Col de Pinpinier
France, europe
23.7 km
1,130 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through the South of France, top down, heading for Col de Pinpinier. This hidden gem sits pretty high up in the Alpes-Maritimes, at 1,130m (3,707ft).
The drive? Totally worth it. Think winding asphalt, a little on the narrow and steep side, but hey, that's part of the adventure! You'll find it marked as the D10 (Route de St. Auban), linking Roquesteron and La Faye du Mas. From Roquesteron, it's about 23.7 km uphill, climbing a good 811 meters. Don't worry, it's not crazy steep – averages out to around 3.4%. The scenery is knock-your-socks-off gorgeous. Just keep your eyes on the road, and soak it all in!
Road Details
- Country
- France
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 23.7 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,130 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in europe
hardThe abandoned military road to Cima Ciantiplagna
🇮🇹 Italy
# Cima Ciantiplagna Perched at 2,849 meters (9,347 feet) above sea level in Turin's Metropolitan City, Cima Ciantiplagna ranks among Italy's highest mountain passes. Tucked away in the Piedmont region of northwestern Italy, this spot offers some seriously impressive elevation gains. The route follows the Strada Militare del Colle della Vecchia, an old military road that dates back to the 1880s. Here's the thing though—it's off-limits to regular cars. This is a purist's route: gravel all the way, with relentless grades averaging 10.83% that'll make your legs burn if you're hiking it, or test your vehicle's mettle if you manage to get permission somehow. The road's history tells its own story. After World War II, authorities basically threw up their hands and declared it "unusable and difficult to maintain," which is a fancy way of saying they abandoned it to the elements. That was decades ago, and nature's had plenty of time to reclaim what was built. If you're after that off-the-beaten-path alpine experience with serious elevation and minimal development, this is exactly the kind of hidden gem that makes for unforgettable mountain exploration—just don't expect smooth asphalt or easy cruising.
extremeHow long is Tunnel de les Agites?
🇨🇭 Switzerland
Okay, thrill-seekers, let's talk about Tunnel de les Agites! This hidden gem sits high in the Swiss Alps, in the Aigle district of Vaud, clocking in at a cool 1,517 meters above sea level. Also known as Tunnel de la Sarse, it’s a relatively short 382 meters long, but don't let that fool you. Built between 1938 and 1940, this tunnel is literally carved right into the rock! Inside, it's super narrow (single-lane only!) and pretty dark, lit only by a few shafts of sunlight. Definitely adds to the adventure vibe. Now, here's the catch: this road has some seriously restricted opening times. From July 1st to August 15th, you can usually get through, but be prepared for possible delays thanks to military exercises. Weekends and holidays during this period have a timed, one-way system. From June 1st to June 30th and August 16th to October 31st, it's only open on weekends (Saturday and Sunday). And from November 1st to May 31st? Forget about it, totally closed for the winter. So, plan your trip carefully, and get ready for an unforgettable, slightly spooky, mountain experience!
extremeSally Gap is one of the best drives of Ireland
🌍 Ireland
Okay, buckle up for Sally Gap, a seriously scenic mountain pass sitting pretty at 500m (1,640ft) in County Wicklow, Ireland! Just south of Dublin, smack-dab in Wicklow Mountains National Park, you'll find it. This is proper Irish countryside, folks! There are two main ways to tackle this beauty. The first is the Military Road (R115), stretching 38.6 km (23.98 miles) from Rathfarnham, a Dublin suburb, all the way south to Laragh. This route has some history, built way back in the early 1800s. The second is the Sally Gap Road (R759), winding 27 km (17 miles) from near Roundwood in the east to the N81 in the west. Both routes are paved but don't expect a Sunday drive! We're talking narrow stretches and plenty of twists and turns to keep you on your toes. This place is usually open year-round, but winter can throw a curveball. Snow and ice can make it treacherous, so always check conditions before you go. It gets proper cold up there, so wrap up warm.
hardA tricky road to Monte Ornito
🇮🇹 Italy
# Monte Ornito: A Wild Ride Through Italian History Perched at 764 meters (2,506 feet) above sea level in Latina province, deep in the Lazio region of central Italy, Monte Ornito is calling your name. But fair warning—this isn't your typical scenic drive. The road up? It's gravel, delightfully narrow, and seriously steep. You'll need decent driving skills and a sense of adventure to tackle it. What makes it even cooler is the history soaked into every curve. This mountain was a World War II battleground, and driving these same roads today connects you to that dramatic past in a way few experiences can. If you're the type who loves roads with character and stories to tell, Monte Ornito won't disappoint. Just make sure you're ready for the challenge—this one's not for the casual Sunday driver.