Cirque de Cilaos
France, europe
16.6 km
1,586 m
extreme
Year-round
# Cirque de Cilaos: A Thrilling Mountain Drive
Nestled on the French island of Réunion in the Indian Ocean, the Cirque de Cilaos is a breathtaking natural rock amphitheater sitting pretty at 1,586m (5,203ft) above sea level. And getting there? Absolutely worth every white-knuckle moment of the drive!
The winding route—known as D20 (Route Forestière 11 des Makes)—climbs steeply through the Forêt Domaniale des Makes forest. Thanks to the intense gradient, the road is solidly asphalted and concrete, which is a good thing because you'll need all the traction you can get. Over 400 curves and 18 hairpin turns snake their way up the mountain, each one rewarding you with another jaw-dropping vista.
Starting from Le Gol on the D3 Road, you're looking at a 16.6km climb that gains a serious 1,214m in elevation. The average grade sits around 7.31%, with some gnarly sections hitting 10%. Fair warning: this road is *narrow*—we're talking barely room for two cars to pass. Your knuckles might be gripping the steering wheel pretty tight on those tighter sections!
Once you reach the summit, you'll find a small parking area and a few communication towers marking the top. It's not just an endpoint; it's a genuine accomplishment. The views? Absolutely legendary.
Where is it?
Cirque de Cilaos is located in France (europe). Coordinates: -21.1353, 55.4711
Road Details
- Country
- France
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 16.6 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,586 m
- Difficulty
- extreme
- Coordinates
- -21.1353, 55.4711
Related Roads in europe
hardPereval Mukhinskiy, a steep remote road only for experienced drivers
🌍 Russia
Okay, buckle up, adventurers! We're headed to Pereval Mukhinskiy in the Karachay-Cherkess Republic, Russia, nestled high in the Caucasus Mountains near the Georgian border, within the Teberda Nature Reserve. This isn't your Sunday drive; we're talking a rugged, unpaved, super-steep old mining road climbing to a whopping 3,148 meters (10,328 feet)! Trust me, you'll feel the altitude. Forget your low-rider – you'll NEED a 4x4 with serious clearance. This road is typically snowed in from October to June, so plan accordingly. The adventure kicks off from the A155 Road near Teberda, and it's a 17km climb from there. Get ready for a lung-busting ascent, gaining 1,810 meters with an average gradient of 10.64% and some sections hitting a wild 20% slope. The views? Absolutely worth the challenge!
extremeWhat you need to know about the 4x4 track to Forcella d’Entova
🇮🇹 Italy
# Forcella d'Entova: Not Your Average Mountain Drive Tucked away in Lombardy's Province of Sondrio, Forcella d'Entova sits pretty at a whopping 2,802 meters (9,192 feet) above sea level. This isn't your typical leisurely mountain cruise—it's legitimately extreme terrain that demands respect. Starting from San Giuseppe, you're looking at an 11.9 km (7.4 miles) grind uphill with a gnarly 1,203-meter elevation gain. That translates to an average gradient of about 10%, with some sections pushing the limits even further. Fair warning: this track was originally carved out for a ski resort that never materialized, so you can imagine the state of things. The road itself is narrow, riddled with deep washouts, loose gravel, rocks, and the occasional landslide. After heavy rain? Forget about it—it transforms into a muddy, slippery mess. Honestly, 4x4 vehicles with serious ground clearance are non-negotiable here. This isn't the place to test your sedan's capabilities. The good news is that Forcella d'Entova ranks among Italy's highest roads, and the views absolutely justify the white-knuckle drive. Just know that private vehicles face a barrier blockade during winter months (September through June), and several mountain refuges dot the summit area if you need a rest stop. This one's for hardcore adventurers only.
hardIpek Geçidi
🇹🇷 Turkey
Okay, adventure junkies, let's talk about the Ipek Geçidi! This high-altitude mountain pass sits way up at 2,025 meters (that's 6,643 feet!) in eastern Turkey, right on the border with Iran, in the Ağrı Province. You'll find it's a well-maintained asphalt road – it's actually part of the D100, also known as the E80 in Europe. This route connects the cities of Doğubayazıt and Ağrı. Be warned, though, the climb can get pretty intense. And heads up, if you're planning a winter trip, keep an eye on the weather forecast, as winter storms can make things interesting, to say the least. But trust me, the views are worth it!
hardIs the road across Piva Canyon paved?
🌍 Montenegro
Okay, picture this: you're in Montenegro, near the Bosnian border, about to embark on one of the most stunning drives of your life! We're talking about Piva Canyon, a dramatic gorge carved by the Piva River, one of Montenegro's gems. This isn't just any drive; it's a full-on experience. The M18/E742 highway, locally known as Piva Canyon Road, snakes for about 82 km from Nikšić up to the Bosnian border. It's all paved, so no need for a monster truck, but keep your wits about you! You'll be surrounded by the giants – the mountains of Bioč, Volujak, Maglić, and Pivska planina. The canyon itself plunges down 1,200 meters at its deepest point. The road clings to the edge, diving in and out of 56 dark, rocky tunnels – a real feat of engineering. The views? Absolutely breathtaking. Think untouched natural beauty, remote landscapes, and the mesmerizing deep green of Lake Piva, created by the Mratinje Dam. Speaking of the dam, it's a beast at 220m high – one of the tallest in Europe! Make sure you take a moment to stop and soak it all in. Word to the wise: landslides are a real risk, so drive carefully. But trust me, Piva Canyon is worth every white-knuckle moment. It’s an unforgettable adventure!