Col de la Moutiere is a road with intimidating drop offs
France, europe
11.1 km
2,450 m
extreme
Year-round
# Col de la Moutière: A Mountain Pass Adventure
If you're craving a thrilling Alpine experience, Col de la Moutière delivers in spades. Perched at 2,450m (8,038ft) in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region, this mountain pass sits right on the border between Alpes-Maritimes and Alpes-de-Haute-Provence in southeastern France.
Fair warning: this isn't your average Sunday drive. The road is *incredibly* narrow—we're talking single-car-width with zero room for backing out if you get cold feet. The views are stunning, but so are the drop-offs on either side. If heights make you nervous, maybe skip this one.
Starting from Saint-Dalmas-le-Selvage, the 11.1 km (6.89 miles) climb is brutally steep in places, hitting a jaw-dropping 15% gradient on the worst sections. You'll gain 952 meters of elevation as the road winds through sparse woods with a punishing 8.57% average grade. Hairpin after hairpin eventually opens up to a high plateau with absolutely breathtaking views—especially of the towering Cime de la Bonette looming overhead.
The paved surface is rough and bumpy, but it's usually passable from late June or early July through October. Outside those months, snow and ice shut it down completely. Hidden within Mercantour National Park, the pass is topped with a historic military fort from the Alpine Maginot Line.
Feeling adventurous? Just north of the pass, a 3.2km gravel road leads to Faux Col de Restefond at 2,656m (8,713ft). This one's for hardcore off-roaders only—4x4 vehicles with experienced drivers are essential due to frequent rockslides.
Where is it?
Col de la Moutiere is a road with intimidating drop offs is located in France (europe). Coordinates: 44.8183, 2.5932
Road Details
- Country
- France
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 11.1 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,450 m
- Difficulty
- extreme
- Coordinates
- 44.8183, 2.5932
Related Roads in europe
moderateHardanger Bridge is the longest suspension bridge in Norway
🇳🇴 Norway
# Hardangerbrua: Norway's Breathtaking Suspension Bridge If you're road-tripping through southern Norway, you absolutely have to experience Hardangerbrua. This two-lane suspension bridge is genuinely one of the most jaw-dropping bridges you'll ever cross. Spanning across Vestland county, this engineering marvel connects the charming villages of Ullensvang and Ulvik. What makes it so impressive? The main span stretches an incredible 1,310 metres (4,300 ft), with a total length of 1,380 metres (4,530 ft) – making it Norway's longest suspension bridge. The towers shoot up 200 metres above sea level, while the deck itself sits 55 metres (180 ft) above the water below. The bridge only opened to traffic on August 17th, 2013, replacing the old ferry service that used to connect Bruravik and Brimnes along highways Rv7 and Rv13. It's a relatively new addition to Norway's road network, but it's already become a must-do for anyone exploring this stunning region. Whether you're driving across or simply stopping to take photos, Hardangerbrua offers that perfect blend of modern engineering and natural Norwegian beauty. The views from the bridge alone make it worth the detour.
hardValle Varaita
🇮🇹 Italy
# Valle Varaita: A Hidden Alpine Gem Tucked away in the southwestern corner of Piedmont's Province of Cuneo, Valle Varaita is a stunning mountain valley that climbs to an impressive 1,882 meters (6,174 feet) above sea level. The route up to the summit follows the Strada provinciale della Valle Varaita—or SP256 if you want to sound like a local. Fair warning: it's a paved road, but definitely on the skinny side. You'll need to keep your wits about you as you wind through this beautiful alpine terrain, but the payoff is totally worth it. Think dramatic mountain scenery, charming Italian villages, and views that'll make you forget about that white-knuckle grip on the steering wheel. If you're a fan of scenic drives through the Italian Alps and don't mind a bit of a squeeze on narrow passes, this valley is calling your name.
hardCol de Scaldasole is the highest road of Corsica
🇫🇷 France
Okay, thrill-seekers, listen up! Corsica's hiding a gem called Col de Scaldasole, a mountain pass soaring to 1,938 meters. Seriously, this is one of Corsica's highest roads. Tucked away in the Corse-du-Sud department, between the Prunelli and Taravo valleys, it's a gravelly, rocky, bumpy adventure. Think off-road fun! Be warned: from October to June, Mother Nature might shut it down with snow. This isn't a Sunday drive; it's steep and requires a 4x4. If heights make you queasy, maybe skip this one. Snow can turn things super slippery, so keep an eye on the weather. This wild ride starts near Serra-di-Ferro, and it's an experience you won't forget.
moderateWhat are the Churchill Barriers?
🇬🇧 Scotland
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through the Northern Isles of Scotland, and suddenly you're driving *on the water*! Well, sort of. You're actually on the Churchill Barriers, a mind-blowing series of four causeways linking the Orkney Mainland to Lamb Holm, Glimps Holm, Burray, and South Ronaldsay. These aren't just any roads; they were originally built as naval defenses back in the 40s! Seriously cool history. Now, they form part of the A961 road, stretching a total of 20.6 miles from Kirkwall (Orkney's biggest town) down to the charming harbor of St Margaret's Hope. Word to the wise: these aren't leisurely scenic stops. Parking on the causeways is a no-go. And if the weather gets wild (which, let's be honest, is a definite possibility in Scotland), proceed with major caution. Crossing is at your own risk, so keep your eyes on the road and soak in the unique scenery!