Col de Pierre Grosse

Col de Pierre Grosse

France, europe

Length

N/A

Elevation

1,322 m

Difficulty

hard

Best Season

Year-round

# Col de Pierre Grosse

Tucked away in the Isère department of southeastern France, Col de Pierre Grosse sits at a respectable 1,322 meters (4,337 feet) above sea level. This mountain pass isn't for the faint of heart—the road up is a wild ride through the Alps that'll test your nerve and your vehicle alike.

The asphalt is there, technically, but don't expect a smooth cruise. The road surface has definitely seen better days, and combined with the narrow lanes and seriously steep gradients, you're looking at a challenging climb that demands focus and respect. Every switchback feels like a puzzle, and your grip on the steering wheel won't loosen until you reach the top. It's the kind of drive that makes your palms sweat a little and your adrenaline spike—in the best way possible.

If you're a road enthusiast searching for an authentic Alpine adventure that's off the usual tourist trail, this pass delivers exactly that. Just make sure you're comfortable with tight turns, altitude, and roads that remind you why you love driving in the first place.

Where is it?

Col de Pierre Grosse is located in France (europe). Coordinates: 46.0637, 3.1558

Share this road

Road Details

Country
France
Continent
europe
Max Elevation
1,322 m
Difficulty
hard
Coordinates
46.0637, 3.1558

Related Roads in europe

Why is Playa del Paso on the Canary Islands famous?hard

Why is Playa del Paso on the Canary Islands famous?

🇪🇸 Spain

Okay, picture this: you're in Lanzarote, Canary Islands, chasing down a "secret beach" called Playa del Paso. Crystal blue water meets black volcanic sand—it's a total contrast thing! This little wild beach is tucked away on the southwest coast within Timanfaya National Park, all rugged and raw with black lava rock vibes. Now, getting there is half the adventure. Forget smooth sailing; the road is completely unpaved and winds 4.1km (2.54 miles) from the LZ-704 through this crazy lava landscape. Word is, the road's often closed off by a gate, so check ahead. But if you make it, know this: the tides here are strong, and jellyfish are common. Swimming? Probably not the best idea. Enjoy the views, soak up the unique scenery, and maybe skip the dip this time!

Exploring Kirkstone Pass: A Scenic Drive with a Spooky Legend through the Lake Districtmoderate

Exploring Kirkstone Pass: A Scenic Drive with a Spooky Legend through the Lake District

🇬🇧 England

Fancy a drive through the heart of the Lake District? Kirkstone Pass is calling! This beauty sits at 459m (1,505ft) above sea level, in Cumbria, England. The A592 stretches for 18.5km (11.5 miles) from Windermere up to Patterdale. It's a historic route, once a drover's road for farmers. Be warned: this road is twisty, narrow, and seriously steep, with gradients hitting a hefty 17%! You'll want to keep it in low gear – it's no wonder they used to call it 'The Struggle'. As the highest pass in the Lake District open to cars, it's often closed in winter when snow and ice make it treacherous. Mist is common at the top too. The views are amazing, but maybe keep an eye out for ghosts! This road has more than its fair share of spooky stories, from a grey woman to a lost hiker and a woman hanged for killing her child. Allow around 30 minutes to drive without stops, but you’ll want to add extra time to enjoy the scenery! Near the top, you'll find the Kirkstone Inn, a pub that's been serving travelers for over 500 years. The views over the Lakeland fells and Brothers Water are simply stunning.

A paved narrow road to Guspessa Pass in the Alpshard

A paved narrow road to Guspessa Pass in the Alps

🇮🇹 Italy

Passo di Guspessa is a thrilling alpine pass sitting at 1,824m (5,984ft) in the province of Brescia, Italy. Tucked away in the Lombardy region near the Swiss border, this is one seriously challenging ride. Fair warning: this is an old military track that'll keep you on your toes. Yeah, it's fully paved, but the surface is rough and unforgiving, with some sections hitting 20% grades that'll make your palms sweat. Speed limits are capped at 20 km/h—and for good reason. Big rigs are completely banned here, so it's just you, smaller vehicles, and the mountain. The 21.5 km (13.35 miles) stretch runs north to south from the legendary Mortirolo Pass down to Galleno, rewarding you with absolutely stunning alpine scenery. Just be extra careful navigating oncoming traffic, making passes, and taking those hairpin corners. One wrong move and you'll regret it. Head up here in summer or early fall if you can—winters turn this road into an impassable snow-covered nightmare. But if you time it right, you're in for an unforgettable alpine adventure with views that'll take your breath away.

Col de Clozehard

Col de Cloze

🇫🇷 France

Alright, adventure-seekers, listen up! Col de Cloze, sitting pretty in the Hautes-Pyrénées of southwestern France, is calling your name! This beast clocks in at 2,483 meters (8,146 feet), so get ready for some serious altitude. Nestled right in the heart of the Parc national des Pyrénées, getting to the top is an adventure in itself. We’re talking a super-steep, narrow gravel road that demands respect. This isn't one for your everyday sedan; you'll need a 4x4 to conquer this one. Heads up: Mother Nature usually shuts this road down from October to June, so plan your trip accordingly. The views? Absolutely breathtaking. Just remember to keep your eyes on the road – this one requires your full attention!