
Colle Barant
Italy, europe
N/A
2,381 m
extreme
Year-round
# Colle Barant: A Wild Alpine Adventure
Nestled high in the Province of Turin in Piedmont, Italy, Colle Barant sits at a breathtaking 2,381 meters (7,811 feet) above sea level. This isn't your typical mountain pass – it's a heart-pounding gravel track that'll test both your nerves and your vehicle's suspension.
Originally carved out as a military road for army vehicles, this route is seriously steep and narrow with sections that'll have your palms sweating. The gravel surface becomes treacherously slippery in places, and the exposed drops on either side mean there's zero room for error. It's the kind of pass that demands respect and careful driving.
What makes it genuinely special, though? The incredible history along the way. You'll spot evidence of the old military presence everywhere – abandoned forts, gun placements, and crumbling barracks scattered across the landscape. At the summit, you'll find Fort de l'Infernet standing as a weathered sentinel to the past.
Fair warning: Mother Nature calls the shots here. Snow can close this pass anytime, so check conditions before you go. But if you're after an authentic, off-the-beaten-path Alpine experience with stunning scenery and genuine adventure, Colle Barant delivers in spades.
Where is it?
Colle Barant is located in Italy (europe). Coordinates: 42.7812, 12.2147
Road Details
- Country
- Italy
- Continent
- europe
- Max Elevation
- 2,381 m
- Difficulty
- extreme
- Coordinates
- 42.7812, 12.2147
Related Roads in europe
hardHow to drive the unpaved road to Monte Sobretta in Sondrio
🇮🇹 Italy
# Monte Sobretta: Italy's Alpine Adventure Nestled in the Province of Sondrio in northern Lombardy, Monte Sobretta sits within the stunning Parco Nazionale dello Stelvio. Just east of the summit, an audacious little unpaved road climbs to a breathtaking 2,901 meters (9,517 feet)—making it one of Europe's highest road routes. This isn't your typical Sunday drive. The road serves as a chairlift access trail, and it's gloriously rough and unforgiving. We're talking serious business here: you'll need a proper 4x4 to even attempt it. Starting from Strada Provinciale 29, the 5-kilometer (3.1-mile) ascent packs in a punishing 748 meters of elevation gain, averaging a gnarly 14.96% gradient that'll test your nerves and your vehicle's suspension. The scenery? Absolutely spectacular alpine terrain as you climb through the Sobretta-Gavia Group. But here's the catch—winter transforms this route into an impassable fortress. The road shuts down completely to private vehicles during cold months, and even then, access is restricted. This is one for the bucket list if you're serious about high-altitude driving in Italy.
moderateWhere is the Fornelli-Cala d'Oliva Road?
🇮🇹 Italy
Okay, picture this: cruising along the only road on Asinara Island, a hidden gem in the Med just off Sardinia's north-western tip, now a National Park. This isn't your average asphalt jungle, though. We're talking about a 21.1 km (13-mile) stretch of concrete, cleverly designed to blend into the landscape. Starting in Fornelli, once home to a high-security prison, you'll wind your way up to Cala d'Oliva in the north. This quirky town is split into an old quarter and an upper section, where prison worker families used to live. But the real draw? The chance to soak up the island's diverse habitats, unique terrain, and historical sites. You'll roll through Fornelli, Tumbarino, La Reale, and Cala d'Oliva. Spring and fall offer the best weather for taking it all in. And those coastal views? Prepare for panoramas that will knock your socks off and waters shimmering in every shade of azure and turquoise you can imagine. It's seriously some of the best seascapes the Mediterranean has to offer. Now, a heads-up: you can't just rock up in your own car. Only residents, staff, researchers, and park rangers get that privilege. For the rest of us, it's all about guided tours, bicycles, or e-bikes, all to protect the local vegetation and wildlife. Parking is limited to designated spots in Cala d’Oliva and Cala Reale, so stick to the rules — the National Park authority isn't messing around! They want to keep this paradise pristine, and honestly, so do we.
hardAn old military road to the top of Col de la Pare
🇫🇷 France
# Col de la Paré: A Wild Alpine Adventure Want to experience some serious French alpine terrain? Head to Col de la Paré, a stunning mountain pass sitting pretty at 2,412 meters (7,913 feet) in the Savoie department of southeastern France, near its neighbor Col des Rochilles. Here's the deal: this route isn't your typical smooth highway. Built between 1902 and 1907 for military operations, the Route Militaire des Rochilles still feels like stepping back in time. The road is mostly unpaved and pretty gnarly, so bring a 4x4 if you've got one—trust us on this. Starting from the Parking de 3 lacs just off the D902 road south of Valloire, you're looking at a compact but intense 4.8 km (2.98 miles) of pure mountain magic. Narrow, steep, and featuring 16 hairpin turns that'll keep you on your toes, this isn't a drive for the faint-hearted. Once you've conquered the switchbacks, the payoff is worth it. At the summit, you'll find the Ouvrage Les Rochilles, a fascinating remnant of the Maginot Line's Alpine fortifications, plus the cozy Refuge du camp des Rochilles where you can catch your breath and soak in the views. Fair warning: come winter, this road gets absolutely buried in snow and becomes impassable. Plan your adventure for warmer months when conditions are actually manageable.
hardRoad trip guide: Conquering Gorges de la Spelunca
🇫🇷 France
Okay, picture this: Corsica, west coast, sunshine... and the Gorges de la Spelunca! This canyon road, snaking between Ota and Évisa (east of Porto), is a total stunner. We're talking dramatic landscapes carved out by the Spelunca river itself. The D124, all paved don't worry, stretches for about 9km (that's 5.5 miles for my American friends) from Porto up to the D84. Now, fair warning: if you're not a fan of twisty-turny roads, this might test your patience. It's a classic Corsican seaside drive – super curvy and pretty darn narrow. Speaking of narrow, keep your eyes peeled! This route gets busy, especially in the summer months. You WILL want to stop and snap some pics (trust me), but please, please, PLEASE don't block the road or park willy-nilly. Find a safe spot, soak in those views, and keep the traffic flowing! Rock slides are also a risk so keep an eye out!