Auron
France, europe
11 km
1,652 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, picture this: you're carving your way up a twisty mountain road in the French Alps, heading towards the ski resort of Auron. You start in the village of Le Bourguet and the road, known as the M39, is your ribbon of asphalt, pulling you higher and higher.
Get ready for some seriously stunning views as you climb 591 meters over just 11 kilometers. The average grade is a manageable 5.4%, but hold on tight, because you'll hit some steep bits, up to 10.8%! Auron sits pretty at 1,652m (5,419ft), so prepare for that crisp mountain air! Get ready for hairpin turns, scenic vistas, and an unforgettable drive in the Alpes-Maritimes department.
Road Details
- Country
- France
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 11 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,652 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in europe
moderateWhere is Colle Basset?
🇮🇹 Italy
Okay, so picture this: Colle Basset, a killer mountain pass chilling at 2,424 meters (that's 7,952 feet!) in the Italian Alps, near Turin. You'll find it in the Piedmont region, smack dab in northern Italy. It's actually part of the famous Assietta Road (S. P. 173), which winds its way from Susa to Sestriere. Now, heads up: this road is *unpaved*. We're talking a full-on, rocky, military-style track snaking along the ridge from Pian dell'Alpe towards Sestriere. Colle Basset is the first pass you'll hit coming from the Sestriere side. Keep it slow and steady – 30 km/h is the limit. Overtaking is a no-go, and only stop in designated parking areas. Despite the rough surface and loose rocks, it's totally doable – just be prepared for a bumpy ride, especially on the curves. Oh, and one last thing: this epic gravel road is only open from June 1st to October 31st, so plan your trip accordingly!
hardCol de Meraillet is a chillout in the French Alps
🇫🇷 France
# Col de Méraillet Nestled in the French Alps at 1,612 meters (5,288 feet), Col de Méraillet is a stunning high-altitude pass tucked away in the Savoie department of southeastern France. This is your gateway between Cormet de Roselend and Col du Pré—two other legendary Alpine crossings. The 39.7-kilometer (24.66-mile) drive stretches west to east from Beaufort to Bourg-Saint-Maurice along the iconic D925, part of the legendary Route des Grandes Alpes. And yep, this road is famous enough to have featured in the Tour de France. Here's what makes it special: the entire route is beautifully paved and winds through dense forest with countless hairpins and flowing curves. You'll get treated to jaw-dropping views of the glittering Lac de Roselend and its impressive dam—seriously, the deep blue waters are absolutely worth the climb. That said, respect the road. It's steep—we're talking gradients that hit 13% in some sections. Most of the pass is reasonably wide, but there are tighter spots that demand your attention and careful maneuvering. Take your time on those narrow stretches, and you'll be fine. If you're chasing Alpine passes and epic driving experiences, this one absolutely deserves a spot on your bucket list.
moderateA paved scenic road to Coll de la Creueta in Catalonia
🇪🇸 Spain
# Coll de la Creueta: A Pyrenean Adventure Ready to tackle one of Catalonia's most rewarding climbs? Coll de la Creueta sits pretty at 1,880m (6,167ft) in the heart of the Berguedà region, tucked into the Barcelona province of northeastern Spain. This scenic high-altitude pass is nestled right in the Pyrenees—those dramatic peaks that form the natural border between France and Spain. The route follows the well-maintained BV-4031, stretching 26.6 km (16.52 miles) as it winds north from the charming town of La Pobla de Lillet, passing through Castellar de n'Hug before connecting to the GI-400. The good news? The road is paved and in solid condition throughout. Now, let's talk about what you're actually signing up for. This is no leisurely Sunday drive. The ascent from Pobla de Lillet clocks in at 20.5 km with a punchy 1,060-meter elevation gain. While the average gradient sits at a manageable 5.2%, things get spicy on certain ramps where you'll face gradients hitting 12.0%—so come prepared for some seriously steep pitches. But here's the thing: the payoff is absolutely worth it. You'll be rewarded with stunning Pyrenean scenery that'll have you reaching for your camera at every hairpin turn. This is the kind of climb that'll make you feel like a proper cyclist (or driver), complete with bragging rights.
hardPaion Refuge
🇮🇹 Italy
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! I just found a killer off-road experience in the Italian Dolomites that you HAVE to add to your bucket list. We're talking about Rifugio Paion, a mountain hut perched way up high in Trentino's Val di Fiemme at over 7,200 feet! Getting there is not for the faint of heart, though. Picture this: a super steep, gravel track winding its way through the Alpe Cermis ski resort. You'll need a 4x4 for this one, trust me. Oh, and plan your trip carefully – this road is usually snowed in from October to June. But the reward is SO worth it! Once you conquer that climb, the views from the Rifugio Paion are absolutely mind-blowing. Seriously, a full 360 degrees of pure alpine glory! You can see iconic peaks like Marmolada, Pale di San Martino, Brenta, Cevedale, and even the Ortles group. Just imagine that panoramic shot for your Insta! Keep in mind, this is primarily a service road for the chairlift, so expect rugged conditions. Get ready for an unforgettable ride!