of two roads! The western side, freshly paved in 2016, offers a silky-smooth ride from Fushë-Krujë right up to the summit, packed with hairpin turns and crazy twists. But hold on tight, because the eastern side is a different beast. This unpaved section, reserved for 4x4 vehicles only, drops you towards Burrel with steep sections and hairpin turns that will test your skills. A word of caution: back in 1997, this area saw a tragic explosion in an old underground bunker complex filled with leftover ammo from the communist era. But don't let that deter you! The scenery is amazing, and the drive is worth the challenge. Get ready for an unforgettable experience!