Col de Platé
France, europe
N/A
2,362 m
hard
Year-round
Alright, adventure seekers, listen up! Col de Platé is calling your name. This isn't your average Sunday drive; we're talking about a high-mountain pass sitting pretty at 2,362 meters (that's 7,749 feet!) in the Haute-Savoie department of southeastern France.
Now, picture this: a gravel service road that's rocky, bumpy, and ready to test your off-roading skills. This isn't a road for the faint of heart! You'll definitely need a 4x4 to tackle this steep, unpaved trail. And, pro tip: avoid it completely in winter when it becomes totally impassable.
Imagine conquering this beast, though! Just remember, if heights make your palms sweat, maybe sit this one out. Wet conditions can turn the road into a muddy slip-n-slide, especially as you near the top of those ski slopes. But, if you're an experienced wheeler looking for a challenge with insane views, Col de Platé might just be your next unforgettable adventure.
Road Details
- Country
- France
- Continent
- europe
- Max Elevation
- 2,362 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in europe
easyRoads of Albacete: 8 spectacular drives through the heart of Castilla-La Mancha
🇪🇸 Spain
# Hidden Gems: Eight Epic Drives Through Albacete's Mountains Tucked away in southeastern Spain, Albacete is one of those places that surprises you. Sure, the center's all flat plains, but venture south into the Sierra de Alcaraz and Sierra del Segura? That's where the magic happens. We're talking dramatic gorges, twisting river canyons, and limestone cliffs that'll make your jaw drop. Best part? You can actually *drive* these roads without battling tourist crowds. This region is basically a dream for road-trippers. The routes weave through thick forests and follow the curves of the Mundo and Segura rivers like they were made for each other. Ready to explore? Here are eight routes that absolutely deserve a spot on your bucket list. **Liétor to CM-3203 Junction** (13.2 km / 8.20 miles) This one's pure driving bliss. The road plunges toward Rio Mundo through a series of knee-knocking hairpins and sharp curves. Fair warning: there's minimal guardrailing on many sections, with some seriously steep drops hugging those shrub-covered slopes. You'll need to stay sharp, but the rush is totally worth it. **The "Swiss of La Mancha"** (12.9 km / 8.01 miles) Starting near the CM-3216 junction, this stretch takes you through the jaw-dropping village of Ayna, clinging to a canyon's edge. The real showstoppers? The Mirador del Diablo and Mirador del Infierno viewpoints—just steps from the pavement—offering vertigo-inducing views of those towering limestone walls. **CM-3203 to AB-515 (Towards Alcaraz)** (24.7 km / 15.34 miles) This is what a perfect mountain road looks like. Fully paved, well-maintained, and beautifully rhythmic as it carves through high plateau terrain. Pure flow, pure joy. **A-24 and A-4 to Peñascosa** (17.1 km / 10.62 miles) Want to escape the world? This secluded drive into the Sierra de Alcaraz delivers exactly that—just you, the silence, and endless landscapes stretching to the horizon. **CM-412: N-322 Junction to Fuente Higuera** (47.6 km / 29.57 miles) One of the longer routes on this list, this is essential for exploring southern Albacete. You'll get everything—open stretches, forested sections, the works. **Access to Los Chorros del Río Mundo** (7.5 km / 4.66 miles) Short but unforgettable. This road leads to one of Spain's most spectacular natural attractions, winding through dense, lush forest that feels more like the north than central Spain. Totally transportive. **Molinicos to CM-3206** (13.4 km / 8.32 miles) If you're after soul rather than adrenaline, this "vista" road delivers. The dense forest and peaceful valley views are perfect for slowing down and just soaking it in. **Route Towards Yeste** (14.0 km / 8.69 miles) This one's full of surprises—a spectacular bridge crossing Rio Tus and a series of tunnels carved straight into the rock. It's mountain engineering at its finest, hugging the river through the gorge beautifully.
hardWhere is Col de Spandelles?
🇫🇷 France
Okay, picture this: you're cruising west of Argelès-Gazost in the French Pyrenees, about to tackle the Col de Spandelles. Buckle up, because this 17.2 km (10.68 mile) climb is a wild ride! You'll be ascending to a whopping 1,378m (4,520ft) above sea level, so the views are guaranteed to be epic. Now, let's keep it real: the "Route du Col de Spandelles" isn't exactly a red carpet affair. Expect a surface that's seen better days, with potholes aplenty and sections that get seriously narrow. In fact, a good chunk of it is more "unpaved adventure" than smooth tarmac. It's steep too, so be ready to put your ride to the test. But hey, all that just adds to the thrill, right? Get ready for scenery that will blow your mind—if you can take your eyes off the road!
moderateDriving through a roundabout in a tunnel in Norway
🇳🇴 Norway
# The Bømlafjord Tunnel Roundabout: Norway's Underground Marvel Tucked beneath the waters of western Norway, near Eidfjord in Vestland County, sits one of the world's most mind-bending driving experiences—a fully functional roundabout *inside* a subsea tunnel. Yes, you read that right. This incredible feat of engineering lives within the Bømlafjord Tunnel (Bømlafjordtunnelen), part of the E39 highway. The tunnel connects the islands of Stord and Bømlo to the mainland and holds the distinction of being one of the world's deepest subsea tunnels. Navigating a roundabout while underwater? That's peak Norway right there. **Getting There** Simply follow the E39 highway and drive straight into the tunnel—just stick to the speed limits and road signs like you would anywhere else. The tunnel is well-lit and designed for regular highway traffic, so it's a straightforward drive despite its unusual feature. **What to Know** There's no entrance fee for the roundabout itself, though tolls may apply on the E39 depending on where you enter and exit. Vehicle type affects pricing, so check before you go. If you're on a motorbike, you can safely snap a quick photo at the roundabout. Car and larger vehicle drivers should skip the photo stop and keep moving. And pro tip: make sure your vehicle is in good condition before tackling long subsea tunnels. **The Wow Factor** Here's the kicker—this isn't even Norway's only underground roundabout. The country boasts around 14 roundabouts tucked inside tunnels, with another nearby one just north across a bridge. It's a quirky testament to Scandinavian engineering creativity and the dramatic demands of fjord-region infrastructure. For adventurous drivers, this is a genuinely unforgettable stop that perfectly captures the spirit of Norway's wild, ingenious landscape.
moderateCroce di Poverzone
🇮🇹 Italy
Okay, picture this: you're smack-dab in the middle of Valtellina, Italy, ready to tackle the legendary Croce di Poverzone. This ain't your average Sunday drive, folks. We're talking a climb to 1,908 meters (6,256 feet!) above sea level. The last 7 kilometers are where the real adventure begins – gravel and dirt roads that'll test your mettle (and your suspension). The climb averages a solid 10% grade, but be warned: some spots crank up to a leg-burning 18%! Word has it that the Giro d'Italia once chewed up this road to Triangia, so you know it's legit. Heads up, though – Mother Nature calls the shots here. Usually, this route is a no-go from October through June, so plan accordingly. If you time it right, you'll be rewarded with views galore!