
A very bumpy, grueling road to Grand Col
France, europe
N/A
2,939 m
hard
Year-round
# Grand Col
Tucked away in the Savoie department of southeastern France's Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, Grand Col sits at a seriously impressive 2,939 meters (9,642 feet) above sea level. This isn't just any mountain road—it's legitimately one of Europe's highest, and France's highest too.
Here's the thing: the road up to the summit is completely unpaved, winding through the stunning Réserve Naturelle des Hauts de Villaroger. You'll absolutely need a 4x4 vehicle for this one. The gradient is unforgiving, and Mother Nature doesn't play nice up here. Snow and ice can shut this road down without warning, and realistically, you're looking at it being impassable from September through May.
Make it to the top though, and you'll find a mountain refuge waiting—the perfect spot to catch your breath and soak in the views. This is peak (pun intended) adventure terrain for serious off-road enthusiasts.
Where is it?
A very bumpy, grueling road to Grand Col is located in France (europe). Coordinates: 46.5820, 1.7081
Road Details
- Country
- France
- Continent
- europe
- Max Elevation
- 2,939 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 46.5820, 1.7081
Related Roads in europe
moderateColle Sestriere is a drive worth taking in the Cottian Alps
🇮🇹 Italy
# Colle Sestriere: Alpine Adventure in Italy Ready for some serious mountain scenery? Colle Sestriere is a jaw-dropping high mountain pass sitting pretty at 2,035m (6,677ft) in Italy's Piedmont region, just a stone's throw from the French border in the Susa Valley. This fully paved beauty—officially known as Strada Provinciale 23 del Colle di Sestriere (SP23R)—stretches a fantastic 49km (30 miles) from west to east, linking Cesana Torinese to Perosa Argentina, which sits about 40 km northwest of Turin. The drive is genuinely pleasant, with plenty of curves and twists that keep things interesting while maintaining solid road conditions throughout. The charming alpine village of Sestriere—home to just 880 locals—sits right at the pass itself and gives the route its name. Nestled in the dramatic Cottian Alps, this pass has serious cycling credentials too: it's been a legendary climbing challenge in both the Giro d'Italia and the Tour de France, making it sacred ground for cycling enthusiasts. Whether you're a road trip junkie or just looking to experience some of Europe's most spectacular mountain driving, Colle Sestriere delivers stunning views and an exhilarating ride through some truly majestic terrain.
moderateWhere is Col de la Vallée Étroite?
🇫🇷 France
Alright, adventure seekers, listen up! Nestled high in the French Alps, within the Vanoise National Park, you'll find the Col de la Vallée Étroite — a seriously stunning mountain pass that'll take your breath away (literally and figuratively!). So, where is it exactly? Picture this: southeastern France, in the Rhône-Alpes region. This isn't just any drive; it's a journey into the heart of the mountains. Now, be warned: this isn't your typical Sunday cruise. The road to the top is an old, rugged gravel track, so a 4x4 is definitely recommended. The adventure clocks in at about 21.9 km (13.6 miles) from the start, and trust me, you'll feel every kilometer as you climb. Speaking of climbing, get ready for a significant elevation gain! As you ascend, the views just keep getting better, a truly unforgettable experience. Important note: This route is usually closed in winter, so plan your trip accordingly! This is one for the summer months.
moderateIs the Haustsjøen Mountain Road Unpaved?
🇳🇴 Norway
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through southern Norway on the Haustsjøen Mountain Road, named after a local lake. The views? Totally epic. Mountains stretching as far as the eye can see! Heads up though – while most of the route is doable in a regular car, there’s this unpaved section stretching eastward for a couple of kilometers that can get a little bumpy. If you want a smoother ride, I'd recommend an SUV. The whole Fylkesveg 686 (FV686) Road is just under 15km, reaching a max elevation of 1,013 meters. As you climb, you'll wind through this gorgeous landscape dotted with cute little mountain huts. It's like something out of a postcard!
hardTravelling through the Challenging Old N-320 Road in Castile-La Mancha
🇪🇸 Spain
# Antigua Carretera N-320: Spain's Hidden Canyon Classic Tucked away in Sacedón, Guadalajara, the Antigua Carretera N-320 is a stunningly scenic cliff road that's been around since the 1950s. Today it goes by CM-9222, and while a shiny new highway has stolen most of the traffic, this narrow, fully paved gem still attracts adventurous drivers willing to take on its moody personality. The 2.8-km stretch winds east to west through some of Spain's most dramatic canyon scenery, hugging the mountainside between the N-320 and CM-2009. Here's the thing though: despite warning signs at the entrance suggesting closure, cars and trucks (even Google Maps!) still brave it regularly. The road is legitimately narrow—carved right into the rock face—with the occasional pothole keeping you honest. The real test comes at a section locals call La Visera (literally "Peaked Cap"), where the road clings to the River Tajo near the Entrepeñas Dam. It's absolutely beautiful, but prepare for some white-knuckle moments. You'll encounter stretches too tight for two cars to pass comfortably, and you might find yourself reversing around blind corners on pavement that feels impossibly narrow. Fair warning: rock slides and landslides can shut this road down without notice. The mountain here has opinions about who gets to pass. But if you're after a genuinely thrilling, visually stunning drive through Spain's heartland, this old-school mountain road delivers in spades.