A road with very nice scenery to Col des Aravis
France, europe
19.2 km
1,487 m
moderate
Year-round
Col des Aravis is this stunning mountain pass sitting pretty at 1,487m (4,879ft) in the French Alps, right where Haute-Savoie and Savoie departments meet. You'll find it in the southeastern Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, and it's part of the legendary Route des Grandes Alpes—basically a dream drive for any road-tripper.
The 19.2 km (11.93 miles) journey on the D909 (Route du Col des Aravis) takes you from the village of Flumet in the southeast to the charming resort town of La Clusaz in the northwest. The entire route is fully paved, but don't be fooled—this isn't a straightforward cruise. You'll tackle plenty of hairpin turns and some seriously steep sections that max out at 10% gradient. It's the lowest pass in the Aravis range, which hasn't stopped it from becoming a favorite challenge in the Tour de France over the years.
Here's the real magic though: as you climb from La Clusaz, Mont-Blanc gradually reveals itself, emerging majestically from the surrounding peaks like something out of a postcard. When you finally reach the summit, you're greeted by a charming 17th-century chapel dedicated to St. Anne—built way back in 1624 to watch over weary travelers just like you.
Fair warning if you're tackling this in July or August: the heat can be intense, and you'll share the road with plenty of other drivers doing the same climb. But trust us, the views are absolutely worth it.
Where is it?
A road with very nice scenery to Col des Aravis is located in France (europe). Coordinates: 47.4773, 2.0397
Road Details
- Country
- France
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 19.2 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,487 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- 47.4773, 2.0397
Related Roads in europe
hardThe brutally steep road to Sant Jaume de Montagut church
🇪🇸 Spain
Okay, picture this: You're in Catalonia, Spain, ready for an adventure. Head to the Serra del Montmell range in Tarragona province and get ready to tackle Avinguda Montagut! This paved road (mix of asphalt and concrete, just to keep things interesting!) winds its way up to the Esglesia de Sant Jaume de Montagut, a charming mountain church perched at 862 meters (2,828 feet). The views are incredible, as you're driving through the Ancosa-Montagut Area of Natural Interest. It’s a 4.7 km (2.92 miles) climb starting from Querol (off the C37), and trust me, it's a leg-burner! We're talking an average gradient of 6.74%, but hold on tight because you'll hit some sections with a brutal 19% incline! The road is super narrow, so pay attention. Gain of 317 meters on the way up. I wouldn't recommend this drive at night or in bad weather if you're not familiar with it. But during the day? Absolutely stunning.
hardWhere is Colle Margherina?
🇮🇹 Italy
Okay, adventure seekers, let's talk about Colle Margherina, a seriously awesome mountain pass chilling high up in Italy's Piedmont region! We're talking Cuneo province, about 100 km southwest of Turin and not far from the French border. This isn't your average Sunday drive, folks. This epic route clocks in at about 23.5 km (14.6 miles) of pure, unadulterated off-road fun, stretching from Gias Bandia to Acceglio. Forget smooth tarmac – this is an old military cart track, so expect a rugged, natural surface that will test your mettle (and your suspension!). Think narrow sections, plenty of dust (embrace it!), hairpin turns that’ll make you sweat, and a few drop-offs to keep your heart racing. The views? Totally worth it. Plus, you'll pass some seriously cool, abandoned military barracks along the way, adding a touch of history to your adrenaline rush. Just remember, this isn't for the faint of heart!
hardColl de Monfort
🇪🇸 Spain
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! If you're anywhere near Tarragona, Catalonia, Spain, you HAVE to check out Coll de Monfort. We're talking a mountain peak sitting pretty at 957 meters (that's 3,139 feet!). Now, this isn't your Sunday drive kind of road. Think gravel, rocks, and a whole lotta bumpiness. This baby's a real 4x4 challenge, perfect for experienced off-roaders. Seriously, if unpaved mountain roads aren't your thing, maybe skip this one. And if heights make you queasy? Yeah, probably best to pass. Expect some seriously steep sections. Oh, and a word to the wise: avoid it after rain – that mud can get real treacherous! But if you're up for it, the views of the Ports de Tortosa-Beseit mountain range are totally worth the white-knuckle ride.
moderateThe military road to Fort de la Redoute in Savoie
🇫🇷 France
# Fort de la Redoute: A High-Alpine Adventure Perched at a dramatic 2,346 meters (7,696 ft) in the Savoie department of southeastern France, Fort de la Redoute sits near the Italian border in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region. This isn't just any mountain fort—it's a fascinating relic of European history. The fort's story is wild: originally built by the House of Savoy way back in 1630, it's been passed around more times than a mountain goat changes elevation. The French took control in 1794, renamed it Fort-Libre, then rebuilt it as Redoute-Ruinée in the 1890s. President Félix Faure even stopped by in 1897. Fast forward to WWII, and about 70 French soldiers made a legendary stand here against Italian forces until July 1940. The fort later served as part of the Maginot Line's Alpine defenses and was occupied by the Germans until 1945. **The Road Itself** Want to visit? Get ready for a real adventure. The 8.9-km (5.53-mile) unpaved military track starts and finishes on the paved D1090, and it's only doable in summer months. Winter? Forget about it—snow makes this route completely impassable. Same goes for after heavy rain. You'll need a serious vehicle too: 4x4 or enduro bikes only. But here's the payoff: stunning alpine views and genuinely impressive history waiting at the summit. Just note that the fort itself is off-limits due to structural concerns, but the surrounding area is part of the La Rosière ski zone and popular with hikers and trail enthusiasts.