Is the road to Col du Cenise paved?
France, europe
14.3 km
1,723 m
hard
Year-round
Looking for an off-the-beaten-path adventure in the French Alps? Col du Cenise, sitting pretty at 1,723m (5,652ft), might be your perfect escape! Nestled in the Haute-Savoie, it's a fantastic shortcut connecting the Arve and Borne valleys in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region.
This isn't your average Sunday drive, though. The 14.3 km (8.8 miles) route from Mont-Saxonnex to Glières-Val-de-Borne is a mixed bag. Think well-maintained gravel turning into a rocky challenge near the top! Most cars can handle the western approach to Chalet de Cenise, but beyond that, you'll definitely want a 4x4 to conquer the rugged middle section until you hit the sweet, sweet asphalt again near Parking des Frachets.
Expect classic mountain road vibes: hairpin turns, steep climbs, and a surface that keeps you on your toes. Summer's the best time to go—winter snow usually shuts things down. Keep an eye on your car's ground clearance before tackling the rocky bit. But trust me, the views are worth it!
Road Details
- Country
- France
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 14.3 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,723 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in europe
hardWhy is Cala Gonone famous?
🇮🇹 Italy
Okay, buckle up, road-trippers! If you're heading to the ridiculously gorgeous beach town of Cala Gonone on Sardinia's east coast, prepare for an adventure just getting there. This isn't your average Sunday drive. Think of it as a wild, winding 9.6 km (6 miles) of pure Italian driving madness. The road starts from the Strada Statale 125 and clings to the cliffs, giving you these crazy, panoramic views of the Golfo di Orosei. Seriously, have your camera ready! But hold on tight, because the last 2.4 km is where things get real. Starting near the Nuraghe Buca d’Irghiriai (a cool ancient site), the road pitches upward with an average gradient of 10%, but hitting a teeth-clenching 14% in spots! It climbs 245 meters from an elevation of 322m — so yeah, it’s steep. Expect some seriously tight hairpin turns and sections so narrow you'll be holding your breath. The road surface? Paved, but with concrete sections to keep things interesting. Basically, it's one of those roads that adds to Cala Gonone's charm — a little hard to get to, but SO worth it when you arrive. The untouched beauty and wild feel of Cala Gonone starts with this unforgettable drive.
moderateWhere is Brenner Pass?
🇦🇹 Austria
Okay, picture this: you're cruising along the Brenner Pass, straddling the border between Italy and Austria. This isn't just any drive; it's a historic route that's been connecting Northern Europe to the Italian Peninsula forever! We're talking about a fully paved, four-lane motorway (E45/A22/A13) that was originally built way back in the 1800s. It climbs to a lofty 1,370m (4,495ft) above sea level, linking Bolzano-South Tyrol in Italy with Innsbruck-Land in Austria. Be warned: this popular route can get pretty crowded. The pass stretches for about 49.1km (30.5 miles) from Sterzing, Italy, to Innsbruck, Austria. The road throws in some serious climbs, with gradients hitting up to 10.7% in places. But hey, the views are totally worth it! Since it’s the lowest of the Alpine passes around here, it's usually open year-round. Get ready for an epic drive!
hardSerra Sant'Antonio Pass
🇮🇹 Italy
# Passo Serra Sant'Antonio Ready for a mountain adventure? Passo Serra Sant'Antonio sits pretty at 1,602 meters (5,255 feet) right where Lazio and Abruzzo shake hands in central Italy. The route up is via Strada Provinciale 30, a fully paved road that keeps things interesting with some genuinely punchy climbs—we're talking grades up to 9.3% that'll definitely get your engine working. It's the kind of drive that rewards you with stunning Alpine scenery as you wind your way toward the summit, making every tight curve worth it.
moderateCollado la Gitana, a gravel mountainous track in southern Spain
🇪🇸 Spain
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through southern Spain, in the Granada province of Andalucia, heading towards a hidden gem called Collado la Gitana. This mountain pass sits way up high at 1,714 meters (that's 5,623 feet!), nestled within the stunning Sierra Nevada National Park. Now, fair warning: the road to the top is unpaved, so ditch the sports car and grab an SUV or all-road vehicle. I'd recommend hitting this spot from late spring to early fall, because winter brings snow to these winding mountain roads. Trust me, though, the views are SO worth it. You'll be treated to mind-blowing scenery of Mulhacén and Veleta's snowy peaks. Seriously, it's a photographer's dream! Just take it slow, enjoy the ride, and prepare to be amazed.