Col du Laux

Col du Laux

France, europe

Length

N/A

Elevation

883 m

Difficulty

hard

Best Season

Year-round

Okay, picture this: You're cruising through the Drôme department in sunny southeastern France, and you stumble upon the Col du Laux. This mountain pass sits pretty at 883 meters (almost 2,900 feet!) above sea level.

The road, known as the D316, is paved, so no need for a monster truck. But hold on, it gets a little spicy! This climb is surprisingly steep, so keep your ride in a low gear! The pass connects Chauvac - Laux - Montaux in the west with Laux Montaux to the east. Get ready for some killer views, because this one's a treat for the eyes!

Share this road

Road Details

Country
France
Continent
europe
Max Elevation
883 m
Difficulty
hard

Related Roads in europe

Driving the bumpy Road 864 to Dettifoss waterfall in Icelandmoderate

Driving the bumpy Road 864 to Dettifoss waterfall in Iceland

🇮🇸 Iceland

Okay, buckle up for Road 864, also known as Hólsfjallavegur, in the wild Northeast of Iceland! Picture this: You're cruising through Vatnajökull National Park, but hold on tight because this 56.4 km stretch is no smooth ride. We're talking a bumpy, dusty, unsealed adventure from Road 85 (south of Thvera) up to the Ring Road. Road 864 keeps it real running alongside its paved sibling, Road 862. Word to the wise: this road plays hide-and-seek during winter, usually opening up around late May, depending on how much snow Iceland got. Now, the scenery? Think lunar landscape. Seriously, it's out of this world! The road itself is all gravel, corrugated, and yes, dusty. Potholes? Oh, they're part of the experience! While a regular car *might* make it in ideal conditions, a 4x4 is your best bet. The drive clocks in between 1 and 2 hours if you're not stopping (but why wouldn't you?!), though speed is all about the current road conditions. And the prize? You'll end up at the east side of Dettifoss waterfall – one of the most powerful waterfalls in Europe! 500 cubic meters of water plummeting every second? It’s epic!

Where is Alt de la Talaia?extreme

Where is Alt de la Talaia?

🇪🇸 Spain

Okay, buckle up, road trippers, because Alt de la Talaia in Catalonia, Spain is calling your name! Nestled in the Baix Penedès region, this baby climbs to 561m (1,840ft). Want more? Nearby you can also conquer another pass at 605m (1,984ft). The TP-2442 highway stretches for 10.9 km (6.77 miles) from Sant Jaume dels Domenys to Aiguaviva, snaking its way through the Sierra de Montmell range. And trust me, this isn't a straight shot! We're talking hairpin turns (eight!), curves galore, and some seriously steep sections maxing out at a 7% gradient. Not for the faint of stomach! But hey, the views! Picture yourself winding through lonely roads, surrounded by breathtaking mountain vistas and fragrant pine trees. The road can get a bit narrow in places, but the stunning scenery more than makes up for it. Get ready for an unforgettable drive!

Monestir de Montserrat is the most iconic climb of Cataloniamoderate

Monestir de Montserrat is the most iconic climb of Catalonia

🇪🇸 Spain

# Monestir de Montserrat Perched at 1,236 meters (4,055 feet) above sea level, the Monestir de Montserrat is a stunning Benedictine abbey sitting pretty on Catalonia's most iconic mountain. It's basically the crown jewel of the Catalan lowlands and holds serious cultural weight in this part of Spain. Founded way back in the 11th century, this place has evolved into one of Europe's most important pilgrimage destinations. The real star? The Black Madonna—or *La Moreneta*—a gorgeous 12th-century Romanesque wooden sculpture that draws devoted visitors from all over. It's not just a religious hotspot though; Montserrat embodies Catalan culture and identity, having stood witness to centuries of the region's most pivotal moments. ## The Drive Getting to the top means tackling the BP-1121, a fully paved route that'll definitely get your adrenaline pumping. Fair warning: if you're susceptible to car sickness, you might want to think twice. This road is *curvy*—like, seriously serpentine. Starting from Monistrol de Montserrat, you're looking at an 8.5km (5.28-mile) climb with 588 meters of elevation gain. That works out to an average gradient of 6.9%, so expect some genuinely steep sections mixed in with those endless hairpin turns. It's challenging but totally doable, and the views from the top? Absolutely worth it.

Where is Col de la Sinne?extreme

Where is Col de la Sinne?

🇫🇷 France

Col de la Sinne, nestled high in the Alpes-Maritimes of France, is a mountain pass that will take your breath away – literally! At the top, you'll find yourself above the clouds, with a sweet little historic chapel keeping watch. Where exactly is this gem? You'll find it in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region in southeastern France. While some maps only show the main 8.5 km stretch between Pierlas and Ilonse, the *real* scenic adventure is the full 26 km route. Starting where it meets the D28, snaking east to the M2205 junction, this drive will eat up about an hour of your time – but trust me, it’s worth every second. Heads up, road trippers! This isn't your average highway cruise. The road is paved, sure, but it's a classic, skinny Alpine track. Expect a bumpy ride with uneven surfaces, the occasional pothole, and a bit of debris thrown in for good measure. Think narrow ledges and hairpin turns, so maybe skip this one in the RV! Motorcycles and regular cars can manage, but you'll need your wits about you. Those hairpins on the western ascent from Pierlas are tight! Be prepared to reverse on a dime on those narrow ledges – you might need to back up a ways to let someone pass. But oh, the views! The summit offers insane panoramas of the surrounding mountains, and that little chapel adds a touch of magic. As you descend east, you’ll plunge into the dramatic landscapes of the Gorge du Cians. The best part? You’ll probably have the road almost entirely to yourself, especially around midday.