Driving a military road to Colle di Chavannes in Valle d’Aosta
Italy, europe
12.2 km
2,608 m
hard
Year-round
# Colle di Chavanves: A Hidden Alpine Gem
Want to test your driving skills at nearly 8,600 feet? The Colle di Chavannes in Italy's Valle d'Aosta region is calling your name. This unpaved mountain pass is one of Italy's highest roads, and trust me—it's an adventure worth taking.
Starting from Strada Statale 26 della Valle d'Aosta, you'll climb 12.2 kilometers of pure alpine drama. The ascent cranks up 1,003 meters of elevation with an average gradient of 8.22%, so come prepared. Fair warning: this is a narrow, steep, unpaved road—an old military route that demands respect and careful maneuvering.
But here's where it gets magical. As you wind upward, you'll spot historic military fortifications carved right into the mountainside, relics from a bygone era. And when you finally reach the summit? The panoramic views are absolutely breathtaking—sweeping vistas across to Col de la Seigne and the entire Mont Blanc massif stretching before you. It's the kind of moment that makes every hairpin turn worth it.
This is classic alpine driving: remote, challenging, and unforgettable.
Where is it?
Driving a military road to Colle di Chavannes in Valle d’Aosta is located in Italy (europe). Coordinates: 42.2703, 12.2003
Road Details
- Country
- Italy
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 12.2 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,608 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 42.2703, 12.2003
Related Roads in europe
moderateMonte Tomba
🇮🇹 Italy
# Monte Tomba: A High-Alpine Adventure in Veneto Looking for an off-the-beaten-path mountain experience? Monte Tomba delivers. This stunning pass sits at 1,799 meters (5,902 feet) in Verona Province in Italy's Veneto region, offering serious altitude and seriously cool vibes. The route up is all gravel via Strada Provinciale 14—think rough, loose surfaces with the occasional washout to keep things interesting. Fair warning: skip this one after rain or snow unless you're driving a tank. Mother Nature wins those battles. Once you crest the summit, you'll find a hotel and communication tower waiting. Perfect spot for a breather, some food, and incredible views over the surrounding peaks. The whole experience has that authentic, rugged mountain-pass feel that makes for great stories (and even better photos). If you're game for ridge-road driving through some spectacular alpine scenery, Monte Tomba absolutely belongs on your bucket list.
extremeDriving the Inferno Murren with a 60% of maximum gradient
🇨🇭 Switzerland
# The Inferno Mürren: Switzerland's Most Insane Alpine Descent If you're looking for a driving experience that'll make your heart race and your knuckles white, the Inferno Mürren downhill in Switzerland's Bernese Oberland is calling your name. This isn't your typical scenic alpine drive—it's a full-on adrenaline assault course. Starting at the legendary Schilthorn (yes, that's the evil lair from *On Her Majesty's Secret Service*) at a whopping 2,970 meters elevation, you've got 14.9km of pure madness ahead. The descent drops nearly 2,170 meters down to Lauterbrunnen, and every single kilometer is a white-knuckle test of nerve and skill. The terrain is brutally varied—expect ice, loose rock, mud, broken asphalt, grass, and scattered boulders all competing for your attention. And we're talking gradients up to 60 percent. The most infamous section? The Gun Barrel—a teeth-grindingly narrow gully that'll have you questioning your life choices. Then there are the 180-degree hairpin bends, frozen forest paths, and lung-crushing climbs that feel designed by someone with a twisted sense of humor. Weather up here is basically a coin flip. Fog and mist roll in without warning, visibility drops to nothing, and conditions change faster than you can say "alpine emergency." This track only opens during snow-free summer months, and for good reason. Words genuinely can't capture what this drive is like. Pictures don't do it justice either. This is a ride you have to experience to believe—if you're brave enough.
easyDriving the scenic road to Col d’Olivier
🇫🇷 France
# Col d'Olivier: A Scenic Alpine Gem Head to the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence in southeastern France, where you'll find the charming Col d'Olivier sitting pretty at 711m (2,332ft). This mountain pass is tucked away in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region, nestled within the stunning Verdon Natural Regional Park and just a hop away from the Var department. The real treat? This 19.3km (12-mile) drive along the fully paved D952 is your golden ticket to the legendary Gorges du Verdon. It's one seriously gorgeous route that deserves your full attention—seriously, bring a good camera. The scenery is the kind that makes you pull over constantly (and you'll want to), so pace yourself and soak it all in. Running from the charming town of La Palud-sur-Verdon to the enchanting Moustiers-Sainte-Marie—officially one of France's most beautiful villages—this pass is open year-round, making it accessible whenever wanderlust strikes. Just a heads-up: weekends and peak holiday seasons get crowded, so keep your eyes peeled for oncoming traffic and drive defensively. Whether you're chasing mountain scenery or dreaming of postcard-perfect villages, this alpine route delivers on all fronts.
extremeIs the road to Mengene Dağı unpaved?
🇹🇷 Turkey
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! If you find yourself in Turkey's Van Province and crave a serious off-road challenge, Mengene Dağı is calling your name. This peak soars to a whopping 3,176 meters (that's over 10,400 feet!), and getting there is no joke. Forget smooth asphalt; we're talking a 12-kilometer (7.45-mile) stretch of pure, unadulterated, unpaved wilderness starting from Yolmaçayır. Brace yourself for hairpin turns that'll test your skills, narrow passages that demand precision, and heart-stopping drop-offs that'll make you question your life choices (in a good way, of course!). A 4x4 isn't just recommended; it's mandatory. Oh, and did I mention this road is only accessible in the summer? Think snow-capped vistas and breathtaking views... if you dare to look! Mengene Dağı isn't just a drive; it's an unforgettable experience.