Faux Col de Restefond is one of the highest paved roads in France
France, europe
N/A
2,656 m
moderate
Year-round
# Faux Col de Restefond
Want to experience one of France's highest mountain roads? Head to the Faux Col de Restefond, sitting pretty at 2,656m (8,713ft) in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence. This stunning pass is tucked away in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region, right in the heart of the Mercantour National Park, surrounded by other epic peaks like Col de la Bonette and Cime de la Bonette.
Getting up there is pretty straightforward—the C4 (Route de Nice) is mostly paved all the way. Here's the thing though: technically, Faux Col de Restefond isn't directly on the main route to Col de la Bonette, but most people who visit swear they've been here. In reality, you might not venture the extra 50 meters down the gravel road below, but that doesn't stop anyone from claiming the victory!
A heads-up if you're planning a visit: this pass is only accessible from June through September. Winter snows close it down from October to May, so plan accordingly if you're dreaming of tackling this alpine gem.
Where is it?
Faux Col de Restefond is one of the highest paved roads in France is located in France (europe). Coordinates: 46.1433, 1.5397
Road Details
- Country
- France
- Continent
- europe
- Max Elevation
- 2,656 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- 46.1433, 1.5397
Related Roads in europe
moderateWhat’s the history of Old Tragjas?
🇦🇱 Albania
Old Tragjas, Albania is an eerie, ruined village with a powerful story. This town was abandoned after being bombed in 1943 because of partisan sympathies, so tread carefully among the ruins. Old Tragjas played a key role in Albanian history as the site of a battle where Albanian resistance fighters took down Italian troops. The village was bombed in 1943 due to its anti-fascist ties and has been deserted ever since. You'll find these ruins nestled on hills overlooking the Bay of Vlora, about 25 km from the city of Vlora. It was named a cultural monument in 1980 for its architecture – a classic representation of the region's cultural roots. Historians believe that Gjergj Arianiti, Donika Kastrioti’s father, founded the settlement around the turn of the 15th century. The mountain village has a fantastic location for both beauty and strategic reasons. Beautiful buildings with complex designs once stood here, blending into the landscape. However, three fires and WWII bombing runs left the village in ruins. Even after six decades, the village still holds secrets, with a long street and former homes. It’s a fascinating spot for history and architecture buffs. Artifacts found here hint at a long history dating back to ancient times. Now, about that road! Located in the south-western part of the country, the road to Old Tragjas is completely unpaved and treacherous, with lots of narrow sections. A 4x4 is usually best, but motorhomes should stay away. But the drive is visually rewarding! Starting from the new Tragjas village, the road is roughly 5.1 km (3.16 miles) long, climbing 263 meters with a 5.15% average grade. The road climbs to Qafa e Asters, named for the tombs scattered about. The pass offers views of ancient Orikum and the coast. Be careful and have a great trip!
moderateA paved road to Aramon Valdelinares Ski Resort
🇪🇸 Spain
# Road to Aramón Valdelinares If you're hunting for one of Spain's most rewarding mountain drives, head to the Teruel province in Aragon, where you'll find the Aramón Valdelinares ski resort nestled at a breathtaking 1,975m (6,479ft) elevation. This place is seriously tucked away in the Sierra de Gúdar—a dramatic, rugged mountain range that's part of the Iberian System—and the road climbing up to it has become downright legendary. Why the fame? The route's been featured as a stage finish in the Vuelta a España, the prestigious professional cycling race. Professional cyclists racing here tell you everything you need to know about what you're getting into. As you climb, you're surrounded by dense black pine forests and limestone peaks that create this raw, almost otherworldly high-mountain vibe. The whole experience screams "Siberia of Spain," especially during those brutally cold, dry winters when snow blankets everything. The 9.1 km (5.65 miles) ascent from the TE-V-3 road (just north of Valdelinares, Spain's highest town) is fully paved and well-maintained. The average gradient is a modest 2.85%, but don't let that fool you—the road throws rolling sections at you followed by punchy 9% ramps, particularly as you near the ski station. You'll need proper gear management and active driving, especially toward the end. Year-round access is guaranteed since it serves a major ski resort, with maintenance crews constantly battling snow and ice during winter. That said, blizzards can shut things down temporarily. Black ice lurks in shaded forest sections, so winter driving demands respect. Chains or winter tires are mandatory from roughly November through March—conditions at 2,000 meters can flip in minutes. Beyond the technical challenge, the drive is genuinely beautiful. Wide panoramic views stretch across the Teruel highlands and deep valleys of the Gúdar range. Outside ski season, the road feels wonderfully serene with minimal traffic. Whether you're chasing the ghost of cycling legends or just craving a peaceful high-altitude escape, this paved climb ranks among the most satisfying in the entire Iberian System.
moderateHow high is the Dettifoss waterfall?
🇮🇸 Iceland
Okay, so you're heading to Dettifoss, one of the most thunderous waterfalls in Europe, hidden away in the northeast corner of Iceland, inside Vatnajökull National Park. You've got two choices to get there, each offering a different vibe. First up, there’s the smooth, paved road leading to the west side. Open for most of the year (April to December), it's perfect for any car. But if you’re feeling adventurous, take the gravel track to the east side. Heads up: this one's only open from late May to early October. It's a bumpy ride, super dusty, and riddled with potholes. You *can* do it in a regular car if the conditions are perfect, but honestly, a 4x4 is your best bet. This road demands respect, so keep an eye on conditions and adjust your speed. The waterfall itself is a beast: 100 meters wide with a 44-meter drop. You might recognize it from "Prometheus". Trust me, whichever way you choose, getting up close to this natural wonder is an experience you won't forget.
hardHow long is the Panoramastrasse Oberaar?
🇨🇭 Switzerland
Okay, picture this: the Panoramastrasse Oberaar, snaking its way up in the Grimsel area of Switzerland's Bern canton. This isn't just any mountain road; it's a 5.8km (3.6 mile) ribbon of pure adrenaline, leading to the Oberaarsee reservoir. Now, a heads-up: this road is paved, but it's narrow – seriously narrow – with some wild drop-offs and hairpin turns that'll make your palms sweat. It's one-way only, adding to the excitement. The road climbs to a breathtaking 2,401m (7,877ft) above sea level. There's a toll booth right at the traffic light you need to pass. Built back in '53, it throws some steep sections your way, with gradients hitting over 10%. It's a blast if you're into challenging, twisty mountain roads! Keep in mind this beauty is usually closed from late September to late June/early July because of snow, so check conditions before you go. Even fog can shut it down. When open, traffic lights control access. You can drive from Grimsel Pass to Oberaar between xx.00 and xx.10, and back from Oberaar to Grimsel Pass between xx.30 and xx.40. No access between midnight and 6 a.m., and vehicles can't be longer than 10 meters. The drive itself? Figure 15-25 minutes without stops. Parking along the road is a no-go, but there are a few tiny viewpoints where you can pull over briefly. Trust me, the payoff is HUGE. The views from the top are insane, especially the Oberaar glacier on the lake's west side. Seriously stunning!