
Col de la Chambre: this road is not for timid drivers
France, europe
4 km
2,787 m
hard
Year-round
# Col de la Chambre
Tucked away in the Savoie department of southeastern France, Col de la Chambre sits at a seriously impressive 2,787m (9,143ft) above sea level. This is one of those Alpine passes that'll make your jaw drop.
Here's the thing—this isn't your typical mountain road. Starting from Val Thorens, the roughly 4km (2.5-mile) route is completely unpaved and basically follows old chairlift service roads meant for serious 4x4 vehicles only. You'll encounter some gnarly sections with grades hitting 25%, so this is definitely not a leisurely summer cruise. The pass is only accessible during the warmer months, so plan accordingly.
What makes it even more thrilling? Head southeast and you'll find Mont de Péclet (2,879m/9,445ft), another Alpine giant looming nearby. The road to get there winds along more unpaved ski-lift service tracks, climbing toward the cable car station. It's genuinely one of France's highest accessible roads—the kind of place where the views are absolutely unreal and your vehicle gets put to the test.
This is pure Alpine adventure territory. High elevation, extreme terrain, and some serious driving chops required.
Where is it?
Col de la Chambre: this road is not for timid drivers is located in France (europe). Coordinates: 46.0377, 1.6540
Road Details
- Country
- France
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 4 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,787 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 46.0377, 1.6540
Related Roads in europe
extremeHow to get to Navagio Beach by car?
🇬🇷 Greece
# Navagio Beach: Greece's Iconic Shipwreck Road Tucked into the northwest corner of Zakynthos Island, Navagio Beach is basically the stuff travel bucket lists are made of. Located about 250 kilometers from Athens in the Ionian Sea, this spot draws visitors from everywhere who want to snap the perfect photo of the famous Panagiotis shipwreck lying in the shallow turquoise waters below. The beach itself is pure magic—milky blue water, smooth white pebbles, and dramatic cliff faces that'll make your jaw drop. It wasn't always called Navagio Beach, though. Back in 1980, a smuggler ship called Panagiotis ran aground here while being chased by Greek naval police. The authorities found 2,000 boxes of cigarettes and about 30 million Drachmas on board. Instead of salvaging it, they just left the ship where it landed. Now it's one of Greece's most iconic landmarks, and the beach earned its nickname "Shipwreck Beach" (sometimes "Smugglers Cove") because of it. Getting there is half the adventure. The 1.5-kilometer road from the Monastery of Agios Georgios Krimnon is absolutely stunning—winding, narrow, and packed with jaw-dropping coastal views. It's actually so picturesque that it was featured in the James Bond film "For Your Eyes Only." Just remember: this road demands respect and careful driving. You'll find a small parking lot at the road's end (arrive early, it fills up fast) with a spectacular cliff-top viewpoint. Here's the thing though—you can see the beach below, but you can't actually walk down to it due to the nearly vertical cliffs. Only accessible by boat, the beach stays hidden below while you're up top. Fair warning: landslide risks have led authorities to close parts of the cliff area to the public. The combination of earthquakes and unstable terrain means some areas are cordoned off for good reason. Tempted to squeeze past the barriers for a better view? Don't. It's not worth the legal trouble or the very real danger of a cliff collapse.
extremeHow to drive to Colle della Ciabra in Piedmont?
🇮🇹 Italy
Colle della Ciabra is a high mountain pass sitting at 1,712m (5,616ft) in the Province of Cuneo, tucked into Piedmont's stunning landscape. This isn't your typical Alpine crossing—it's a lonely, grueling beast of a climb that marks the eastern entrance to the high alpine ridges. Nestled between the Varaita and Maira valleys in the Cottian Alps, the pass plays a starring role on the legendary Strada dei Cannoni (Varaita-Maira-Kammstraße). Once you summit, you're rewarded with sweeping views across the Piedmontese plains and the dramatic peaks surrounding you. Here's the real talk: yes, it's technically asphalt, but don't expect smooth sailing. The road surface is thin, weathered, and relentlessly bumpy—prepare for a serious bone-shaking ride whether you're behind the wheel or on your bike. Coming up from Brossasco in the Varaita Valley is the most popular (and genuinely punishing) approach. If you're craving solitude and authentic, no-frills mountain roads, Ciabra is absolutely calling your name. Unlike the Instagram-famous Alpine passes packed with tour buses, this one delivers pure wilderness vibes. For cyclists and off-road enthusiasts, it's the ultimate gateway—that final threshold before you transition into the high-altitude gravel world where military roads take over. This is mountain biking and driving in its rawest form.
hardWhere is Col de Finiels?
🇫🇷 France
Okay, picture this: the Col de Finiels, perched way up in the Lozère département of France at a cool 1,541m (5,055ft) above sea level! You'll find it nestled in the southern part of the country, with a handy parking lot waiting at the summit. The road, known as the D20, is a fully paved beauty that stretches for 21.7 km (13.48 miles) between Le Bleymard and Pont-de-Montvert-Sud-Mont-Lozère. Heads up though, it's got some seriously steep sections! If you're coming from Le Bleymard, get ready for a 10.4 km climb, gaining 472 meters at an average of 4.5%. Starting from Le Pont de Montvert? Buckle up for an 11.6 km ascent, with a whopping 666 meters of elevation gain at a slightly steeper average of 5.7%. Trust me, the views are SO worth it!
moderateD84, a vertigo paved road in France
🇫🇷 France
Okay, road trip adventurers, listen up! I've got a little gem for you hidden away in the Aude department of southern France's Languedoc-Roussillon region. We're talking about the D84, a seriously fun, but not-for-the-faint-of-heart, mountain road. This baby clocks in at just 7 kilometers, but those kilometers are packed with thrills. Nestled in a rugged, untouched landscape, the D84 runs from the D118 to the D17 near Escouloubre. Picture this: stunning views, but also sections so narrow that passing another car feels like a legit accomplishment. Seriously, your reversing skills are going to get a workout. We're talking blind corners on ridiculously tight roads. Oh, and heads up, there's a height limit of 3.7 meters, so leave the oversized vehicles at home. Keep an eye out for rock slides too! But hey, if you're up for a challenge and a dose of breathtaking scenery, the D84 is calling your name!