Col de Rioupes

Col de Rioupes

France, europe

Length

N/A

Elevation

1,430 m

Difficulty

moderate

Best Season

Year-round

Alright, adventurers, let's talk about the Col de Rioupes, a seriously cool mountain pass tucked away in the Hautes-Alpes of southeastern France! We're talking Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur vibes here.

So, the road, aka the D17, is paved the whole way, which is a win. But don't get too comfy—there are some spots where the gradient kicks up to 8%. Keep your eyes peeled as you wind your way up to the tippy-top at 1,430 meters (that's 4,691 feet for my American friends!). Expect stunning scenery, and, you know, the usual mountain road fun. Get ready for some tight turns and breathtaking views!

Share this road

Road Details

Country
France
Continent
europe
Max Elevation
1,430 m
Difficulty
moderate

Related Roads in europe

The One-Way Labyrinth of Leeds: Can You Find Your Way?hard

The One-Way Labyrinth of Leeds: Can You Find Your Way?

🇬🇧 England

Okay, picture this: You're smack-dab in Leeds city centre, West Yorkshire, England, ready to explore... and then BAM! You're thrown into a one-way street jungle. Seriously, Leeds has this wild, looping one-way system that has drivers going in circles! This isn't some modern highway, mind you. We're talking about a historical layout, those twisty, turny streets from way back when, but now packed with cars. The whole thing winds around the city centre, right where all the action is: shopping, offices, the lot. So, what's the deal? Well, prepare for some mental gymnastics. You'll be doing loops, figuring out which way to turn, and trying to guess where the exits even are. Even locals admit it's a puzzle, and let's just say Uber drivers aren't exactly thrilled about pickups and drop-offs here. The good news is, it's not super dangerous. Most roads are marked well. The real challenge is keeping your brain from short-circuiting as you try to make sense of it all. So, if you're visiting, get ready for a fun, if slightly baffling, driving adventure through Leeds' quirky streets.

Where is Monte Chaberton?hard

Where is Monte Chaberton?

🇫🇷 France

Okay, buckle up for an adventure to Monte Chaberton, a sky-high peak in the French Alps near the Italian border! This isn't your average Sunday drive. First off, we're talking serious altitude: 3,131m (10,272ft) above sea level. Perched on the summit is the Fort du Chaberton, a wild fortress with remnants from WWI & WWII. It's a seriously cool spot. The road, once called Strada militare dello Chaberton, is an old military road stretching 12.3km (7.64 miles). Back in the day, it was the highest unpaved road in the Alps! Built between 1896 and 1898, it was meant for Italian troops hauling artillery up to blast towards France. Pretty intense history, right? Now for the bad news: you can't just hop in your car and cruise to the top. The road, also called 'Fenils-Chaberton,' is totally off-limits to regular vehicles. It starts paved near Fenils, but quickly turns to rough stuff. After Grange Pra Claud, forget about it – it's a meter-wide trail choked with debris and crumbling walls. But, if you're up for a serious bike ride, you can potentially pedal a brutal 17% slope to the fort on top of Mont Chaberton. The views? Absolutely insane. The challenge? Totally worth it.

Driving a Balcony Road Through Cirque de Navacelles in Francehard

Driving a Balcony Road Through Cirque de Navacelles in France

🇫🇷 France

# Cirque de Navacelles: France's Most Jaw-Dropping Canyon Drive Picture this: a massive limestone amphitheater carved out by an ancient river, now home to one of Europe's most breathtaking scenic routes. Welcome to the Cirque de Navacelles, straddling the Hérault and Gard departments in southern France's Occitanie region. The story behind this place is wild. Thousands of years ago, the River Vis carved through the Causse plateau like a slow-motion sculptor, creating a dramatic meander that eventually cut through the limestone completely. These days, the river has mostly dried up, leaving behind this stunning natural amphitheater ringed by towering cliffs that'll make your jaw drop. The actual drive is tackled via roads D713 and D130—a 15.2 km (9.44 miles) stretch that runs north-south from Blandas (a charming Gard town famous for its megalithic sites) down to Saint-Maurice-Navacelles in Hérault. It's fully paved, but here's the catch: it's narrow, poorly maintained, and only wide enough for one vehicle. The road hugs the cliff face as it winds into the valley and climbs back out, making for an exhilarating—and honestly, pulse-pounding—experience. Fair warning: rockslides happen here, and it's not for the faint of heart (or for anyone towing a camper van). Summer visits mean you'll be battling for parking spots at the entrance, but if you're up for the adventure, this is hands-down one of France's most spectacular drives. Just take it slow and stay sharp.

How Long is P79 Road?easy

How Long is P79 Road?

🌍 Latvia

Okay, picture this: you're cruising through the Vidzeme region of northeastern Latvia, right? You're on the P79, a little gem stretching about 38 kilometers (or 23.6 miles for my fellow Americans) from the sweet little town of Ērgļi – nestled on the Ogre river – all the way up to Koknese, a seriously historic spot on the Daugava River. Now, heads up, this isn't your typical smooth highway. It's paved near the towns, but a good chunk of it is unpaved, adding a bit of off-the-beaten-path charm. Word on the street is it’s pretty vital for the local Koknese businesses. Also, be warned that after a good downpour, things can get a little dicey! So, drive carefully and enjoy the scenery.