Highest roads of France
France, europe
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hard
Year-round
France, the EU's biggest country, is known for its chill countryside, but it's got these wild alpine borders, right? The towering Alps to the east and the rugged Pyrenees down south. All that crazy terrain means some seriously cool engineering, like this ancient network of mountain passes and challenging routes.
We're talking some of the highest and most legendary roads in Europe, winding through these majestic peaks. Think insane views and world-class drives that'll have you stoked!
Picture this: blasting up to Col del Sommeiller on a drivable track, or cruising the historic Col de Montgenevre in the Cottian Alps. Epic road trip material! Ready for the adventure of a lifetime?
Related Roads in europe
extremeA Narrow Road to Col du Solude in the French Alps
🇫🇷 France
# Col du Solude Ready for an Alpine adventure that'll get your heart racing? Col du Solude is a seriously epic mountain pass sitting pretty at 1,680m (5,511ft) in the Oisans region of the French Alps, right in southeastern France's Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes area. This 13.6 km (8.45 miles) north-south route—officially the D210—connects Ornon to the notoriously tricky D219 Road near Villard-Notre-Dame, and it's absolutely not for the faint of heart. The northern section is smooth asphalt, but once you hit the southern portion, things get real with gravel sections that'll test your driving skills. What makes this pass truly legendary is its sheer intensity. We're talking nail-biting hairpin turns, narrow sections that'll make you hold your breath, and some seriously exposed drop-offs that remind you just how high up you are. The road even cranks up to a brutal 15.8% gradient at its steepest points. It's the kind of drive that demands respect, focus, and nerves of steel—but damn, it's unforgettable once you've conquered it. This is proper "balcony road" territory, where the scenery is as dramatic as the driving conditions. If you're chasing that authentic Alpine experience and you've got the skills to back it up, Col du Solude is calling your name.
moderateDriving the tricky 570 Road around the Snaefellsjökull glacier
🇮🇸 Iceland
Get ready for a wild ride on Route 570 (Jökulshálsvegur) in western Iceland! This isn't your average Sunday drive; it's an off-road adventure across the western edge of the Snæfellsnes peninsula, and you'll definitely need a 4x4 to tackle it. Hidden inside Snæfellsjökull National Park, this road is seriously steep and the surface is covered in loose gravel. Expect potholes, blind turns, and surprise hills that will keep you on your toes. Seriously, you NEED a high-clearance, four-wheel-drive vehicle for this one. The road can be pretty rough, with plenty of big rocks to navigate. And if the clouds are low, you might find yourself driving right through them! But the views! You'll be surrounded by an almost lunar landscape that's as bumpy as it is beautiful. Don't expect to see many other cars out here – it's a pretty secluded route. So, it’s best not to travel alone. Even though Route 570 has been improved, it still feels like an F-road adventure. Google Maps might even still mark it as F570. You won't have to ford any rivers, but remember this is a mountain road, and snow can linger for a long time. This 18.3km (11.37 miles) stretch connects Arnarstapi (or Stapi) on the south side of the peninsula to Ólafsvík on the north side, running between Faxaflói bay and Breiðafjörður fjord. The views are insane, especially of Snæfellsjökull, the 700,000-year-old glacier-topped volcano. Lava is everywhere, in every shape and texture. You’ll feel like you’ve landed on another planet! As one of Iceland's highest roads, topping out at 658m (2,158ft), it usually only opens during the summer months (late June to early September). This one's not for the faint of heart if you're afraid of heights, but once you reach the top, the panoramic views of the entire Snæfellsnes peninsula are absolutely worth it.
easyHow long is P111 road from Liepaja to Ventspils?
🌍 Latvia
Cruising the P111 on Latvia's west coast is a must-do if you're anywhere near the Baltic Sea! This paved beauty stretches for about 97.5 km (60-ish miles) from Liepāja (that cool coastal city known for its awesome beach) up to Ventspils, nestled on the Venta River. Seriously, carve out an hour and a half for this drive, maybe a little more if you're the type to stop and soak it all in. Speaking of which, the P111 is basically a front-row seat to some seriously stunning scenery. Think dramatic Baltic Sea views, windswept sand dunes, and a rugged coastline that'll make you want to ditch your shoes and go exploring. You'll also roll through serene countryside, with lush forests adding a touch of magic to the mix. If you're a beach bum or just someone who appreciates a wild, untamed landscape, this road is calling your name!
hardMontcaubó
🇪🇸 Spain
# Montcaubó: A Thrilling High-Altitude Adventure Nestled in the rugged Pallars Sobirà region of Catalonia, Spain, Montcaubó stands tall at 2,293 meters (7,522 feet) above sea level. This isn't your typical Sunday drive—it's a genuine mountain expedition. The route to the summit is decidedly raw and unpolished: think gravel, rocks, and plenty of bumpy stretches that'll keep you gripping the wheel. You'll need a sturdy 4x4 vehicle for this one, as the trail climbs steeply upward without mercy. Fair warning: this road is typically only accessible during the summer months (roughly July to September), with snow and harsh conditions blocking access the rest of the year. Once you reach the top, you'll spot communication towers punctuating the windswept summit—a reminder that humans have made their mark on this wild peak. But really, the reward is the journey itself and the raw, untamed landscape that surrounds you at nearly 7,500 feet above the world below.