Col de Pierre Plate: The Road That Has It All!
France, europe
44.8 km
1,027 m
hard
Year-round
# Col de Pierre Plate
Ready for a seriously scenic road trip? Col de Pierre Plate is a mountain pass sitting pretty at 1,027m (3,369ft) in France's Lozère department, nestled right in the heart of the Occitania region and the stunning Cévennes National Park.
The D916 is a fully paved route that'll keep you on your toes—this isn't your straightforward highway. You're looking at a 44.8km (27.83 miles) stretch that weaves west to east between the village of Les Vignes and Florac, and trust us, every kilometer is an adventure. The road is delightfully twisty with nine hairpin turns that'll test your driving skills, plus some genuinely narrow sections where two cars simply can't pass each other. There are a few cliffsides to keep you humble, and the steepest sections climb up to 9.0%.
If you're coming from Florac, expect a 5.8km ascent that packs 470 meters of elevation gain into its length, averaging a solid 8.09% gradient. Those steep sections aren't messing around, but the fully paved road means you'll have decent grip as you navigate the switchbacks and curves.
This is the kind of road that rewards careful driving and rewards it well—the views through the Cévennes are absolutely worth every twist and turn. Just take it slow, stay focused, and enjoy one of France's most exhilarating mountain drives.
Where is it?
Col de Pierre Plate: The Road That Has It All! is located in France (europe). Coordinates: 46.2979, 3.8692
Road Details
- Country
- France
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 44.8 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,027 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 46.2979, 3.8692
Related Roads in europe
extremeWhere is Punta Veleno?
🇮🇹 Italy
Punta Veleno – "Poison Point" – lives up to its name! This mountain pass, perched at 1,171m (3,841ft) in Italy's Veneto region, near Lake Garda, is not for the faint of heart. The road, Via del Sole, stretches for 10.7 km (6.64 miles) from Porto to Prada Alta, twisting and turning with a staggering 21 numbered hairpin bends. Why such a road exists is a mystery, but that's part of the adventure, right? But here's the kicker: this road is NARROW. Like, "hold-your-breath-when-another-car-approaches" narrow. In fact, buses, trucks, RVs, cars with caravans or automatic transmissions, and scooters are all banned! Why is Punta Veleno so famous? Because it's BRUTAL. The central 6.5 km section boasts an average gradient of over 14%, with sections exceeding 24.8%! Legend has it that Giro d'Italia race declared it "one of the most ferocious climbs in Italy" But don't let that scare you off completely. As you crawl up those insane slopes, you'll be rewarded with breathtaking views of Lake Garda stretching out below. Just trust your driver, keep your eyes on the prize, and maybe bring a barf bag... just in case! It's a climb you won't soon forget.
hardStrada Alpe Piora, a challenging road in the Swiss Alps
🇨🇭 Switzerland
Strada Alpe Piora is one seriously intense road tucked away in the northern corner of Canton Ticino, Switzerland. This 8.4 km (5.21 miles) stretch of paved road starts just north of Quinto and climbs relentlessly through the stunning Piora Valley high in the Swiss Alps. Fair warning: it's not for the faint of heart. The road is so narrow that two cars literally cannot pass each other—you're committing to a white-knuckle drive that demands serious focus and skill. With grades hitting a brutal 24% at their steepest, your car's brakes are going to earn their paycheck. The payoff? Absolutely breathtaking views of Lago Ritom as you hug its northern shore on your ascent. The road terminates at a parking lot sitting 1,926m (6,318 feet) above sea level on the southern banks of Lago Cadagno, where panoramic alpine scenery rewards your nerve. Just keep in mind that cars and bikes are locked out from 9 AM to 5 PM, so plan your adventure accordingly. This is real Alpine driving—thrilling, beautiful, and definitely not something you'll forget anytime soon.
moderateRoad DJ704I
🇷🇴 Romania
Okay, picture this: you're in Romania, Argeș County, ready for an adventure. Forget the main highways and dive onto the DJ704I, a 21.4 km ribbon of road hugging the shore of Lake Vidraru. You'll be cruising in the shadow of the epic Făgăraș Mountains, mostly on gravel, which adds a touch of ruggedness. Some call it DN7d, but locals know it's the quieter path along the lake's right bank. Honestly, bikers adore this route – it's made for them! You kick things off by driving through a tunnel near the Vidraru Dam. The lake itself is an artificial beauty created in '65 on the Argeș River, sitting pretty at 830m. A village sleeps beneath its surface. Keep your eyes peeled for small boats gliding across the water and, if you're feeling truly daring, there's even a bungee jump spot at the dam itself!
hardIs the road from Hayrangol to Cetinsu unpaved?
🇹🇷 Turkey
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! I just discovered this insane route in eastern Turkey, practically kissing the Iranian border in the Ağrı Province. Forget paved perfection; we're talking pure, unadulterated off-road bliss (or madness, depending on your perspective!). This bad boy stretches for about 13 kilometers (that’s roughly 8 miles), linking Hayrangöl and Çetinsu. The views? Epic! The road hits a lung-busting altitude of 2,627 meters (over 8,600 feet!). Be prepared for a wild ride; this road is totally unpaved, so 4x4 is basically mandatory. Oh, and a word of warning: if it's been raining or snowing, expect a mud bath of epic proportions. Basically, this isn't your grandma's Sunday drive, but the views are worth every bump and skid!