
Col d'Arrondaz
France, europe
N/A
2,507 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, buckle up for Col d'Arrondaz, a real hidden gem way up in the French Alps! We're talking about the Plateau des Glieres area of Haute-Savoie, France, to be exact, and the summit sits at a cool 2,507 meters (8,225 feet).
Now, this isn't your average Sunday drive. Forget smooth asphalt – you'll be tackling a gravel road that was originally built for the military way back in 1830! So, yeah, expect some serious history and rugged terrain. This route is not for the faint of heart. It's crazy narrow – sometimes barely wide enough for a single vehicle – with hairpin turns and terrifying drop-offs with no guardrails. Seriously, hundreds of meters straight down.
Be super careful, especially after it rains. Fast-flowing creeks can turn parts of the road into a muddy mess, sometimes even making it impassable. Plan accordingly, because this road is usually snowed in from September to June. As you climb, keep an eye out for old military buildings and fortresses along the way. Near the very top, you can even spot the Ouvrage Arrondaz, part of the old Maginot Line. It's a wild ride with insane views. Get ready for an adventure!
Road Details
- Country
- France
- Continent
- europe
- Max Elevation
- 2,507 m
- Difficulty
- hard
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