Aiguille de Peclet is one of the highest roads of Europe
France, europe
10.3 km
2,951 m
moderate
Year-round
# Aiguille de Péclet: A Alpine Adventure
Ready for one of Europe's most dramatic drives? Aiguille de Péclet sits pretty at 2,951 meters (9,681 feet) in France's Savoie department, nestled right at the base of the stunning Péclet Glacier. This peak is genuinely one of the highest roads you can tackle on the continent.
Tucked away in the Vanoise National Park within the Massif de la Vanoise in the French Alps, this isn't your typical scenic byway. The 10.3-kilometer (6.4-mile) route climbs a serious 702 meters with an average gradient of 6.81%—and here's the catch: it's entirely unpaved. You'll need a 4x4 vehicle to make the trek, and private cars aren't permitted anyway. Instead, chairlifts do most of the heavy lifting for visitors.
The views? Absolutely worth it. Once you reach the summit, you can grab a meal at the mountain restaurant Les Aiguilles de Péclet while soaking in those panoramic Alpine vistas.
Now for the reality check: this road is completely snow-locked from October through June, so you're looking at a pretty tight summer-only window if you're planning a visit. But if you time it right and have the proper vehicle, this high-altitude adventure delivers some seriously unforgettable French Alpine scenery.
Where is it?
Aiguille de Peclet is one of the highest roads of Europe is located in France (europe). Coordinates: 45.2811, 6.6239
Road Details
- Country
- France
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 10.3 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,951 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- 45.2811, 6.6239
Related Roads in europe
hardZiria Peak
🇬🇷 Greece
# Mount Ziria: Greece's Epic High-Altitude Adventure Perched at a seriously impressive 2,115 meters (6,938 feet) above sea level on the Peloponnesus peninsula, Mount Ziria ranks among Greece's highest roads—and trust me, you'll feel every meter of that elevation gain. This isn't your typical Sunday drive. The road to the summit is a proper gravel and rock-strewn beast, with stretches that are genuinely tippy and bone-shaking bumpy. Here's the thing: at this altitude, Mother Nature calls the shots. Snow can roll in and shut this road down without warning, so timing your visit is crucial. If unpaved mountain roads make you nervous, turn back now. This trail demands serious off-road chops and a capable 4x4 vehicle to tackle it safely. The grades are genuinely steep in sections, and those fear-of-heights vibes? Yeah, they'll kick in for sure. Wet conditions transform the muddy surface into a legitimately slippery challenge that'll test even experienced drivers. But here's why you'd brave all that: Mount Ziria is pure adventure. It's the kind of road that separates casual drivers from the real wheelers out there. If you've got the skills, the right vehicle, and the nerve, this Peloponnesus peak offers an unforgettable high-altitude experience that'll make for some seriously epic travel stories.
hardWhere is The Burway?
🇬🇧 England
The Burway, nestled in Shropshire's Cardingmill Valley in the West Midlands, is a wild ride! This isn't your average Sunday drive – it's a proper adventure up Long Mynd, a mountain plateau reaching 488m (1,601ft). Clocking in at 7.88km (4.9 miles) from Church Stretton to Longmynd (where it's known as The Port Way), this paved road is narrow. Really narrow. We're talking single-track narrow, with gradients hitting a punchy 20% in places. Inexperienced drivers, be warned! The views from the top are absolutely stunning, stretching across Shropshire and beyond. But getting there? It's not for the faint of heart. One side offers a sheer, unprotected drop into the valley below. Seriously, this "high shelf road" can be intimidating! Forget about bringing a caravan – it won't fit. Starting from Church Stretton, the first 3.24 km (2.01 miles) climb 281 meters, averaging an 8.6% gradient. And a word to the wise: this "highest public road in Shropshire" isn't maintained in the winter. Deep snow and icy conditions can make it totally impassable – and incredibly dangerous. One slip, and you're over the edge. So, check the forecast and drive with extreme caution!
hardWhere is Les Détroits?
🇫🇷 France
Cruising through the Lozère department in France? Then you HAVE to check out Les Détroits! This isn’t just a road, it’s one of those legendary French balcony roads, clinging to the cliffs for dear life. Okay, so where exactly is this slice of driving heaven? Picture the Occitania region, that sun-kissed southern part of France, just north of the ridiculously gorgeous Gorges du Tarn. You’ll find it there! Now, about the road itself – it’s fully paved (phew!), so no need for the off-road vehicle. It's known as D907BIS. But don’t think that means it’s a walk in the park. This road, carved out by the Tarn River, is narrow in spots and features some serious drop-offs. Just a heads up if you're driving something huge – vehicle height is limited to 3.8 meters. This thrilling road is 11.3 km (7.02 miles) of pure adrenaline, stretching east-west from La Malène to Les Vignes. Seriously, cutting into the sides of sheer cliffs, this is an awe-inspiring adventure you won't soon forget!
moderateIs Kizildag Pass paved?
🇹🇷 Turkey
Alright, adventure seekers, listen up! Wanna tackle a seriously epic Turkish road trip? Then put Kızıldağ Geçidi on your map! This mountain pass straddles the line between Sivas and Erzincan, way up high at 2,167 meters (that's 7,109 feet!). Don't worry, the whole route is paved, so your tires will thank you. It's part of the D.200 (or E88), connecting East and Central Anatolia, and reaching the road's highest point! Fair warning: while it's usually open year-round, winter can throw some curveballs with short-term closures. Mother Nature, right? Stretching for 97.2 km (60.3 miles) from Zara to Altköy, this road is no joke. Expect some seriously steep sections, hitting a max gradient of 9% – hold on tight! But trust me, the views are worth every hairpin turn. Get ready for a ride that’s all about you, the open road, and some unforgettable Turkish scenery!