Col de la Met is one of the highest mountain roads in Europe
France, europe
6 km
2,750 m
hard
Year-round
# Col de la Met
Nestled in the Savoie department of southeastern France, Col de la Met is a serious high-altitude adventure sitting at 2,750m (9,022ft). This is genuine mountain territory—part of the Rhône-Alpes region where the views are absolutely incredible.
Here's the thing: this isn't your typical scenic drive. The 6km route from the paved D1006 climbs a brutal 679m with an average gradient of 11.31%, which means you're looking at some seriously steep terrain. The road is completely unpaved—it's basically a chairlift access trail that only opens during summer months. You'll need a proper 4x4 to even attempt this one. The trail is rough, unforgiving, and definitely one of France's wildest roads.
But if you've got the right vehicle and the nerve? The payoff is spectacular. From the summit, you'll take in sweeping views of Lac de Mont Cenis and the surrounding alpine peaks. It's the kind of road that makes you feel like you've genuinely conquered something.
This is peak season adventure driving—literally and figuratively.
Where is it?
Col de la Met is one of the highest mountain roads in Europe is located in France (europe). Coordinates: 45.7864, 1.4902
Road Details
- Country
- France
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 6 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,750 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 45.7864, 1.4902
Related Roads in europe
moderateHow do you get to Dettifoss waterfall in Iceland?
🇮🇸 Iceland
Okay, picture this: you're in the wild, untamed Northeast of Iceland, heading for Dettifoss, arguably Europe's second most thunderous waterfall! This beast of nature, fueled by the glacial river Jökulsá á Fjöllum, thunders over a 100-meter wide cliff, plummeting 44 meters down. You might recognize it from the movie 'Prometheus'—it's that epic. Now, getting there is part of the adventure. You've got two choices. Route 862 is your smooth operator: a paved road, open most of the year (April to December), that’ll take you to the west side of Dettifoss—easy peasy for any car. But if you're feeling adventurous, Route 864 winds to the east side, and that’s where things get interesting! This unpaved road, typically open from late May to early October, is a corrugated, dusty beast. Prepare for potholes galore! Passenger cars can sometimes handle it, but a 4x4 is your best bet. Just remember, Icelandic gravel roads are notoriously unpredictable, so keep your eyes peeled and adjust your speed accordingly. No matter which route you choose, the views are breathtaking, and the roaring power of Dettifoss is an experience you won't soon forget.
hardLiqeni i Kllabekas, a difficult journey
🇦🇱 Albania
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! I've got a spot for you: Liqeni i Kllabekas, a stunning high-altitude lake nestled way up in the Dibër County of northeastern Albania. We're talking serious off-road vibes here inside Lura National Park. The road? Let's just say it's not for the faint of heart. Think gravel, rocks, and a whole lot of bumpiness. Basically, you'll want a 4x4 for this 16.4km stretch. Winters? Forget about it, totally impassable. Starting from the SH34 road, you'll climb 557 meters to reach the lake at 1,625m. It's a steady climb, and you'll definitely feel it. Oh, and heads up, if you're not a fan of heights, this might not be your jam. If it's wet, expect some seriously muddy conditions. But trust me, the views? Totally worth it.
moderateThe Ultimate Road Trip to Petrohan Pass in the Balkan Mountains
🌍 Bulgaria
Okay, so you're heading from Sofia to northwestern Bulgaria (or maybe even Romania)? Then Petrohan Pass is your ticket! This paved beauty, also known as Route 81, clocks in at about 41 kilometers (25 miles) and snakes its way up to a cool 1,407 meters (4,616 feet) in the Balkan Mountains. You'll find it nestled right on the border of Montana and Sofia provinces. Keep in mind, while it's usually open year-round, winter can throw a curveball with closures and restrictions. Oh, and word on the street is they might be building a tunnel and widening the road sometime soon. Apparently, this project would shorten the trip by a whopping 70 km! The scenery is pretty epic, so buckle up and enjoy the ride!
moderateTake An Unforgettable Drive to Puerto de Escullar in Andalusia
🇪🇸 Spain
# Puerto de Escúllar: Spain's Hidden Mountain Pass Want to experience one of Spain's most underrated Alpine drives? Head to Puerto de Escúllar, a spectacular 2,036-meter (6,679-foot) pass nestled in Granada's Sierra de Baza mountain range in Andalusia. This is the kind of place where you'll feel like you've discovered your own secret—seriously, hardly anyone drives here. The route runs north-south for 57.5 kilometers (35.72 miles) between the villages of Caniles and Abla, and the entire road is paved, which is always a win. You'll navigate the AL-5404 from the south and GR-8101 from the north. Fair warning though: the road surface deteriorates a bit on either side of the summit, but nothing that'll ruin your day. What *might* be slightly annoying? The summit itself is weirdly anticlimactic—it's super flat up there, and there's no proper sign marking the actual highest point. You'll be scratching your head wondering if you've already passed it. Buckle up for some serious climbs. This pass is famous (well, in cycling circles at least) for hosting stages of the Vuelta a España, and it's easy to see why—gradients hit a gnarly 10% on some sections. But here's the beautiful part: the road sees almost zero traffic, so you'll have the curves all to yourself. Plus, the pass stays open year-round, so you can tackle it whenever you're feeling adventurous.