Is Col du Grand Ballon paved?
France, europe
28.7 km
1,343 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through the Grand Est region of France, specifically the Haut-Rhin department, and you decide to tackle the Col du Grand Ballon. This fully paved pass, also known as D431G and part of the famous Route des Crêtes, sits pretty at 1,343m (4,406ft) above sea level in the Vosges Mountains.
The road has an interesting story, originally built during WWI to move troops quickly, hugging the western side of the mountain to avoid those pesky German artillery shells.
The whole shebang runs for 28.7 km (17.83 miles) between Cernay in the south and the Le Markstein ski resort up north. Once you hit the top, you're rewarded with a parking lot, hotel, restaurants, and some seriously epic views. The road’s in great shape, though it can get a bit busy.
But hold on tight, because this isn't a casual Sunday drive! Some sections of the climb get pretty steep, with gradients hitting up to 10.7%. Expect lots of hairpin turns, constant changes in gradient, and the occasional cobblestone corner that can get a little slick when wet. Oh, and did I mention the Tour de France has raced here? Get ready for an unforgettable ride!
Road Details
- Country
- France
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 28.7 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,343 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in europe
hardÇakırbaba Geçidi
🇹🇷 Turkey
Okay, buckle up, because Çakırbaba Geçidi in eastern Turkey is calling your name! This insane mountain pass in Erzurum Province hits a sky-high 2,407 meters (that's nearly 7,900 feet!). The road itself is paved, winding between the towns of Sındıran and Sırbasan. Be warned, though, this climb is seriously steep! Picture-perfect views come standard, but so do some potential challenges. Winter storms can make things pretty dicey up here, so check the forecast. If you're not super comfortable with mountain driving, especially at night or when visibility is low, maybe skip this one. But hey, at the top, you'll find a cool memorial waiting for you after that epic drive. Get ready for an adventure!
moderateAn Unforgettable Drive to Lac d’Emosson in the Swiss Alps
🇨🇭 Switzerland
# Lac d'Emosson: A High-Alpine Hidden Gem Nestled in the Swiss Alps near the French border, Lac d'Emosson sits pretty at 1,970m (6,463ft) elevation in the canton of Valais. This stunning high-mountain reservoir is a seriously underrated driving destination. The paved road to the lake stretches just 6.2 km (3.85 miles) from the village of Finhaut, climbing a respectable 576 meters with an average gradient of 9.29%. Sure, you'll hit some steep pitches up to 16%, and the switchbacks near the top will keep you engaged, but here's the thing—the road is blissfully quiet. Traffic is minimal, which means you can actually enjoy the unbelievable views of Mont Blanc as you wind your way up. Built back in 1925, this road has serious character. As you climb, you'll notice the scenery getting progressively more spectacular. The road typically opens from late May through October or early November, depending on snow conditions. Once you reach the top, you'll find a charming restaurant, a little chapel (Chapelle Notre-Dame-des-neiges de La Gueulaz), and a parking area. If you're feeling adventurous, you can continue on foot to Lac du Vieux Emosson, an even higher dam at 2,205m, built in 1955. Pro tip: If you'd rather skip the driving entirely, check out the Barberine Railway—a jaw-dropping funicular built in 1920 with an 87% gradient. It's literally the world's steepest two-carriage funicular. The road to Emosson even hosted a Tour de France mountain finish, which tells you everything you need to know about its credentials.
hardCamino Llano de Tauce: Ultimate 4wd destination
🇪🇸 Spain
# Camino Llano de Tauce: La Palma's Hidden Mountain Gem Looking for something truly off the beaten path? The Camino Llano de Tauce on La Palma in Spain's Canary Islands is exactly what you need. This unpaved track is a 12.2 km adventure that'll take your 4x4 to its limits—and honestly, it's worth every bump. Stretching north-south from LP-109 to LP-4 Road, this route climbs to a heart-stopping 2,280 meters above sea level. That might sound intense (because it is), but the views? Absolutely worth it. The landscape here is otherworldly—think volcanic slopes so barren and dramatic they look like the moon's surface. You'll rarely see other vehicles, which somehow makes the whole experience feel even more isolated and incredible. Fair warning: this isn't a leisurely cruise. With 27 hairpin turns and an average gradient of 11.23%, you'll gain 1,371 meters over those 12.2 km. Some sections are genuinely steep, so respect the road and take your time. The trade winds sweep through most of the year, adding another element to contend with. The upside? You'll reach Refugio Gallegos, a mountain hut that serves as a perfect waypoint and reward for making it this far. Come prepared, bring a capable vehicle, and get ready for one of La Palma's most spectacular—and least crowded—mountain experiences.
moderateWhere is Collado de Llesba?
🇪🇸 Spain
Hey fellow adventurers! Let me tell you about Collado de Llesba, a sweet little mountain pass perched at 1,682m (5,518ft) in western Cantabria, Spain, practically hugging the border with Castile and León. What makes this spot special? Picture this: you're in the Picos de Europa, surrounded by stunning mountain views, standing at the Mirador del Oso (Bear Viewpoint). Seriously breathtaking. The road up? It's a quick jaunt – just 1.8 km (a little over a mile) from the Glorio pass. The road is paved (concrete at first), but hold on, it's narrow! You’ll climb 71 meters at an average gradient of around 4%. Heads up: the road can feel a bit wild near the top. It's narrow, and there's a drop-off on the right with nothing to stop you! But is it worth it? Absolutely! The panoramic views of the Picos de Europa are incredible. Plus, there's that famous bear statue – the Monumento al Oso Pardo. For hikers and climbers, this is your playground! Several trails start here, including the ascent to Coriscao peak (2234 m). From there, you’ll score some of the best views of the Picos de Europa and the Cantabrian mountains in Cantabria, Asturias, León, and Palencia. Trust me, this is a view you won't want to miss!