
Col de Plantara
France, europe
N/A
1,002 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, so you're heading to the Drôme region in southeastern France? Sweet! You absolutely HAVE to check out Col de Plantara. This mountain pass tops out at a cool 1,002 meters (that's about 3,287 feet). The road, known as the D627, is paved, but be warned – it's a bit of a rollercoaster! Think narrow, steep stretches that will definitely keep you on your toes. But hey, that's part of the adventure, right? And get this – you'll even pass by the Fort de la Grande Maye. The scenery is killer, so keep your eyes peeled (but on the road mostly, haha). It’s a must-do if you’re in the area!
Road Details
- Country
- France
- Continent
- europe
- Max Elevation
- 1,002 m
- Difficulty
- hard
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