Driving the 38 Hairpin Turns of the Steep Road D80 in Savoie
France, europe
10.7 km
654 m
hard
Year-round
# The D80: France's Ultimate Hairpin Challenge
If you get queasy on winding roads, the D80 in France's Savoie department might just be your nightmare—or your ultimate adrenaline fix, depending on your perspective. Located south of Saint-Jean-de-Maurienne in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, this legendary route (also called the Route de Villargondran) ranks among the world's most relentless hairpin gauntlets.
The fully paved but razor-thin road stretches just 10.7 km, yet it somehow packs in 38 hairpin turns that'll test your nerve and your steering. Starting at the sleepy village of Villargondran at 654 meters elevation, it climbs steadily toward Albiez-le-Jeune at 1,368 meters—a brutal 714-meter elevation gain that keeps the pressure on throughout. Expect average gradients of about 6.67%, with some stretches hitting a steep 10%.
This is the kind of drive that separates the thrill-seekers from the cautious cruisers. The narrow ribbon of asphalt winds through gorgeous Alpine scenery, but you'll need serious focus to enjoy the views. It's technical, it's intense, and it's absolutely unforgettable. If you're confident in your driving skills and don't mind a white-knuckle adventure, the D80 delivers an experience you won't find on just any European road trip.
Where is it?
Driving the 38 Hairpin Turns of the Steep Road D80 in Savoie is located in France (europe). Coordinates: 46.1114, 0.6739
Road Details
- Country
- France
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 10.7 km
- Max Elevation
- 654 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 46.1114, 0.6739
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