Col de la Coche
France, europe
11 km
1,783 m
extreme
Year-round
Okay, adventure junkies, buckle up for Col de la Coche in the Hautes-Alpes of southeastern France! At a dizzying 1,783m (5,849ft), this mountain pass is NOT for the faint of heart. Seriously, one tiny slip and... well, let's just say you'll be taking a *very* long shortcut.
This road definitely lives up to its reputation. Get ready for an adrenaline rush that'll test your lungs, your heart, and your nerve. The northwest side is paved, but the upper sections turn to gravel. Photos and words just can't capture the experience. If you can't reverse with confidence, maybe sit this one out. And definitely avoid it in bad weather! Avalanches, blizzards, and landslides are real possibilities, and ice patches are common.
Starting near Saint André d'Embrun, you'll grind your way up 11km, gaining 795m in elevation. The average grade is 7.23%, but be warned: some stretches hit a brutal 17%!
The road is gravel and super narrow, with sheer drops of hundreds of meters – and zero guardrails. It's a true test of skill and courage. Vertigo sufferers, beware! You'll find drainage gullies higher up, so take it easy on the descent. A 4WD vehicle and a seasoned driver are highly recommended. If unpaved mountain roads aren't your thing, steer clear. And if heights make you queasy, just admire the view from afar. Beginners, maybe find a different route to practice on! But the views… oh, the views!
Road Details
- Country
- France
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 11 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,783 m
- Difficulty
- extreme
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