Col de Saint-Alexis: A Scenic Gateway to the Vercors Highlands
France, europe
7.7 km
1,222 m
moderate
Year-round
# Col de Saint-Alexis
Tucked away in the Drôme department of southeastern France, Col de Saint-Alexis sits at 1,222m (4,009ft) and offers a surprisingly chill escape through the heart of the Vercors Regional Natural Park. This limestone massif is famous for its dramatic cliffs and gorges, but this particular pass? It's the laid-back cousin of the region's more notorious white-knuckle climbs.
The 7.7km (4.78 miles) route runs straight south to north, connecting Col de Rousset with the charming village of Vassieux-en-Vercors. What makes it special is what it *doesn't* have — no hairpin turns, no cliff-hugging switchbacks, and a wonderfully gentle gradient. The D76 is fully paved and impressively straightforward, making it perfect for when you want to actually enjoy the ride instead of white-knuckling the steering wheel. Cyclists love it as a recovery route between the more brutal climbs nearby.
But here's where it gets interesting: Vassieux-en-Vercors isn't just another pretty mountain village. It's a symbol of French Resistance history, and the nearby Mémorial de la Résistance overlooks the plateau with stunning views and a sobering reminder of WWII's impact on this region.
Keep in mind that the Vercors doesn't mess around in winter — heavy snowfall is common despite the modest elevation. The D76 stays well-maintained since it's crucial for the cross-country skiing stations, but winter tires or chains are non-negotiable during the cold months if you're planning to tackle this alpine plateau safely.
Where is it?
Col de Saint-Alexis: A Scenic Gateway to the Vercors Highlands is located in France (europe). Coordinates: 45.2072, 0.8086
Road Details
- Country
- France
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 7.7 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,222 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- 45.2072, 0.8086
Related Roads in europe
moderateHow to Travel the A44: A Scenic Road from Rhayader to Aberystwyth
🇬🇧 Wales
Cruising through mid-Wales? You HAVE to experience the A44 from Rhayader to Aberystwyth! This stunning stretch of road is a must-do for any road trip enthusiast. Clocking in at around 34 miles, this scenic drive connects the charming coastal town of Aberystwyth, nestled on the Cardigan Bay, with the market town of Rhayader. History buffs might find it interesting that part of the road was once even the A470 during the war! Get ready for a twisty, turny adventure as the fully paved road winds its way through the Cambrian Mountains, peaking at around 1,427 feet. Think narrow sections, hairpin curves, and views that will absolutely take your breath away. This route gets popular on weekends and holidays, linking the Midlands of England with South West Wales. Word of warning: this road demands respect. Its bends have caught drivers out, especially those speeding. Rain is a frequent visitor, and fog can roll in quickly, so keep your wits about you. But honestly? The spectacular views make it all worthwhile. Give yourself at least 45 minutes to drive it without stops, but trust me, you'll WANT to stop and soak it all in.
moderateWhere is Laguna Negra de Urbión?
🇪🇸 Spain
Okay, picture this: you're in north-central Spain, driving towards the legendary Laguna Negra de Urbión. This glacial lake sits way up high at 1,731 meters (that's 5,679 feet!). The drive itself is a gem, kicking off from the SO-830 and winding for about 9.5 kilometers (5.9 miles) into the Picos de Urbión mountains. Be warned, though – the road is paved, but it's a bit of a goat track: narrow and seriously steep in sections. You'll be gaining 502 meters in altitude, averaging a 5.28% gradient, but hitting peaks of 13% in places! Keep an eye on the weather, too, because the road to Laguna Negra de Vinuesa (as it's also known) can shut down quick due to snow and ice. And get this: the last 1.5 km (0.93 miles) are pedestrian-only during busy times, so you might need to park at Paso de la Serrá and stretch your legs for a bit. But trust me, the views are worth it! Think dramatic granite cliffs, lush pine forests, and a landscape carved by glaciers. You’ll see the Black, Frozen, and Long lagoons. And the Black Lagoon itself? It’s steeped in legend, inspiring spooky stories and even poetry! Plus, the whole area is oozing with culture, from the local architecture to the food. Oh, and about those legends? Some say the Black Lagoon is bottomless and haunted. The truth is, it's only about 12 meters deep, and any "creatures" are just local myths!
hardWhere is Col de Vergio?
🇫🇷 France
Col de Vergio, perched at a cool 1,478m (4,849ft), is supposedly Corsica's highest road pass! You'll find this beauty straddling the Haute-Corse and Corse-du-Sud departments in the northwest. The road to the top, also called Bocca à Verghju, is fully paved, but don't let that fool you – there are some wild sections on both sides. Keep your eyes peeled, because you're basically guaranteed to meet some local wildlife. We're talking wild pigs, goats, maybe even cows! As one of Corsica's four major passes, it connects the two sides of the island through a rocky landscape. At the summit, you'll find a huge parking lot and a massive granite statue of Christ the King. The views are unreal because there's hardly any vegetation. This road is open year-round, stretching for 33km (20.5 miles) from Évisa to Albertacce. Be ready for some steep climbs, with gradients hitting almost 8% in some spots. This route takes you up one of Corsica's most incredible mountains.
moderateRoad F333 (Haukadalsvegur)
🇮🇸 Iceland
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! If you're in South Iceland and craving a truly off-the-beaten-path experience, buckle up in your high-clearance 4x4 and head for F333, aka Haukadalsvegur! This isn't your average Sunday drive. We're talking a seriously rugged track leading from Road 35 towards F338 (the one that follows the powerlines!). Be prepared for a bumpy ride, with big rocks, sizable potholes, ruts galore, and the occasional boulder just chilling on the road. Oh, and did I mention the shallow river crossing a few kilometers north of Haukadalskirkja Church? Located near the Geysir geothermal area in the Highlands, this road is usually open from late June to early September, revealing a sparse but stunning forest set against a backdrop of lunar landscapes. The views are absolutely breathtaking! This isn't a crowded route, so expect some serious solitude. For safety's sake, avoid driving alone as cell service is spotty, and help could be far away if you encounter any problems. Just a heads up, this F Road isn't for the faint of heart – or those with a fear of heights! A regular car simply won't cut it and attempting the drive would be foolish.