A wild paved road to the top of Col du Negron
France, europe
14.7 km
1,242 m
hard
Year-round
# Col du Négron
Tucked away in the Drôme department of southeastern France, Col du Négron sits at 1,242 meters (4,074 feet) and offers a pretty interesting mountain driving experience. The pass is part of the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region and stretches 14.7 km (9.13 miles) along RD18, running north-south between Col de la Pigiere and Revest-du-Bion.
Fair warning: the road surface has definitely seen better days, so you'll want to take it easy. Starting from Revest-du-Bion, you're looking at an 11.18 km climb with 319 meters of elevation gain—that works out to a pretty mellow average gradient of 2.85%, though you'll hit some steeper sections with a maximum slope of 5%. The route winds through 5 hairpin turns that'll keep things interesting, and there's a weight limit of 15 tons, so heavy vehicles need not apply.
The bigger concern? Watch out for potential rockfalls along the way. The pavement is fully intact, which is good news, but combined with the rough surface conditions, you'll definitely want to keep your speed in check. It's a modest climb by Alpine standards, making it a nice option for drivers who want some mountain scenery without tackling anything too extreme.
Where is it?
A wild paved road to the top of Col du Negron is located in France (europe). Coordinates: 45.8294, 3.2099
Road Details
- Country
- France
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 14.7 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,242 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 45.8294, 3.2099
Related Roads in europe
hardBraña de Murias Chongas: A technical 4WD track in Somiedo
🇪🇸 Spain
# Braña de Murias Chongas: A Serious 4x4 Adventure in Asturias Want to test your off-road skills? The Braña de Murias Chongas pass in northern Spain's stunning Somiedo Natural Park might be exactly what you're looking for. Sitting pretty at 1,650m (5,413ft), this high-altitude track is definitely not your average Sunday drive. Starting from Valle de Lago village, you'll tackle 6.2 km of pure mountain challenge with 410 meters of elevation gain. Sounds manageable until you actually hit the Camino PR AS-15.1—a gnarly mix of loose gravel, rocks, and seriously rutted terrain that demands a proper 4x4 with serious ground clearance. Those deep ruts and water-carved channels aren't just for show; they'll mess up your undercarriage if you're not careful about every single line choice. The landscape is genuinely dramatic, with steep limestone peaks and complex mountain terrain defining the Castile and León border region. But that beauty comes with real challenges. Heavy mountain runoff has carved nasty channels into the path, bedrock is constantly exposed, and traction gets sketchy on steeper sections, especially when things are damp. Add in the exposed drop-offs and zero passing space, and you've got a route that demands respect. Here's the deal: weather here is absolutely wild. Fog can roll in and kill your visibility to just a few meters, and conditions change on a dime. Winter? Forget it—snow and ice make this pass a no-go zone for standard vehicles, and officials close it during severe weather. Only attempt this between the dry months. Even into late spring, snow patches hang around at this altitude. And remember: this is a protected natural park, so stay on the official track. Off-roading outside the designated route gets you hefty fines. Always check local conditions before you go.
hardWhere is Yağdonduran Geçidi?
🇹🇷 Turkey
Okay, road trip lovers, listen up! Wanna check out a super cool mountain pass in central Turkey? Yağdonduran Geçidi sits way up high at 1,761m (5,777ft) in Sivas Province, and let me tell you, it's a stunner. This route gets its name from the crazy cold you'll find at the top during winter - brrr! The road itself, D850, is completely paved and stretches for 132km (82 miles) from Sivas to Gürün. It’s a north-south run with some seriously steep sections hitting an 8% gradient. Now, heads up: this area gets hammered with snow in the winter, so they built the Yağdonduran Tunnel, which opened in 2023. This tunnel is a game-changer, bypassing the toughest parts of the pass! At 1,567 meters, it’s the longest road tunnel in Sivas - after a railway tunnel. Still, the views along the old road are incredible, so if you're up for an adventure, this is one to add to your list.
hardA gravel road to Col des Laquets in the French Pyrenees
🇫🇷 France
# Col des Laquets: A True Pyrenean Adventure Looking for an ultimate mountain challenge? Col des Laquets sits pretty at 2,637 meters (8,651 feet) high in the French Pyrenees, nestled in the Hautes-Pyrénées department. This is seriously high-altitude territory. Starting from the gift shop at Col du Tourmalet, you're looking at a 5.6 km (3.47 miles) white-knuckle climb that'll gain you 566 meters of elevation. We're talking an average gradient of 10.10%, with some sections hitting a brutal 24% — this isn't for the faint of heart or inexperienced drivers. Here's the thing: this isn't your typical paved road. It's unpaved, loose, and seriously steep. You'll navigate narrow, cliff-lined stretches and pass through two short tunnels that add to the drama. Fair warning — snow can block the route even into late June, so timing matters. While cars hit a locked gate partway up (sorry, four-wheelers!), hikers and cyclists are welcome to push through. The payoff? Absolutely breathtaking views of the central Pyrenees that'll make every hairpin turn worth it. There's talk of building Hôtellerie des Laquets on top, which could eventually mean a paved surface — but for now, you're getting the raw, untamed mountain experience. Bonus: Pic du Midi de Bigorre is just a short walk beyond the pass if you want to extend your adventure.
moderateWhy is it called Datvisjvari Pass?
🇬🇪 Georgia
Get ready for the ride of your life on the Dat'visjvari Pass, or "Bear Cross Pass"! Perched high in Georgia's Mtskheta-Mtianeti region at a whopping 2,689 meters (8,822 feet), this unpaved beauty is not for the faint of heart. The name? It comes from a massive marble cross that used to mark the watershed way back when. Built in the 70s, this wild stretch of road – known as Shatili road – clocks in at 42.5 km (26.40 miles) and links Godani with the super-remote, history-packed village of Shatili, practically spitting distance from Russia. And if you're feeling extra adventurous, the road continues onward to Mutso and even more hidden villages in the Andaki valley. Keep in mind, this route is usually snowed in from October to May, so plan your trip accordingly. Trust me, the views from the top are worth the wait! You'll need a trusty 4x4 to tackle this beast, and a healthy dose of courage. This road has some serious drops that might make your palms sweat. Oh, and watch out for those sneaky rivers and waterfalls that can flood the road without warning! With gradients hitting a steep 10% in places, this isn't your average Sunday drive, but the incredible scenery – ancient villages, fortresses, and panoramic vistas – makes it an unforgettable adventure.