
How to Drive the Scenic Road D914 Through the Cote Vermeille?
France, europe
19.5 km
105 m
hard
Year-round
The D914, nicknamed Route d'Espagne, is an absolute dream for coastal road lovers. This scenic 19.5km stretch winds through the stunning Côte Vermeille in Occitania, right near the Spanish border in southeastern France.
The entire route is perfectly paved and well-maintained, so you won't have to worry about road conditions—just sit back and soak in the views. Fair warning though: summer traffic can get pretty hectic, so plan your drive for shoulder seasons if you can. The road gently climbs over two passes, Coll de les Fresses (105m) and Coll dels Belitres (166m), nothing too intense.
Here's where it really shines: Mediterranean panoramas at nearly every turn. Expect postcard-worthy vistas of sparkling turquoise waters, hidden coves, tiny beaches, and scenic bays that'll have you itching to pull over for photos—which you should definitely do. The drive runs north-south from the Spanish border all the way to Port-Vendres, a charming working fishing village that feels authentically Mediterranean.
One heads-up: strong winds can occasionally close the road, so check conditions before you head out. But when conditions are good, this is honestly one of those drives that reminds you why road trips exist. Pack your camera and plan to linger.
Where is it?
How to Drive the Scenic Road D914 Through the Cote Vermeille? is located in France (europe). Coordinates: 45.8676, 2.8073
Road Details
- Country
- France
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 19.5 km
- Max Elevation
- 105 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 45.8676, 2.8073
Related Roads in europe
moderateRio-Antirrio bridge is an engineering marvel on the Gulf of Corinth
🇬🇷 Greece
# The Rio-Antirrio Bridge: Greece's Engineering Wonder Spanning the stunning Gulf of Corinth is one of the world's most impressive bridges—the Rio-Antirrio Bridge, officially named after 19th-century Greek prime minister Charilaos Trikoupis. At 2,880 meters long, this cable-stayed marvel connects the Peloponnese town of Rio to Antirrio on the mainland and holds the title of the world's longest cable-stayed bridge with a suspended deck. When it opened in August 2004, it was immediately hailed as an architectural masterpiece. And for good reason—this bridge had to overcome some seriously challenging conditions. The Corinth Gulf sits in one of Europe's most seismically active zones, perched right above one of the world's fastest-opening geological rift zones. Yet engineers designed it to withstand earthquakes up to magnitude 7 on the Richter scale, winds exceeding 250 kilometers per hour, and even the impact of a 180,000-tonne tanker moving at full speed. Building here meant tackling some unique obstacles: incredibly deep water (65 meters), unstable foundation materials, powerful winds, constant seismic activity, tsunami risk, and ongoing tectonic movement. But the engineering team pulled it off with innovative solutions that make this bridge one of the most spectacular in the world. Today, the smooth asphalt road carries European Route 65, offering drivers a spectacular crossing between the two regions. It's a stunning drive that showcases human ingenuity at its finest.
moderateA wild road to Refuge Grand Tournalin
🇮🇹 Italy
# Refuge Grand Tournalin: Alpine Adventure at 8,316 Feet Tucked away in the stunning Pennine Alps of Italy's Aosta Valley, the Refuge Grand Tournalin sits pretty at a seriously impressive 2,535 meters (8,316 feet) above sea level. Yep, it's genuinely one of Italy's highest mountain roads – no exaggeration needed. This charming three-story stone and copper building has been welcoming mountain lovers since 1994, when the Becquet family built it in the grassy Alpe Tournalin Superior basin. It's got 45 cozy beds for those looking to experience true alpine hospitality in the heart of the Pennine Alps, that dramatic western section of the Alps that'll make your jaw drop. Getting here? You'll need a sturdy 4WD vehicle, because the road is pure gravel all the way up – definitely not your typical Sunday drive. The trade-off? Absolutely jaw-dropping mountain scenery that makes every bump in the road worth it. Keep in mind though: this is a seasonal spot, typically only open during a few weeks in summer, so you'll want to plan ahead and check before you head out. If you're after that genuine high-altitude mountain experience with a side of spectacular views, this is the real deal.
extremeIs Chike-Taman Pass paved?
🌍 Russia
Okay, buckle up, adventure awaits! Chike-Taman Pass sits high up in the mountains, way above sea level. Good news – the road is fully paved! It’s part of the main highway connecting major hubs in the area. Back in the day, this route was a real beast, especially in winter and spring. It was basically a single-lane track of crushed stone where you had to honk around blind corners! Thankfully, a new road was built. You can still see bits of the old road as you drive. The modern road is a winding ribbon carved into granite cliffs, with hairpin turns galore! The whole pass stretches for about 19.7 km (12.24 miles), but those inclines can be brutal – we're talking gradients of up to 13.7% in places! It feels even higher than it is, trust me. Hold on tight, because the views are incredible. Think towering peaks and sheer drops that will leave you breathless. Just watch out for landslides, especially after heavy rain or tremors.
hardHow to get by car to Old Tragjas, the Abandoned Village Destroyed by Bombs
🇦🇱 Albania
Okay, picture this: you're in Albania, about 25km from Vlora, heading to a ghost village called Tragjasi i Vjetër. This isn't your average Sunday drive, folks! The road? Let's just say "unpaved" is an understatement. We're talking rugged, narrow, and definitely not for the faint of heart (or your motorhome). A higher-clearance car is your best bet for this adventure. The road kicks off from the new Tragjas village and stretches for about 5.1 km (3.16 miles), climbing 263 meters. That's an average gradient of 5.15%, so buckle up for a climb. The scenery, though? Totally worth it. Think jaw-dropping vistas and panoramic views. You'll wind your way up to the Pass of the Tombs – a spot named for the ancient tombs scattered around. This shaped hill offers insane views of Orikum and the coastline. Tragjasi i Vjetër is an old village in ruins located in Vlorë County, Albania. It's structurally dangerous and you should proceed with caution. The town was bombed in 1943 because of partisan sympathies. This place oozes history and the architectural remnants are seriously cool. If you're into exploring ruins and soaking up some seriously epic scenery, Tragjasi i Vjetër needs to be on your radar!