Col de Meraillet is a chillout in the French Alps

Col de Meraillet is a chillout in the French Alps

France, europe

Length

39.7 km

Elevation

1,612 m

Difficulty

hard

Best Season

Year-round

# Col de Méraillet

Nestled in the French Alps at 1,612 meters (5,288 feet), Col de Méraillet is a stunning high-altitude pass tucked away in the Savoie department of southeastern France. This is your gateway between Cormet de Roselend and Col du Pré—two other legendary Alpine crossings.

The 39.7-kilometer (24.66-mile) drive stretches west to east from Beaufort to Bourg-Saint-Maurice along the iconic D925, part of the legendary Route des Grandes Alpes. And yep, this road is famous enough to have featured in the Tour de France.

Here's what makes it special: the entire route is beautifully paved and winds through dense forest with countless hairpins and flowing curves. You'll get treated to jaw-dropping views of the glittering Lac de Roselend and its impressive dam—seriously, the deep blue waters are absolutely worth the climb.

That said, respect the road. It's steep—we're talking gradients that hit 13% in some sections. Most of the pass is reasonably wide, but there are tighter spots that demand your attention and careful maneuvering. Take your time on those narrow stretches, and you'll be fine.

If you're chasing Alpine passes and epic driving experiences, this one absolutely deserves a spot on your bucket list.

Where is it?

Col de Meraillet is a chillout in the French Alps is located in France (europe). Coordinates: 46.6601, 2.4152

Share this road

Road Details

Country
France
Continent
europe
Length
39.7 km
Max Elevation
1,612 m
Difficulty
hard
Coordinates
46.6601, 2.4152

Related Roads in europe

Is road 862 in Iceland paved?moderate

Is road 862 in Iceland paved?

🇮🇸 Iceland

Okay, road trip enthusiasts, listen up! Road 862, or Dettifossvegur as the locals call it, is an absolute must-do when you're cruising around Northeastern Iceland. This beauty leads you right to the mighty Dettifoss waterfall. Forget gravel and dust – this road is paved! That's right, even your little rental car can handle this one with ease. Get ready for some seriously breathtaking views along the western side of the Jökulsá river. Trust me, the landscapes are worth the drive. Spanning about 50.7 km (31.5 miles) inside Vatnajökull National Park, plan for about 1 to 1.5 hours to soak it all in. The road winds north to south from Road 85 (south of Thvera) so it's easy to find. This one's seasonal so be sure to travel between April and December. Even in summer, services can be limited.

A682 is England's most dangerous roadextreme

A682 is England's most dangerous road

🇬🇧 England

Okay, buckle up, thrill-seekers, because the A682 in central England is a wild ride! This notorious stretch of road, running for about 17.7 miles (28.48km) from Burnley to Long Preston, has earned a reputation as one of the UK's most challenging. Expect a 35-50 minute journey of twists and turns on this narrow, paved country lane. It's a favorite among motorcyclists who flock here every weekend for its fast, sweeping bends – but be warned, this road demands respect. While it's undeniably scenic, the A682 has a high death rate, and sadly, almost 100 fatalities have occurred in the last decade. Speeding traffic, blind corners, and hidden junctions make it a real test of skill. It's essential to stay focused. A high percentage of accidents here involve motorcycles, so riders, take extra care! The A682 is an experience you won't soon forget.

Bella Vista Refugeextreme

Bella Vista Refuge

🇮🇹 Italy

# Rifugio Bella Vista Tucked away in Italy's stunning South Tyrol region, Rifugio Bella Vista sits at a seriously impressive 2,887 meters (9,471 feet) above sea level. Getting there? That's half the adventure—and then some. The road up is definitely not your typical mountain drive. We're talking gravel, rocks, and plenty of challenging terrain that demands respect. It's actually a chairlift access trail, and yeah, you'll absolutely need a 4WD vehicle for this one. The slope is relentlessly steep, littered with loose stones that get progressively gnarlier and rockier the higher you climb. Expect your vehicle to work hard. The summer window is your best bet—typically from early June through early October, weather gods permitting. But even during the "good" season, don't underestimate this place. The extreme altitude and unpredictable mountain weather keep things interesting year-round. And fair warning: the wind up here is seriously no joke, howling through pretty much every season. If you make it up here, you'll be driving one of Italy's highest accessible roads. That's bragging rights right there. Just come prepared, respect the conditions, and make sure your vehicle is up to the challenge.

Col del Pamhard

Col del Pam

🇫🇷 France

Okay, buckle up, road trip fans, because Col del Pam is calling your name! This beauty tops out at almost 2,000 meters (that's 6,555 feet!) in the French Pyrenees, right near the Spanish border. We're talking Pyrénées-Orientales and Cerdagne territory. You'll be cruising (or maybe crawling, depending on your car!) on the D10F. It's paved, so no need for a monster truck, but be warned: those slopes get pretty serious, hitting up to 8% in some spots. Get ready for some amazing views though! The scenery is spectacular, and you'll feel on top of the world as you wind your way up.