Courage is Required to Drive to Pic de l’Herpie
France, europe
6.7 km
3,067 m
extreme
Year-round
# Pic de l'Herpie: France's Ultimate High-Altitude Adventure
Want to test your driving skills at nearly 10,000 feet? Pic de l'Herpie in the Isère department is calling your name. Perched at 3,067m (10,062ft) in the stunning Grandes Rousses massif of the Central French Alps, this peak ranks among Europe's highest accessible roads.
Fair warning: this isn't a casual Sunday drive. The 6.7 km (4.16 miles) route starting from Chalet du Sela climbs a punishing 1,225m with an average gradient of 18.28%—yeah, that's steep. You'll navigate 13 hairpin turns on a completely unpaved surface that'll have your heart pounding and your knuckles white on the steering wheel. Four-wheel drive is absolutely mandatory here; regular vehicles need not apply.
Originally built as a service road for the chairlift system, this route remains closed to private vehicles, though die-hard adventurers sometimes attempt it anyway. The dramatic Alpine scenery is absolutely worth the adrenaline rush, with breathtaking vistas across the Rhône-Alpes region unfolding as you climb.
One crucial detail: forget about this road from November through April. Winter makes it completely impassable—even for the bravest drivers in the beefiest rigs. Summer and early autumn are your window to conquer this beast and claim bragging rights for one of France's most intense mountain drives.
Where is it?
Courage is Required to Drive to Pic de l’Herpie is located in France (europe). Coordinates: 45.8521, 3.7120
Road Details
- Country
- France
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 6.7 km
- Max Elevation
- 3,067 m
- Difficulty
- extreme
- Coordinates
- 45.8521, 3.7120
Related Roads in europe
extremeHow to Get by Car to Geamana, the Abandoned Town Sacrificed for a Mine?
🇷🇴 Romania
Okay, picture this: You're in Romania, craving something *totally* off the beaten path. Head to the Apuseni Mountains, because there's a ghost village called Geamăna. It's a pretty tragic spot, for sure, but also unbelievably eerie and fascinating. Back in the day, this was a normal village in Alba County. But then, BAM, a massive copper mine popped up nearby (Roșia Poieni, one of Europe's biggest!), and the government decided Geamăna was in the way. So, they flooded it. Seriously. Residents were forced out, toxic sludge filled the valley, and now it's all underwater. The church steeple still pokes out, a haunting reminder of what was. Now, about getting there. From Lupșa, you'll hit DC99, a 6.3 km (3.91 miles) unpaved road that’s not for the faint of heart. Think loose gravel, potential loss of control, and impassable conditions in winter. Seriously, bring a 4x4 – you’ll thank me later. But here's the deal: This place isn't just a scenic drive. The "lake" is full of nasty stuff – think heavy metals and cyanide. Landslides are a real possibility, and there aren’t any safety measures in place, so be careful. Don't touch the water, stay away from the edge, wear good shoes, and maybe skip it if it’s raining. Definitely tell someone where you're going, and if you can find a guide, do it! It’s a stunningly sad sight, this village drowned in toxic water, but the surrounding mountain views make it a weirdly beautiful, unforgettable place.
moderateWhere is Somport Pass?
🇪🇸 Spain
Okay, picture this: you're cruising along the border of France and Spain, high up in the Pyrenees Mountains. You're tackling the Puerto de Somport-Col du Somport, an international mountain pass that tops out at a cool 1,637 meters (5,370 feet). This beauty connects the province of Huesca in Spain with the Pyrénées-Atlantiques department in France, nestled between the Aragón and Aspe river valleys. The name? It's all about location, location, location – "summus portus" in Latin, meaning the highest port. Get ready for a 16.2 km (10.06 miles) paved adventure from Canfranc-Estación in Spain to Les Forges d'Abel in France. This road, also known as Port of Aspe or Port of Canfranc (N330a), has even played host to the Tour de France and Vuelta a España – so expect some steep climbs, with ramps hitting a 10% grade in places. The pass is usually open year-round, but keep an eye on the weather. If things get too wild, there's always the Túnel de Somport, an 8.6 kilometre (5.3 mi) long tunnel that bypasses the pass that's open all year.
moderateCerrada de la Magdalena
🇪🇸 Spain
Okay, picture this: you're cruising along the sun-drenched Sierra de Cazorla, just north of Granada, Spain. The road? Cerrada de la Magdalena. It's not paved – think gravel, and pretty darn narrow at that. This isn't a Sunday drive; it's an adventure! The drop-offs are real, so keep your eyes on the road, especially around those blind corners. You don’t want to meet another car head-on! Nestled inside the Sierra de Castril Natural Park, it's usually manageable when dry, but after rain? Mud city! It can get seriously slippery, even impassable, so check the weather before you go. The whole stretch is only about 11.3 km, but those kilometers are packed with thrills and unbelievable views. Trust me, you'll want to stop and snap a ton of photos. And keep an eye out for wildlife! You might spot tracks from wild boar, foxes, beech martens, or even wildcats. It’s an incredible, unforgettable experience. Get ready for a road trip you won't soon forget!
hardThe extreme 33% Gradient to Rosedale Chimney is one of the steepest climbs of Europe
🇬🇧 England
Okay, buckle up thrill-seekers, because Rosedale Chimney Bank in North Yorkshire is a ride you won't soon forget! This crazy climb sits in the North York Moors National Park, south of Middlesbrough, and tops out at 312m (1,023ft). It gets its name from a now-demolished, hundred-foot chimney that once served a local ironstone mine. This paved road, all 5.95km (3.7 miles) of it, stretches from Rosedale Abbey to Hutton-le-Hole and is famed for being one of the steepest in the UK - maybe even Europe! We're talking gradients of up to 33%! Expect wind and rain – this exposed road doesn't hold back. It's also a no-go zone for lorries, caravans, and pretty much anything during the winter. The surface starts rough and gets steep right away. You'll hit a cattle grid (just to add to the fun), then brace yourself for hairpin turns where the inside is so steep you'll be hugging the far right. Then, it's a ridiculously tough stretch where sheep spectate, waiting for cyclists to lose the battle with the Chimney. Eventually, it eases to a more manageable gradient, letting you gain some momentum and reach the moor. The views are incredible, but this climb demands respect. Watch those brakes on the crazy steep turns! Leaving Rosedale Abbey, there's a sign warning of the climb ahead. The steepest 1.47 km section climbs 175 meters, averaging almost 12%. "Brutal" doesn't even begin to describe it!