A thrilling (scary) off-road experience to Col de Chérine
France, europe
13.9 km
2,295 m
hard
Year-round
# Col de Chérine
Looking for an adventure that'll test your driving skills? Col de Chérine sits at a jaw-dropping 2,295 meters (7,529 feet) in France's Hautes-Alpes department, right in the heart of the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region in southeastern France.
This 13.9 km (8.63 mile) route starting from Vars is definitely not for the faint of heart. The entire road is unpaved and rough as it gets—think bumpy, patched sections and a surface that'll rattle your teeth. Seriously, 4x4 vehicles only here. The road climbs steeply through a series of passes (Clot de l'Alpe, Col de Valbelle, Col du Vallon, and Col de Saluces), twisting through endless hairpins that'll keep you gripping the wheel. Some stretches are washed out and sketchy, with grades hitting 10.5% at their steepest. Oh, and wind? Expect it to be fierce up there.
The payoff? Absolutely spectacular views of the Queyras, Embrunais, and the stunning Pelvoux Massif spreading out before you. Just know that this trail is primarily maintained for ski lift and lodge access, and winter conditions make it completely impassable. Plan your visit for the warmer months if you want to experience this wild alpine ride.
Where is it?
A thrilling (scary) off-road experience to Col de Chérine is located in France (europe). Coordinates: 46.0359, 2.1767
Road Details
- Country
- France
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 13.9 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,295 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 46.0359, 2.1767
Related Roads in europe
moderateA paved border road to Qafa e Morines in the Albanian mountains
🇦🇱 Albania
Okay, buckle up, adventure seekers! Today we're talking about Qafa e Morinës, an international mountain pass straddling the border between Albania and Kosovo. This isn't just any border crossing; it's a high-altitude highway sitting pretty at 563 meters (1,847 feet) above sea level. This scenic route connects the Gjakova District in western Kosovo with Kukës County in northern Albania, offering a gateway to the Albanian mountains. The entire 18.2-kilometer (11.30 miles) stretch is paved, so no need for a monster truck! Just follow the M9-1 in Kosovo and the SH-22 once you hit Albania. The road snakes its way from Ponoshec (Kosovo) to Bajram Curri (Albania), nestled in the Gjakova Highlands. Get ready for some views!
hardColetto di Laus
🇮🇹 Italy
Okay, adventure-seekers, let's talk about Coletto di Laus! This beast of a mountain pass sits way up high in the Italian Piedmont region, clocking in at 1,948 meters (that's 6,391 feet!). The road? Well, it's not exactly a smooth ride. Think gravel, bumps, and a real "off the beaten path" vibe. Word to the wise: the final stretch is hike-only. Expect a steep climb with hairpin turns, a narrow track, and some rough patches where the elements have taken their toll. Oh, and snow makes it a no-go zone from September to June. But hey, at the top, you're rewarded with the stunning Lago di San Bernolfo. Just remember, it's a seriously steep and rugged road to get there.
hardPuerto del Saucillo
🇪🇸 Spain
Okay, picture this: you're in southern Spain, in the heart of Andalucía, ready for an adventure. Set your GPS for Puerto del Saucillo, a peak sitting pretty at 1,204 meters (3,950 feet) in the Málaga province. The road up here? Let's just say it's not for the faint of heart! Think gravel, rocks, and a whole lotta bumps, plus hairpin turns galore. If unpaved mountain roads aren't your thing, maybe skip this one. Also, keep an eye on the weather – a thunderstorm can turn this track into a 4x4-only zone, or even make it impassable. Even seasoned drivers will find it challenging with all the twists and narrows. But trust me, the views are SO worth it. You'll be treated to incredible vistas of the surrounding mountain villages. Just take it slow, enjoy the ride, and get ready for some seriously stunning scenery!
hardIf you love to drive, you will love the pretty D26 road
🇫🇷 France
Okay, adventure junkies, buckle up for the D26 in Corsica! This road, snaking through the Corse-du-Sud department of France, is a total thrill ride. Picture this: a perfectly paved ribbon of asphalt, twisting and turning for 11 kilometers (about 7 miles) from Olivese to Auberge du. But hold on—this isn't just any scenic drive. We're talking hairpin turns galore—sixteen of them! And it's STEEP, folks. Seriously steep. Get ready for a leg-burning climb with gradients hitting a max of 16% in spots. You'll gain 667 meters in elevation starting from Olivese, averaging around a 6% grade. Be prepared for narrow sections and keep your eyes peeled. But trust me, the views are totally worth it. Get ready for some Corsican countryside magic!