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
hardChampillon
🇮🇹 Italy
Hey, road trippers! Ever heard of Champillon? It's this crazy-beautiful high-mountain plateau in the Aosta Valley, way up in northwestern Italy. We're talking 2,092 meters (that's 6,863 feet!) above sea level. The road up there? Paved, sure, but hold on tight. It's a narrow, winding climb that gets pretty steep in places. Oh, and a heads-up: snow can shut this road down at any time, so check conditions before you go. But trust me, the views are SO worth it. Think panoramic vistas, crisp mountain air, and maybe even a glimpse of Picco Palù-Großer Moosstock or the Fronza alle Coronelle Refuge. It’s a taste of Italy you won’t forget!
moderateWhere is Nassfeld Pass-Passo di Pramollo?
🇦🇹 Austria
Okay, picture this: you're cruising along the Nassfeld Pass-Passo di Pramollo, a wicked-cool international mountain pass perched 1,534 meters (5,032ft) high on the border between Italy and Austria. Nestled way up in the Carnic Alps, this beauty connects Carinthia in Austria with Friuli-Venezia Giulia in Italy. Back in the day, this was *the* route for traders between Carinthia and Venice! The pass stretches for about 24.2 km (15 miles) from Tröpolach in the north to Pontebba in the south. Now, let's talk about the drive. On the Italian side (SP110), you're looking at a fully paved 13.4 km climb from Pontebba, gaining a hefty 969 meters. That's an average of 7.2% grade! On the Austrian side (B90), also fully paved, it's an 11.6 km climb from Tröpolach, racking up 940 meters of elevation gain with an average gradient of 8.1%. Hold on tight, because some of those ramps hit a steep 14%! The views are absolutely stunning.
extremeWhere is Geamăna?
🇷🇴 Romania
Okay, picture this: you're heading to Geamăna, a totally eerie and abandoned village nestled in Romania. This place has a seriously tragic backstory involving a copper mine that swallowed the whole town! Geamăna *was* a pretty village out west in Romania. But then, BAM, the government decided to flood it back in the day to create a waste pond for a massive copper mine nearby. Can you imagine? People were forced to leave their homes as toxic sludge filled the valley. The only thing left sticking out of the lake of pollution is the old church tower – it's a truly bizarre and haunting sight. So, is it safe? Honestly, not really. You're talking about a toxic lake with all sorts of nasty chemicals in it. The ground can be unstable, and there are risks of landslides. If you DO go, be super careful: don't touch the water, wear good shoes, and definitely avoid it after rain. It's a good idea to tell someone where you're going and maybe even find a guide who knows the area. Now, the road to Geamăna... it's an adventure in itself. About 7km long, unpaved and loose gravel that can make you lose control easily. In winter, you can forget it; it's usually impassable.
hardMont du Chat is one of the toughest paved climbs in France
🇫🇷 France
# Mont du Chat: France's Relentless Alpine Beast If you're looking for a climb that'll test every ounce of your driving (or cycling) skills, Mont du Chat is calling your name. Perched at 1,504 meters in the Savoie department of southeastern France, this monster pass has earned its fearsome reputation fair and square. The D42 road winds its way up 22.2 km from Le Bourget-du-Lac to Cremaire, gaining over 1,250 meters of elevation along the way. What makes it genuinely brutal? It averages nearly 9% gradient throughout, but here's the kicker—after the first 2 km, it never drops below 8%, and some sections hit a punishing 15% steepness. This isn't a climb you can coast through; it demands your full attention and respect. Starting from the picturesque shores of Lac du Bourget at just 250 meters elevation, you'll be climbing continuously through stunning Jura Mountain scenery. The good news? The D42 is fully paved in excellent condition, and traffic is minimal on both sides of the col, so you won't be battling other vehicles while battling the gradient. The pass has earned its stripes on the pro cycling circuit, featured in both the Tour de France and Critérium du Dauphiné races—proof that this is legit hard. Reach the summit and you'll find a welcoming bar-restaurant and the Belvédère du Mont du Chat observation deck, where panoramic views of the lake below make all that effort worthwhile. Just keep in mind the road closes from November to March, so plan your visit for warmer months.