Col de Riondet

Col de Riondet

France, europe

Length

N/A

Elevation

2,409 m

Difficulty

hard

Best Season

Year-round

Okay, picture this: Col de Riondet, perched way up in the French Alps at nearly 8,000 feet! You'll find it nestled in the Vanoise National Park, part of the stunning Massif de la Vanoise range.

Now, heads up: this isn't your average Sunday drive. The road's gravel, rocky, and can get pretty bumpy. We're talking a proper 4x4 job here. It's usually closed from October to May due to snow, and even when it's open, you'll want some experience with unpaved mountain roads. It can be steep, and rain turns the road muddy! Definitely not for the faint of heart (or those scared of heights!).

But, oh, the views! From the top, you're rewarded with panoramic vistas, including glimpses of the Col de la Madeleine's hairpin turns way down below. Trust me, if you're up for the challenge, the scenery is absolutely worth it.

Share this road

Road Details

Country
France
Continent
europe
Max Elevation
2,409 m
Difficulty
hard

Related Roads in europe

Kuhtai Saddle is an absolute must for road lovers in Austriahard

Kuhtai Saddle is an absolute must for road lovers in Austria

🇦🇹 Austria

# Kühtai Saddle: Austria's Year-Round Alpine Adventure Perched at 2,021m (6,633ft) in Tyrol's Austrian Alps, Kühtai Saddle is a playground for road enthusiasts who love dramatic mountain scenery. The pass has been welcoming travelers since 1628, and today it's one of Austria's most accessible high-altitude routes. Spanning 24.9km (15.47 miles) between Oetz and Sankt Sigmund im Sellrain, Road L13 winds through some seriously impressive terrain. You'll navigate tight hairpin turns and steep climbs—some sections hit a jaw-dropping 17% gradient—making this a beloved challenge for road cyclists and drivers alike. The fully paved route runs west-east and stays open year-round thanks to the Kühtai ski resort nestled right in the saddle, though winter closures do happen occasionally. One heads-up: the western side is off-limits to trucks, so you won't be dodging massive vehicles on that stretch. The combination of challenging curves, stunning alpine vistas, and that winter sports resort atmosphere makes Kühtai Saddle an absolute must-do for anyone exploring Tirol's mountain passes.

The curvy road to Coll de Pimesmoderate

The curvy road to Coll de Pimes

🇪🇸 Spain

# Coll de Pimés: A Pyrenean Adventure Perched at 2,136 meters (7,007 feet) above sea level, Coll de Pimés is one of those seriously remote mountain passes that straddles the Andorra-Spain border like a natural frontier marker. Nestled between Sant Julià de Lòria in Andorra and Lleida province over in Catalonia, it sits in the shadow of the legendary Alt de la Rabassa and offers some genuinely spectacular Pyrenean scenery. Here's the real deal: this isn't your typical paved highway. The entire 25-kilometer (15-mile) route running north-south from Juberri in Andorra down to Bescaran in Spain is completely unpaved—think rocky, rutted mountain track. You'll definitely need a proper 4x4 to tackle this beast. There's even a mountain refuge, Refugi de Roca de Pimes, near the summit if you need to break up the journey. The biggest catch? Winter essentially closes this road entirely. When the snow rolls in, this high-altitude pass becomes impassable, so timing your visit is crucial. Plan for late spring through early autumn if you want to actually make it through. But for the right adventure-seeker with a capable vehicle, it's an unforgettable way to traverse one of Europe's most dramatic mountain borders.

Where is the RD117 road?extreme

Where is the RD117 road?

🇫🇷 France

Okay, buckle up, adventure-seekers, because RD117 in the Alpes-Maritimes of France is not for the faint of heart! This road is a real test of your driving skills. Picture this: you're winding through the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region of southeastern France on a tiny, incredibly narrow strip of asphalt. We're talking 9.4 km (5.84 miles) of pure adrenaline, connecting Toudon on the D27 to Pierrefeu on the D17 in a north-south dance. The challenge? This road is *tight*. Seriously, pray you don't meet another car, because reversing is practically a requirement. And forget bringing your RV; anything over 15 tons or 7 meters long is a no-go. It's paved, sure, but watch out for loose gravel and the ever-present danger of rock slides. Oh, and did I mention the 12 hairpin turns? Get ready to test your reflexes and your nerves! But hey, think of the views!

Where Is the Road F207 (Lakagígavegur)?moderate

Where Is the Road F207 (Lakagígavegur)?

🇮🇸 Iceland

Okay, picture this: you're in the wild, wild Southern Region of Iceland, ready to tackle the F207, also known as Lakagígavegur. This ain't your average Sunday drive; it's a full-on adventure demanding a serious 4x4 with high clearance. We're talking *rugged* rivers and landscapes that'll leave you speechless. You'll find this beast of a road smack-dab in Vatnajökull National Park. It's remote, so embrace the solitude – you'll likely be on your own for most of the journey. The road kicks off near the, winding its way through some seriously challenging terrain. Now, be warned: this road is riddled with potholes, ruts that could swallow a small car whole, and boulders just waiting to test your suspension. Seriously, leave the compact car at home. Anything less than a well-equipped 4x4 is just asking for trouble. Expect your ride to bounce, rattle, and roll – it's all part of the fun (or at least the experience!). But is it worth it? Absolutely! The F207 unlocks the Lakagígar volcanic fissure area, granting access to some of the most epic, jaw-dropping scenery Iceland has to offer. Keep in mind, this road is a fair-weather friend, only open during the summer months, roughly from late June to early September. Outside of that, Mother Nature reclaims it. Speaking of Mother Nature, there are rivers to cross, particularly in the western section. Approach these with respect and caution. Never go it alone, especially not during heavy rain when water levels can rise fast. Always check the depth before you commit – and remember, rental insurance probably *doesn't* cover water damage. While the daytime views are incredible, things get a whole lot trickier after dark, so plan accordingly.