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

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Road Details

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

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