How long is Tunnel du Mont-Blanc?
Italy, europe
11.611 km
9 m
hard
Year-round
The Tunnel du Mont-Blanc is a wild ride straight through the heart of the Alps, connecting France and Italy beneath the majestic Mont Blanc. This isn't just any shortcut; it's a 7.2-mile (11.6 km) stretch of engineering marvel, linking Chamonix, France, with Courmayeur, Italy.
Driving through the tunnel is a unique experience. It's fully paved, but be warned – it's a long, enclosed space, so maybe not ideal if you're claustrophobic. You'll need to pay a toll to use it, and keep an eye on your speedometer, as the limits are 50 km/h minimum and 70 km/h maximum. The tunnel is a single bore with two-way traffic, so stay alert. The elevation shifts, starting at 1,274 meters (4,180 feet) on the French side, peaking at 1,395.5 meters (4,578 feet) in the middle, and descending to 1,381 meters (4,531 feet) on the Italian side.
The tunnel has a checkered past, with a tragic fire in 1999 that led to major safety upgrades. Now, it boasts state-of-the-art ventilation, fire suppression, and emergency shelters, making it one of the safest tunnels around.
Road Details
- Country
- Italy
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 11.611 km
- Max Elevation
- 9 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in europe
hardWhere is Valles Pass?
🇮🇹 Italy
Okay, buckle up, road trip lovers! Let's talk Valles Pass, perched high in the breathtaking Dolomites of northeastern Italy. Seriously, the scenery here is next-level gorgeous! You'll find this beauty straddling the border, with a little unpaved side trip heading north to even higher ground at 2,225m. This road, Strada Provinciale 81 (SP81), has some history, too – it was originally built to supply fortifications during the war. Clocking in at roughly, it stretches from Paneveggio (Trentino) in the west to Pie' Falcade (Belluno) in the east. Be ready for some climbing! On one side you'll climb with a steep gradient and on the other side you will do the same. Get ready for an unforgettable drive!
moderateA666 is The Devil's Road in England
🇬🇧 England
Okay, buckle up for a wild ride on the A666 in Greater Manchester and Lancashire, England! This 25.9-mile (41.7 km) stretch of pavement, snaking from Pendlebury to Langho, has picked up some seriously spooky nicknames: The Devil's Highway and The Devil's Road. You'll also see it called Manchester Road, Bolton Road, or Blackburn Road, depending on where you are. Now, why the devilish moniker? Well, "666" isn't exactly known for sunshine and rainbows. The road also has a reputation for accidents, especially up on the moors between Egerton and Darwen, which has led some to believe this route might be cursed! If that wasn't enough, it's supposedly one of the most haunted roads in the UK! Keep your eyes peeled, because drivers have reported some seriously creepy stuff, like shadowy figures that materialize out of thin air on the West Pennine Moors. Whether you're a thrill-seeker or just looking for a unique drive, the A666 is sure to leave an impression.
hardHow to drive through Gorges de l'Ardèche?
🇫🇷 France
Ready for a road trip through the "Grand Canyon of France?" Head to the Ardèche department in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, where you'll find the Gorges de l'Ardèche. This is one of those classic "balcony roads" you hear about. The D290, also known as the Route des Gorges, is your path. It's paved, but be warned if you're not a fan of heights! This 49.3 km (30.63 miles) stretch winds along the canyon rim inside the Natural Reserve of the Ardèche Gorges, offering incredible views of limestone cliffs that plunge down as far as 300 meters. You'll cruise from Vallon-Pont-d'Arc to Saint-Just-d'Ardèche, passing alluvial deposits, grottoes, caves, and canyons. Give yourself a full day, especially if you want to stop at all 11 viewpoints. This area is a major draw, so start early to dodge the crowds. Parking can be tight, and watch out for potential rock slides – stick to those designated tourist spots! Locals call it the "European Grand Canyon" for good reason, and with over a million visitors a year, you know the scenery is worth it. This is an important historical and archaeological site!
hardThe steep road to Kjeåsen, the world’s most inaccessible farm
🇳🇴 Norway
# Kjeåsen: Norway's Most Remote (and Epic) Mountain Farm Perched like an eagle's nest 600 meters (1,969 feet) above the stunning Simadalsfjorden in Eidfjord, Hordaland county, Kjeåsen is basically the definition of "middle of nowhere" — and we mean that as the highest compliment. This legendary mountain farm has been clinging to its clifftop home since around 1650, and honestly, the isolation is part of its charm. Getting there is half the adventure. The fully paved 5.3km (3.29 miles) road was only built in 1975 to support hydroelectric projects, and it's earned the nickname "the world's most expensive farm road" for good reason. Trust us, this isn't your average country drive. The route is seriously intense: a narrow, winding single-lane road that climbs with gradients up to 30% as it snakes through towering pines and misty mountain air. But here's the wild part — about 2.8km of the journey cuts straight through a hand-carved tunnel with zero lighting. Yep, you're relying entirely on your headlights to navigate through total darkness. Plus, it's one-way only, with traffic coordinated on the hour going up and every half hour coming down, so you might need to hang tight and wait your turn. Fair warning: the tunnel's off-limits for pedestrians and cyclists, and if you're heading up, aim to arrive by 5 pm to respect the residents' peace. It's quirky, it's intense, and it's absolutely unforgettable.