Col de la Colombiere: The Ultimate Road Trip Guide
France, europe
30 km
1,613 m
moderate
Year-round
# Col de la Colombière
Nestled in the Haute-Savoie department of southeastern France, Col de la Colombière sits pretty at 1,613m (5,292ft) above sea level—and honestly, the views are worth every twist and turn to get there. This Alpine gem is part of the legendary Route des Grandes Alpes, so you know you're in for something special.
The fully paved D4 (Route de la Colombière) stretches a solid 30km (18.64 miles) between Le Grand-Bornand and Scionzier. Plan on spending 45 to 60 minutes driving without stops, though we'd recommend taking your time to soak it all in. Summer's your window—the pass typically opens from June through October.
Fair warning: this road doesn't mess around. You'll hit some seriously steep sections, maxing out at 13% gradient in places. If you're coming from Le Grand-Bornand, you're looking at 11.7km of climbing with 690m of elevation gain (averaging 5.9%, with peaks at 12%). The Scionzier side? That's the real deal—16.3km with 1,108m of elevation gain and an average gradient of 6.8%.
This isn't just any pass either. It's a Tour de France classic that's been testing cyclists since 1960. Once you reach the summit, you'll find a welcoming bar-restaurant, parking, a souvenir shop, and a charming little church—perfect spots to catch your breath and celebrate making it to the top.
Where is it?
Col de la Colombiere: The Ultimate Road Trip Guide is located in France (europe). Coordinates: 45.3815, 2.4914
Road Details
- Country
- France
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 30 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,613 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- 45.3815, 2.4914
Related Roads in europe
hardSantet de Casau
🇪🇸 Spain
Okay, picture this: you're in the Spanish Pyrenees, specifically the Val d'Aran, and you're craving a serious off-road adventure. Buckle up, because the climb to Eth Santet chapel is calling your name! At a lofty 2,021 meters (that's 6,630 feet!), this ain't your average Sunday drive. The road? Let's just say it's "rustic." Think gravel, rocks, and some seriously tricky sections that'll test your skills (and your vehicle). A 4x4 is HIGHLY recommended – you'll thank me later. Keep an eye on the weather, too, because it can turn on a dime up here. While technically open year-round, winter closures are common. But hey, if you time it right (dry conditions are a must!), you're in for an unforgettable ride. The views overlooking Vielha are simply breathtaking. It's an adrenaline rush mixed with stunning scenery – exactly what any adventurous soul craves!
hardHautacam is a legendary Tour de France climb
🇫🇷 France
Okay, picture this: you're in the French Pyrenees, ready for an epic climb up to Station du Hautacam. This ski resort sits pretty at almost 5,000 feet, and getting there is half the adventure! Starting just outside Argelès-Gazost, you've got about 8.3 miles of paved road ahead of you. "Highland" is what Hautacam translates to, and it lives up to the name. Some sections get seriously narrow, so keep your eyes peeled. Oh, and did I mention it's steep? We're talking gradients hitting a whopping 16% in places. Over the 8.3-mile climb, you'll gain over 3,500 feet in elevation, averaging around 8% grade. Keep an eye out, it's been featured in the Tour de France, so you know it's a leg burner! Once you make it to the top, there's a big parking area and views that'll make it all worthwhile.
hardColle San Zeno
🇮🇹 Italy
# Colle San Zeno: A Thrilling Alpine Climb in Lombardy Nestled in the province of Brescia in Lombardy, Italy, Colle San Zeno (also called Colma di San Zeno) sits at a respectable 1,434 meters (4,704 feet) above sea level. This mountain pass is a fantastic destination for anyone looking to tackle some seriously fun alpine driving. The road up—officially known as Via Case Sparse Mondaro—is a narrow, steep asphalt ribbon that'll definitely keep you on your toes. Most of it's a single lane, and while you'll spot the occasional pothole here and there, the overall condition is genuinely excellent. It's the kind of road that rewards careful driving with stunning mountain scenery. You've got two solid options for reaching the top. Coming from Pisogne? Prepare for a 16.65 km climb that'll pump 1,244 meters of elevation gain into your legs (or your engine). That works out to an average gradient of 7.5%—nothing outrageous, but definitely respectable. Prefer a slightly gentler approach? Start from Lavone instead. This route stretches 13.8 km with 936 meters of elevation gain, averaging a more forgiving 6.8% gradient. Either way, you're in for a memorable drive through some spectacular alpine landscape.
extremeLago di Alpe Gera
🇮🇹 Italy
# Lago di Alpe Gera: A High-Alpine Adventure If you're up for some serious altitude, Lago di Alpe Gera sits pretty at 2,024 meters (6,640 feet) in the heart of Lombardy's Province of Sondrio. This stunning alpine lake is the ultimate destination for adventurous drivers willing to take on a proper mountain challenge. Here's what you're getting yourself into: The road is mostly paved, which sounds promising until you hit that final kilometer of gravel that'll really get your adrenaline pumping. The route itself is narrow, steep, and features some genuinely creepy unlit tunnels that add a whole extra layer of drama to your ascent. Built between 1960 and 1965, this isn't some newly engineered highway—it's got character, grit, and a serious no-nonsense attitude. Fair warning though: when you arrive, you'll be greeted by a rather ominous warning sign declaring the road officially "not approved for vehicles" due to risks from landslides and avalanches, plus crumbling walls and cliffs without guardrails. Translation? You're driving at your own risk, and the Italian authorities want to make sure you know it. But if you've got the nerves and the right vehicle, the payoff is totally worth it. You're trading smooth pavement for an unforgettable high-alpine experience with views that most casual tourists will never see.