
Collet des Michels
France, europe
N/A
920 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, buckle up, road trippers! Let's talk about Collet des Michels, a seriously sweet mountain pass tucked away in the Hautes-Alpes region of southeastern France. You'll be climbing to about 3,018 feet (920m) above sea level, so get ready for some views!
The D226, as it's known, is your asphalt ribbon to adventure, connecting the charming towns of Montjay in the south and L'Epine up north. Now, heads up – this route is paved, but it's not messing around. Expect some pretty steep sections that'll have your engine working and your heart pumping. But trust me, the scenery along the way is totally worth it!
Road Details
- Country
- France
- Continent
- europe
- Max Elevation
- 920 m
- Difficulty
- hard
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