Col du Mont Noir
France, europe
17.8 km
1.421 m
moderate
Year-round
# Col du Mont Noir: A Southeast France Alpine Adventure
Tucked away in the Isère department of southeastern France, Col du Mont Noir sits at a respectable 1,421 meters above sea level, making it a perfect objective for cyclists and drivers looking to tackle some serious Alpine climbing.
The good news? The entire route is paved, so you won't have to worry about gravel or unpredictable surfaces. But you've got options depending on where you're starting from.
Coming from N 532 gets you the shortest route at 17.8 km, though it's no joke with 1,217 meters of elevation gain and a steady 6.8% gradient. If you're coming from Pont en Royans, expect a slightly longer haul at 19.3 km with 1,206 meters of climbing—but the slightly gentler 6.2% average grade might feel a bit more forgiving.
Prefer something shorter and punchier? The Cognin les Gorges approach is the most compact at just 16.2 km, but it ramps up the intensity with a 7.1% average grade and 1,151 meters of elevation gain. Finally, starting from Saint Gervais gives you 18.3 km of climbing with 1,239 meters of elevation—right in the middle difficulty-wise at 6.8%.
Whichever route you choose, you're in for consistent, challenging climbing with the gorgeous Isère scenery as your reward.
Where is it?
Col du Mont Noir is located in France (europe). Coordinates: 46.3692, 3.0617
Road Details
- Country
- France
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 17.8 km
- Max Elevation
- 1.421 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- 46.3692, 3.0617
Related Roads in europe
moderateWhere is the D81B road located?
🇫🇷 France
Okay, picture this: you're cruising along the D81B in Corsica, sun on your face, wind in your hair. This coastal road, carved right into the cliffs of the Haute-Corse, is an absolute *must* if you're exploring the island. This beauty stretches for about 33 kilometers (20 miles) between Calvi and Galéria, hugging the turquoise Mediterranean Sea the whole way. And get this – it was built way back in the 1700s, reportedly by prisoners! Talk about a road with a story. Now, heads up: this isn't a highway cruise. We're talking hundreds of tight turns, one right after another, barely 50 meters apart. You won't be breaking any speed records here; plan for about an hour if you don't stop, but trust me, you *will* want to stop. The views are seriously epic, and it's a favorite for motorcyclists and anyone hunting for a killer scenic drive. It’s so good, in fact, that it's been a stage in the WRC Rally of Corsica. Prepare for hairpin heaven!
moderateLa Constitución de 1812 Bridge, one of the tallest in the world
🇪🇸 Spain
# Puente de la Constitución de 1812 Ready to experience one of the world's most jaw-dropping bridges? Head to Cadiz in Andalusia, southwestern Spain, and get ready to be amazed. Also known as Puente de La Pepa, this cable-stayed marvel carries the CA-35 highway and stretches an impressive 3,092 meters (10,144 ft) across the Bay of Cadiz. With 6 lanes total—two in each direction plus two tram ways—it's a smooth, paved ride connecting the historic city of Cadiz to the town of Puerto Real. The bridge towers 69 meters above sea level at its highest point, offering stunning views as you cross. This architectural masterpiece took eight years to complete, finally opening to traffic on September 24, 2015. Whether you're a road-trip enthusiast, architecture lover, or just someone who appreciates breathtaking views, driving across this bridge should be on your bucket list. The scenic crossing over the bay is an unforgettable experience that showcases modern engineering at its finest. *Suggested by: Jorge Manuel Gómez Sánchez*
hardWhere is Col de la Bailletta?
🇫🇷 France
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! Col de la Bailletta, nestled in the Savoie department of France, is calling your name. This beast of a mountain pass tops out at a whopping 2,852 meters (9,356 feet)! You'll find this beauty in the Rhône-Alpes region, specifically within the Bailletaz Nature Reserve. The journey begins near Lac du Chevril, just below Val d’Isere, where you'll veer off the main D902. The road is paved at first, all the way to Lac/Barrage du Saut (one of France's highest paved roads!). But after that, things get real as the road turns to gravel. From the D902, you're looking at a 9.4 km (5.84 miles) trek to the top. This old military road is mostly gravel and wide enough, but the higher you go, around the 2700 meter mark, the road becomes more of a hiking trail due to landslides. So, be warned: the final stretch is not suitable for vehicles. But trust me, the views are totally worth it! Just take your time and soak in the scenery. It's an experience you won't forget!
moderateDriving the scenic Col de la Core in the heart of the Ariège Pyrenees
🇫🇷 France
# Col de la Core: A Scenic Pyrenees Classic Tucked away in the Ariège department of the French Pyrenees, Col de la Core sits at a breezy 1,395m (4,577ft) and connects the charming Bethmale Valley to the Salat Valley. This isn't some dramatic high-altitude monster—it's a pastoral gem that's become a Tour de France favorite for good reason. The 31km D17 route running north-south from Audressein to Seix is fully paved and takes you through some seriously gorgeous terrain. We're talking dense beech forests, green rolling hillsides, and cattle casually hanging out by the roadside. The plateau at the top opens up to stunning views of the Mont Valier massif, and you'll feel like you've stumbled onto someone's secret getaway. The whole region sits within the Regional Natural Park of the Ariège Pyrenees, which has this wonderfully lush, isolated vibe compared to the more dramatic central peaks. Now, here's the real talk: the road itself is narrow and winding with plenty of hairpin turns and sketchy stretches without guardrails. In dry conditions, it's totally manageable, but you'll want to stay sharp—especially on those blind curves where cyclists or grazing animals might appear. Autumn gets tricky when wet leaves coat the asphalt, turning those tight bends into slippery surprises. Summer fog can roll in and mess with visibility too, particularly in the forested sections near the valley. Winter brings occasional closures during heavy storms, and you'll need snow tires or chains when conditions warrant it. The sweet spot for driving? Late spring through early autumn when everything's at its best and the road is reliably open.