Driving the breathtaking road to Bellecombe is not a piece of cake

Driving the breathtaking road to Bellecombe is not a piece of cake

Italy, europe

Length

12 km

Elevation

2,602 m

Difficulty

moderate

Best Season

Year-round

# Bellecombe: A High-Alpine Adventure

Craving an adrenaline rush at seriously impressive altitude? The road to Bellecombe delivers. Sitting pretty at 2,602m (8,536ft) above sea level, this peak is one of France's highest roadside destinations—and trust me, you'll *feel* that elevation.

This scenic route connects Savoie in southeastern France with Italy's Aosta Valley, running as a rugged parallel neighbor to the famous Little Saint-Bernard Pass. You're basically driving straight through the heart of the Alps, just south of the mighty Mont Blanc Massif.

Fair warning: this isn't your typical paved highway. The 12km (7.45 miles) of road from France's D1090 to Italy's SS26 is completely unpaved, serving primarily as an access route to the Bellecombe ski lift. You'll absolutely need a 4x4 to tackle it—this terrain doesn't mess around.

The scenery? Absolutely worth it. But here's the catch: winter basically shuts this place down entirely. Once snow hits, the road becomes completely impassable. So plan your adventure for the warmer months if you want any chance of actually making the drive.

Where is it?

Driving the breathtaking road to Bellecombe is not a piece of cake is located in Italy (europe). Coordinates: 41.9312, 12.7121

Share this road

Road Details

Country
Italy
Continent
europe
Length
12 km
Max Elevation
2,602 m
Difficulty
moderate
Coordinates
41.9312, 12.7121

Related Roads in europe

How do you reach Dingli Cliffs by road?hard

How do you reach Dingli Cliffs by road?

🌍 Malta

Cruising along the western edge of Malta, near the super chill village of Dingli, you absolutely HAVE to hit up the Dingli Cliffs. Seriously, these are the highest point in all the Maltese Islands, shooting up to 252 meters (826 feet)! The road that takes you there, Triq Panoramika (aptly named!), is paved, but be warned, it gets a bit narrow in places and the hills are no joke. Some sections are seriously steep, like a 12% grade! But trust me, reaching the top is SO worth it. The views from Dingli Cliffs are insane. Think endless blue sea stretching out forever. Just be prepared for some wind – it can get pretty blustery up there. Oh, and fun fact: the highest point, Ta’ Dmejrek, is home to this giant radar station that looks like a golf ball, or "Il Ballun" as the locals call it. Seriously, go at sunset! It's magical. You can see the whole coastline, the terraced fields below, and even the tiny, uninhabited island of Filfla in the distance (which, by the way, used to be a bombing target for the British back in the day!). And don't miss the cute little chapel dedicated to St. Mary Magdalene right on the edge of the cliff. It's picture perfect!

Where is Puerto de Ancares?hard

Where is Puerto de Ancares?

🇪🇸 Spain

Alright, adventure seekers, listen up! Let's talk about Puerto de Ancares, a seriously cool mountain pass straddling the border between autonomous regions in northwestern Spain. Locals also call it Collado de Ancares. So, how tough is it? Well, the pavement's there, but let's just say it's seen better days. Plus, it's a real leg-burner, with some seriously steep sections. We're talking a maximum gradient that'll have you shifting gears like crazy! Even the Vuelta a España has tackled this climb, so you know it's legit. The whole thing stretches for about 14.1 kilometers (that's 8.76 miles for my American friends) from the village of Tejedo de Ancares up to the top. And trust me, it's a pretty solitary drive. Up top, you'll find a parking lot and a viewpoint with killer views. Just keep in mind that being high up in the Ancares Mountains means the weather can get wild. It's generally open year-round, but be prepared for possible winter closures if the snow gets heavy.

Where is Col du Lachens?hard

Where is Col du Lachens?

🇫🇷 France

Okay, picture this: you're in the stunning Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region of France, specifically tucked away in the Préalpes d'Azur Regional Natural Park, right on the edge of the Alpes-Maritimes department. You're heading for Col du Lachens, also known as , the highest peak in the Var! Heads up, the Route Forestière du Lachens to the top is completely paved, but it's narrow and a bit rough around the edges. The road stretches for about , gaining in elevation, so you're looking at an average gradient of . Keep an eye out as you drive! There's a military installation right at the summit, a reminder of the peak's past importance. Nowadays, it's more famous for paragliding, hosting regular competitions thanks to the National Free Flight Centre. Plus, the views from the top? Absolutely worth the sometimes-sketchy road. Get ready for some serious French Alps scenery!

6 Incredible Sky-High Roads in Romania That Will Take Your Breath Awayhard

6 Incredible Sky-High Roads in Romania That Will Take Your Breath Away

🇷🇴 Romania

# Six Epic Romanian Mountain Roads That'll Make Your Road Trip Bucket List Romania is seriously calling your name. Hidden in the heart of Europe, this country serves up some of the most stunning drives you'll find anywhere on the continent. We're talking dramatic Carpathian curves, sweeping Danube vistas, and mountain passes that'll have you pulling over constantly for photos. Trust us—bring extra camera battery. These roads are the real deal. Some are smooth and well-maintained, while others feel a bit rough around the edges (thanks to tight local budgets), but that's part of the charm. Here are six high-altitude drives that deserve a spot on your travel list. **Transalpina Road (DN67C)** holds the crown as Romania's highest. Stretching 146 km across the Carpathians, this 2,145m beauty has serious credentials—it started as a Roman route, got paved in the 1930s, and was even touched up during WWII. The locals have always called this stretch "Poteca Dracului" (the Devil's Path), and once you drive it, you'll understand why it's so legendary. **Transfăgărăşan (DN7C)** is the drama queen of Romanian roads. This second-highest paved route is 90 km of pure adrenaline, cutting north-south through the Southern Carpathians with relentless twists. Built during the Communist era (1970-1974) as a military highway, it features Romania's longest road tunnel at 887 meters. The views? Absolutely jaw-dropping. **TransBucegi** reaches 1,925 meters and might just be Romania's most scenic drive. Wind through the Bucegi Natural Park in the south-central region and soak in sweeping mountain vistas without ever leaving your seat. **TransRarau Road** (nicknamed the "Treasures Road") is often called Romania's third-most beautiful alpine drive. This 26 km route climbs to 1,400m, connecting the villages of Chiril and Pojorata. It used to be pretty rough, but after a 2014 makeover, the asphalt is now pristine. **Transursoaia Road (DN1R)** cuts through the Apuseni Mountains in the north for 80 km of mixed asphalt and gravel. Cresting at 1,324m, this one's a real adventure—though heads up: it's typically closed from May to October depending on weather conditions. **TransSemenic (DJ582)** runs 58.4 km east-west through the Semenic Mountains at 1,004m elevation. Fully paved since 2014, this one stays open year-round (except during heavy snowfall). It's your most accessible high-altitude option. Ready to hit the road? Each of these drives offers something special—pick your adventure and hit the gas.