
Col de Mens
France, europe
N/A
1,111 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, adventurers, listen up! If you find yourself in southeastern France, you absolutely HAVE to check out the Col de Mens. We're talking a sweet mountain pass in the Isère department, clocking in at 1,111 meters (that's 3,645 feet for you imperial system fans!).
The road, known as the D216, winds its way between Mens (to the north) and Tréminis (to the south). Now, be warned, this isn't your typical Sunday drive. The asphalt is there, sure, but it's narrow and those inclines? Prepare for some serious steepness.
Keep an eye on the seasons, too. This beauty usually shuts down in the winter, often not reopening until late May. So, plan accordingly. But trust me, the views are totally worth the effort. Get ready for some seriously stunning scenery.
Road Details
- Country
- France
- Continent
- europe
- Max Elevation
- 1,111 m
- Difficulty
- hard
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