A narrow road to the top of Col de Carabes

A narrow road to the top of Col de Carabes

France, europe

Length

6.99 km

Elevation

1,261 m

Difficulty

hard

Best Season

Year-round

# Col de Carabes

Tucked away in southeastern France, the Col de Carabes sits at a respectable 1,261 meters (4,137 feet) above sea level—perfect for those looking to add some elevation to their road trip repertoire.

The D 106 connects La Piarre in the south to La Bâtie-des-Fonds in the north, and let me tell you, this route doesn't mess around. The asphalt is there, which is great, but it's narrow and genuinely steep—think white-knuckle driving if you're not prepared. Coming up from La Piarre, you're looking at nearly 7 kilometers of climbing, gaining 441 meters in elevation along the way. The average gradient sits around 6.3%, which means your engine will be working hard and your brakes will appreciate some love before you tackle this.

Expect tight switchbacks and minimal shoulder space, so take your time and stay alert. The scenery's worth it though—this is the French Alps we're talking about, after all. Perfect for adrenaline junkies and road cyclists hunting for their next personal best.

Where is it?

A narrow road to the top of Col de Carabes is located in France (europe). Coordinates: 47.2038, 2.6019

Share this road

Road Details

Country
France
Continent
europe
Length
6.99 km
Max Elevation
1,261 m
Difficulty
hard
Coordinates
47.2038, 2.6019

Related Roads in europe

Wildkogel: Driving the steep 30% ski-station road in Salzburgextreme

Wildkogel: Driving the steep 30% ski-station road in Salzburg

🇦🇹 Austria

# Wildkogel: Austria's Ultimate Alpine Challenge Nestled in the Oberpinzgau region of Salzburg, the Wildkogel peak towers at 2,086m (6,843ft) and sits pretty in the heart of the Kitzbühel Alps. This isn't your typical scenic drive—it's a full-on mountain adventure that'll test both your nerves and your ride. Starting from the charming town of Bramberg am Wildkogel, you're looking at a brutal 12.4 km (7.7 miles) journey straight up the mountain. Brace yourself: you'll gain a whopping 1,244 meters of elevation with an average gradient of 10.30%—and that's just the average. The road features 20 wickedly tight hairpin turns that snake their way upward, but here's where it gets real: sections of this track punch up to 30% gradient, demanding serious off-road driving chops and some seriously good tires. This isn't asphalt—it's a rocky, loose-gravel mess that was originally carved out as a service road for the ski station. The surface is sketchy at best, especially higher up where everything becomes even more treacherous. Your vehicle will work overtime: the steep climbs punish your cooling system, while the descent demands constant engine braking to keep your brakes from overheating on that massive 1,244-meter drop. Mother Nature adds her own challenges here. Expect relentless winds year-round, and even in August, surprise snowfalls and bone-chilling cold can catch you off guard. The track only opens for a narrow window during summer—typically late August—making this a truly seasonal expedition. At the summit awaits the historic Wildkogelhaus, a beautifully preserved mountain refuge dating back to 1898. But reaching it? That's only for drivers with serious Alpine credentials and unwavering determination.

A wild drive to Brokartindur through Vatnajokull Glaciermoderate

A wild drive to Brokartindur through Vatnajokull Glacier

🇮🇸 Iceland

Okay, adventure awaits in the southeastern reaches of Iceland, deep inside the epic Vatnajökull National Park! We're talking about Brókartindur peak, and getting to the top is no Sunday drive. Forget your rental sedan; you'll need a seriously beefed-up 4x4 and a guide, as private vehicles are a no-go. The road snakes through Vatnajökull Glacier itself – a colossal ice cap covering about 10% of Iceland. Just to put things in perspective, the ice averages over 1200 feet thick in this region, and is up to 3000 feet thick in places. From Reykjavik, you're looking at a 200-mile haul to reach the park's edge, clocking in at a 4-7 hour drive (weather depending, of course). Expect year-round snow, isolation, and views that will absolutely blow your mind. This area is so dramatic, it's been the backdrop for tons of movies and shows like Batman Begins and Game of Thrones! As you climb, the scenery just keeps getting better, culminating in panoramic vistas of the glacier. From the top, you can soak in the majestic sight of Þvetártindsegg, the highest mountain in Suðursveit. Trust me, this off-the-beaten-path adventure is pure Icelandic magic.

A brutally steep (28%) climb to Winnats Pass in Englandhard

A brutally steep (28%) climb to Winnats Pass in England

🇬🇧 England

Winnats Pass! Picture this: you're cruising through the High Peak district of Derbyshire, England, and suddenly you're surrounded by towering limestone cliffs. This mountain pass climbs to 416m (1,364ft), and believe me, you feel every meter! Located just west of Castleton, at the edge of the Hope Valley, this isn't your average Sunday drive. The name "Winnats Pass" comes from the swirling winds ("wind gates") that whip through the natural amphitheater. The road is paved, but don't let that fool you. It's only 9.33km (5.8 miles) from Hope to Sparrowpit, but the average grade is over 10%, with sections hitting a whopping 28%! It’s a favorite for motorcyclists exploring the Peak District. Prepare for a challenging drive. The road is narrow, steep, and can get a bit crowded. Watch out for rock slides! Because of the slope and width, buses, coaches, and vehicles over 7.5 tons aren’t allowed. Open year-round (weather permitting, of course – winter can be tricky!), Winnats Pass isn't just a scenic drive. Local legend says a young couple was murdered here in the 1750s. Spooky! The climb is intense, with a 1.6km (0.99 miles) stretch gaining 188 meters at an average gradient of 11.7%. It was tough enough to be a regular feature in the Tour of the Peak cycle race.

Exploring the Thrilling A-1604: Puerto del Serrablo's Picturesque Road Through the Pyreneeshard

Exploring the Thrilling A-1604: Puerto del Serrablo's Picturesque Road Through the Pyrenees

🇪🇸 Spain

# Carretera A-1604: A Thrilling Ride Through Spain's Pyrenees If you're looking for an adrenaline-pumping drive through some seriously stunning mountain scenery, the Carretera A-1604 in Huesca, Aragon, should be on your bucket list. This 50.8 km (31.56 miles) gem winds its way through the heart of the Aragon Pyrenees, hugging the beautiful Guarga River as it snakes through the Sobrarbe region. Running west-east from the charming town of Lanave to Boltaña, this road (also known as Carretera de la Guarguera) climbs to a respectable 1,295m (4,248ft) at Puerto del Serrablo. Fair warning though: the pavement's seen better days with plenty of potholes, and some sections get pretty narrow. The real action kicks in during the final stretch—hairpin turns, steep gradients hitting 13.7%, and some seriously exposed drop-offs make this one for experienced drivers only. RVs and caravans? Definitely not recommended. The good news? Traffic is light, so you'll mostly have the road to yourself (aside from the motorcycle enthusiasts who absolutely love this place). The road's actually prestigious enough to have been featured in the Spanish Vuelta race. Expect dramatic mountain vistas, challenging curves, and the kind of driving that'll get your heart pumping. Just respect the road, respect the conditions, and you're in for an unforgettable adventure.