Driving the scenic road to Col d’Olivier

Driving the scenic road to Col d’Olivier

France, europe

Length

19.3 km

Elevation

711 m

Difficulty

easy

Best Season

Year-round

# 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.

Where is it?

Driving the scenic road to Col d’Olivier is located in France (europe). Coordinates: 46.4882, 2.6992

Share this road

Road Details

Country
France
Continent
europe
Length
19.3 km
Max Elevation
711 m
Difficulty
easy
Coordinates
46.4882, 2.6992

Related Roads in europe

Driving a Fabulous Cliff Road with Panoramic Views to Mirador Del Rio in Lanzarotemoderate

Driving a Fabulous Cliff Road with Panoramic Views to Mirador Del Rio in Lanzarote

🇪🇸 Spain

# Mirador Del Rio: A Clifftop Adventure in Lanzarote Perched at 473 meters (1,551 feet) above sea level on the northern tip of Lanzarote, Mirador Del Rio is an absolute must-visit for anyone craving panoramic island views. The winding LZ-202 road up here is a beauty—fully paved but delightfully narrow, with just enough space for two cars to squeeze past each other (large vehicles might feel a bit snug!). Fair warning: caravans aren't allowed due to the notorious winds, but that's part of what makes this such a thrilling drive. The climb from Hoya de la Pila spans just 2.9 km (1.80 miles) with a gentle 106-meter elevation gain—nothing too intense, but the twists and turns keep things interesting. Once you've conquered the ascent, you'll find a sprawling parking area where you can properly stretch your legs and soak in those jaw-dropping cliff views. The viewpoint itself is packed with character. There's a historic military battery dating back to the late 1800s (built when Spain worried America might target the islands during the Spanish–American War) and later expanded during World War II. You'll also spot a striking wrought-iron sculpture by legendary local artist César Manrique—a fish and bird intertwined, beautifully capturing the essence of water and air that define this landscape. It's been turning heads since 1974. On clear days, you're rewarded with stunning vistas of La Graciosa, the eighth Canary Island, and the dramatic Chinijo Islands National Park. Fair heads up though: this place gets packed during holiday season, so timing your visit might be worth considering. Bring plenty of camera batteries—you'll want to capture every angle of this spectacular spot.

How long is the Silvretta High Alpine Road?moderate

How long is the Silvretta High Alpine Road?

🇦🇹 Austria

Okay, picture this: the Silvretta High Alpine Road, the "Dream Road of the Alps"! This isn't just any drive; it's a 22.3 km (14 miles) rollercoaster through the Austrian Alps, snaking its way up to 2,071m (6,794ft). We're talking 34 curves of pure adrenaline, offering views that'll have you pulling over every five minutes (trust me, you'll want to). Starting in Partenen (1,051m) you wind up through the Silvretta Alps, hitting Galtür (1,584m). Think steep climbs (up to 12%!), hairpin turns that'll test your driving skills, and a panorama so epic it's almost unreal. This beauty is paved, but here's the catch: it's only open in the summer (June to October, weather permitting) and there's a toll to enter this alpine paradise. Keep an eye out for the 3,312-meter Piz Buin Peak, the tallest mountain in Tirol's Silvretta Range! A few things to keep in mind: no trailers allowed, night parking is a no-go, and if you're in a tour bus, make sure it's under 13.8 meters. Want that Insta-perfect shot? Head between hairpin bends 22 and 23. And don't miss the chance to grab a bite and stretch your legs by the lake, complete with a hydro-electric dam. Opened to the public in 1954 and expanded by 1961, stick to the 70 km/h speed limit – those local police love a good speed check. And remember, Bielerhöhe summit is where the magic happens – glaciers, Piz Buin views, and the perfect spot to soak it all in. You might even catch a motor sport event! Get ready for the ride of your life!

Where is the F910 (Austurleið) road?hard

Where is the F910 (Austurleið) road?

🇮🇸 Iceland

Alright, adventure junkies, buckle up for the F910, also known as Austurleið – one of Iceland's most epic F Roads! This beast winds through the remote Highlands of the Northeastern Region, taking you deep into the Icelandic wilderness. How remote are we talking? Seriously remote. You'll likely have the whole track to yourself, so stock up on supplies – food, water, fuel, the works. This is a true escape, with absolutely zero services along the way. Clocking in at 170 km (105 miles), Austurleið is a wild ride of paved sections mixed with seriously challenging terrain. Most folks just do the bit to Askja, but the full monty continues way deeper into the highlands. You'll definitely need a high-clearance 4x4 and nerves of steel! Expect a bumpy, slow-going journey thanks to rough patches, especially those stretches over solidified lava fields. Oh, and did I mention the potential for summer sand and snowstorms? Plus, a few river crossings to keep things interesting! It's definitely a good idea to buddy up with other vehicles for this one. But hey, if it was easy, everyone would be doing it, right? Get ready for insane scenery and bragging rights for days!

Colverde Refugehard

Colverde Refuge

🇮🇹 Italy

Okay, picture this: you're in the Italian Dolomites, in the gorgeous Primiero valley, ready for an adventure. Forget the well-paved tourist traps, we're heading up to Rifugio Colverde, a mountain hut perched at almost 6,500 feet! Now, this isn't your average Sunday drive. We're talking about a rough and ready, unpaved service road – think chairlift access, not luxury sedan. It's only a little over a mile long from the parking lot off Via Passo Rolle in San Martino di Castrozza, but in that short distance, you climb over 1500 feet! That's an insane average gradient of over 23%, with sections hitting a crazy 30%. Expect a steep dirt track winding through the woods, maybe a bit washed out. And hold onto your hat, because up here, the wind *always* seems to be howling. But trust me, the views from the top are worth every bump and gust. Get ready for some serious scenery!