Col du Chaussy: Conquer 17 Breathtaking Alpine Hairpins on This Scenic French Pass
France, europe
3 km
1,533 m
hard
Year-round
# Col du Chaussy: A Hairpin Love Letter in the French Alps
If you're hunting for one of the most jaw-dropping drives in Europe, Col du Chaussy in the Savoie department should absolutely be on your radar. Sitting at 1,533m (5,029ft), this mountain pass isn't just another Alpine route—it's a masterclass in audacious road engineering.
The real magic happens right at the start with the legendary "Lacets de Montvernier." Picture this: 17 hairpins stacked so tightly together that you'll encounter a bend roughly every 150 meters over just 3km. The road literally clings to a 400-meter cliff face, making you feel like you're driving on the side of a vertical wall. Built between 1928 and 1934, this section is genuinely one of the most spectacular stretches of asphalt in the Alps.
But there's more after those initial hairpins! The climb continues winding through alpine meadows and charming villages like Le Noirey, Montbrunal, and Montpascal, eventually revealing panoramic views of the Belledonne Mountains. The upper sections get a bit rough around the edges—literally, with some patchy pavement—but the scenery makes up for it. You'll even spot ruins of an old castle if you glance away from the road.
Getting there? From La Chambre, expect a 14.4km ascent gaining 1,062 meters at a steady 7.4% average grade. From Pontamafrey, it's roughly the same challenge at 14km.
Fair warning: this isn't a drive for acrophobics. The southern route is narrow and carved right into the mountainside. Proper technique matters—think 3rd or 4th gear going up, engine braking on the way down. And before you go, absolutely check your brakes. This is the last place you want mechanical drama.
Ready to test your nerves on one of Europe's most thrilling roads?
Where is it?
Col du Chaussy: Conquer 17 Breathtaking Alpine Hairpins on This Scenic French Pass is located in France (europe). Coordinates: 46.1256, 1.9061
Road Details
- Country
- France
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 3 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,533 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 46.1256, 1.9061
Related Roads in europe
moderateA wild paved road through Gorges de la Jonte in Occitania
🇫🇷 France
# Gorges de la Jonte If you're looking for a seriously stunning drive through southern France, the Gorges de la Jonte should be on your bucket list. This breathtaking canyon, carved out by the Jonte River, stretches across the Occitania region, straddling the Lozère and Aveyron departments with the river itself marking the border between them. The whole drive is absolutely spectacular — we're talking dramatic cliffs and steep, forested slopes that tower up to 450 metres above you. It's the kind of scenery that'll have you reaching for your camera at every turn. The good news? The entire 21.5 km (13.35 miles) stretch is fully paved, running east-west from Meyrueis to Le Rozier along the D996 road. But here's the thing — this isn't a straightforward cruising kind of route. The road is seriously curvy and there's a genuine risk of rockslides, so you'll want to stay sharp. The speed limit is 90 km/h for a reason, and larger vehicles really aren't ideal for this one. If you're planning to visit between November and March, make sure you've got winter chains in your vehicle — it's mandatory and absolutely essential given the terrain. But honestly? Winter or summer, this canyon drive is an unforgettable experience that'll remind you why France's back roads are absolutely world-class.
extremeA wild 4x4 road to Passo di San Giacomo
🇮🇹 Italy
# San Giacomo Pass Picture this: you're standing at 2,313 meters (7,589 feet) in the heart of the Lepontine Alps, straddling the Swiss-Italian border. Welcome to San Giacomo Pass—a place where two countries, two completely different driving experiences, and some seriously dramatic alpine scenery collide. Here's where it gets wild. On the Italian side, this isn't your typical mountain road. We're talking hairpin turns so tight they'll make your knuckles white, narrow passages that feel like they were carved by a toddler with a switchback obsession, and a gravel surface that's seen better days. The road gets absolutely trashed by the elements, making it more of a 4x4 track than anything you'd call "drivable" for regular vehicles. Oh, and good luck showing up between September and June—the pass is completely impassable during those months. Flip to the Swiss side, though, and you've got a complete tonal shift: just a hiking trail. Seriously. Despite the chaos on the Italian approach, this pass is an absolute gem for adventurers willing to tackle it. It connects Bedretto (nestled in the Leventina valley) to the north with Formazza down south, creating an insane link between two remote alpine communities. If you've got a high-clearance vehicle, nerves of steel, and you're timing it right during the brief open window, this is the kind of road that becomes the story you tell for years.
hardHow to drive the iconic road to Godi Pass in the Abruzzo
🇮🇹 Italy
# Passo Godi: A Thrilling Alpine Adventure Ready for a mountain road experience? Passo Godi sits pretty at 1,588 meters (5,209 feet) in the heart of Italy's Abruzzo region, nestled in L'Aquila province. The summit is basically a little hub of civilization—complete with a parking lot, a cozy bar, and a hotel where you can refuel after the drive. The 44-kilometer (27-mile) route, known as Strada Regionale 479, stretches from Anversa degli Abruzzi up to Villetta Barrea and totally delivers on the dramatic mountain pass experience. The road is fully paved, but don't let that fool you—it's loaded with tight, winding sections and over 20 hairpin turns that'll keep you engaged the entire time. You'll also tackle some seriously steep grades, maxing out at 9.0%, so bring your A-game behind the wheel. One of the coolest perks? The Monti Marsicani setting means you might spot deer grazing on the valley slopes below. Stunning scenery included with your drive. Fair warning though: while the road stays open most of the year, winter can be unforgiving. Heavy snowfall regularly forces closures during the colder months, so plan accordingly if you're making the trip between November and March. Spring through fall? That's your sweet spot for tackling this unforgettable alpine climb.
moderateWhere is Collado de Llesba?
🇪🇸 Spain
Hey fellow adventurers! Let me tell you about Collado de Llesba, a sweet little mountain pass perched at 1,682m (5,518ft) in western Cantabria, Spain, practically hugging the border with Castile and León. What makes this spot special? Picture this: you're in the Picos de Europa, surrounded by stunning mountain views, standing at the Mirador del Oso (Bear Viewpoint). Seriously breathtaking. The road up? It's a quick jaunt – just 1.8 km (a little over a mile) from the Glorio pass. The road is paved (concrete at first), but hold on, it's narrow! You’ll climb 71 meters at an average gradient of around 4%. Heads up: the road can feel a bit wild near the top. It's narrow, and there's a drop-off on the right with nothing to stop you! But is it worth it? Absolutely! The panoramic views of the Picos de Europa are incredible. Plus, there's that famous bear statue – the Monumento al Oso Pardo. For hikers and climbers, this is your playground! Several trails start here, including the ascent to Coriscao peak (2234 m). From there, you’ll score some of the best views of the Picos de Europa and the Cantabrian mountains in Cantabria, Asturias, León, and Palencia. Trust me, this is a view you won't want to miss!