Col de Saint Georges-Chalet Josserand
France, europe
N/A
2,279 m
hard
Year-round
# Col de Saint Georges-Chalet Josserand
Perched high in the French Alps at 2,245 meters (7,477 feet), this mountain pass in Hautes-Alpes is seriously not for the faint of heart—literally. The road to the summit is a rough gravel and rocky affair that'll test your nerves with its steep grades and bumpy sections that'll rattle your teeth.
Fair warning: this isn't a summer-long destination. Weather usually keeps the road locked down from October through June, so you're looking at a pretty narrow window to tackle it. And when conditions permit, you'll need serious driving chops to handle it—experienced off-roaders only, please. No SUV? You'll need a 4x4 to make it happen.
If unpaved mountain roads aren't your jam, do yourself a favor and skip this one. The elevation, the steepness, and the sheer exposure mean that vertigo sufferers should definitely steer clear. But if you've got the skills, the vehicle, and the guts, this Alpine adventure delivers a wild ride through some truly spectacular scenery.
Where is it?
Col de Saint Georges-Chalet Josserand is located in France (europe). Coordinates: 46.4512, 2.9912
Road Details
- Country
- France
- Continent
- europe
- Max Elevation
- 2,279 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 46.4512, 2.9912
Related Roads in europe
moderateDriving Route des Cretes along the Mediterranean Sea in Provence
🇫🇷 France
# Route des Crêtes: France's Most Thrilling Clifftop Drive Perched above the sparkling Mediterranean near Marseille in Provence, the Route des Crêtes (D141) is an absolute bucket-list drive that'll make your heart race and your camera work overtime. This stunning 11.9 km ribbon of pavement stretches between the charming coastal towns of Cassis and La Ciotat, climbing to a dizzying 364 meters above sea level. Fair warning: this isn't your average Sunday cruise. The road features some seriously steep gradients—we're talking 23% (okay, the signs claim 30%) in places—making it one of France's most challenging drives. Those dramatic elevation changes mean you're constantly hugging tight curves while perched alarmingly close to 300-meter cliff edges. It's totally paved and reasonably wide, which is good news since you'll have plenty of company from fellow thrill-seekers, cyclists, and motorcyclists. Most drivers make the full run in 15-25 minutes, though you'll probably want to linger longer. And here's the thing: Mother Nature calls the shots here. The road shuts down when winds get too gnarly (they could literally blow you off those cliffs) or when fire danger spikes—which happens pretty regularly during hot summers. Check those road signs as you approach, and watch the forecast before you go. The payoff? Absolutely jaw-dropping. Those perfectly positioned pull-outs and parking areas offer 360-degree vistas over the dramatic calanques (hidden Mediterranean inlets) and some of Provence's most breathtaking scenery. Time your visit for early morning or dusk to beat the harsh midday heat and get that perfect golden-hour light for photos. This road was originally carved out by the French military during World War I to transport supplies—and boy, does it deliver an unforgettable ride.
extremeWhere is Col de la Boaire-Colle della Boaria?
🇮🇹 Italy
Okay, picture this: Col de la Boaire-Colle della Boaria, straddling the border between France and Italy! You'll find it way up in the mountains, a lofty 2,102 meters (that's 6,896 feet!) above sea level, connecting the Queyras valley in France (Hautes-Alpes) with Pontechianale in Italy (Cuneo, Piedmont). This isn't your average Sunday drive, though. This road has serious history, originally built way back in the Middle Ages for salt transport, then beefed up for military use, especially during World War II. Heads up: the whole thing is unpaved. Seriously. It can get pretty rough around the pass, so take it slow (think 20km/h slow!) and be prepared for a bumpy ride. Definitely not recommended in a regular car! And plan your trip carefully, because this route is usually closed from November 1st to March 31st. Snow and avalanches are real dangers up here, and icy patches can appear out of nowhere. But if you're up for the adventure, you won't regret it. This wild, winding dirt road clinging to the ridges of the Maritime Alps offers absolutely incredible views of both the sea and the mountains. The landscape is raw and stunning – a truly unforgettable experience!
hardA picturesque balcony road through Gorges de Saint-Georges in Occitanie
🇫🇷 France
# Gorges de Saint-Georges: France's Thrilling Canyon Drive If you're looking for a road trip with serious personality, the D118 through the Gorges de Saint-Georges in the Aude department of southern France is calling your name. This incredible route winds through a canyon carved by the Aude River in the Occitanie region, and it's genuinely one of those drives you'll be talking about for years. Here's the thing—this road has character. Built between 1816 and 1836, it was intentionally kept narrow (just 2 meters!) for military reasons, to prevent Spanish artillery from crossing. That narrow, single-track vibe is still very much alive today, clinging about 10 meters above the river as it snakes through the gorges. The 4.8 km stretch from the D17 junction to Axat is entirely paved, which is good news, though you'll want sharp reversing skills since passing spots are few and far between. Fair warning: this road commands respect. It's prone to flooding (January 2020 was rough), and the tight canyon setting means conditions can change quickly. But if you're up for the challenge, you're rewarded with absolutely stunning views as you navigate this scenic balcony road. Beyond driving, the gorges are a playground for adventure seekers. The Aude River here is perfect for whitewater sports—rafting, kayaking, canorafting, and hydrospeed are all popular. You're right on the edge of the Pyrenees, so the landscape is dramatic and unforgettable.
extremeCan you drive through Gorges de Galamus?
🇫🇷 France
Okay, picture this: the Gorges de Galamus, a canyon carved by the feisty Agly River right on the border of Aude and Pyrénées-Orientales in France. This isn't just any road; it's a balcony road, clinging to the cliffside like a daredevil. We're talking a 9.7 km (6.02 mile) stretch of pure driving adrenaline on the D7, connecting Cubières-sur-Cinoble to Saint-Paul-de-Fenouillet. It's paved, sure, but don't let that fool you. This road is NARROW. Like, squeeze-your-side-mirrors-in narrow. Think old-school charm meets modern-day driving challenge. You'll be winding along cliffs that plunge a cool 1,000 feet straight down. The views? Unreal! But fair warning: the driver might miss them because keeping your eyes on the road is a must. Heads up for summer travelers: July and August get crazy busy. They've got a system with traffic lights in the afternoons, so you might be chilling for 15 minutes waiting for your turn. Built way back in the 1890s by folks dangling from ropes (seriously!), this road demands respect. Be ready for anything – sudden winds, wandering pedestrians, and maybe even a few rafters heading for adventure. Small cars are best; leave your big SUV at home. But don't stress - there are regular passing places. Pro tip: Stop at the restaurant near Saint-Paul-de-Fenouillet for a jaw-dropping gorge viewpoint. And, 200 meters after the start of this amazing part of the D7 there is a hermitage that can be visited (no one is living there anymore) Make it a day trip by linking up with the D14 and D19 to visit the Chateau de Peyrepertuse and Château de Quéribus ruins and Grau de Maury, three amazing places to visit. The Gorges de Galamus? It's not just a drive; it's an experience!