Is the road to Col du Chaussy paved?
France, europe
3 km
1,533 m
hard
Year-round
Get ready for the Col du Chaussy, a wicked mountain pass in the French Alps! Located in the Savoie department, this road hits a summit of 1,533m (5,029ft). The real kicker? The legendary "Lacets de Montvernier" at the start. This 3 km stretch is insane, with 17 hairpin turns practically glued to a cliff face!
Yep, the entire road, known as D77B, is paved, but don't think it's a smooth ride. Those seventeen hairpins are stacked super close together, climbing steeply. Built way back in 1934, Col du Chaussy is famous for these unbelievable bends, a true feat of engineering. But it's not just about the hairpins; you'll climb over 1000 meters overall!
This road is narrow! Remember, uphill traffic has priority. If you need to reverse, the more maneuverable vehicle yields. On the way up, stick to 3rd or 4th gear, and use engine braking on the descent, especially before tight turns. You'll drop 400 meters in just 3 miles on those corners! Pre-trip brake checks are essential.
The initial bendy section is concentrated in a 2.5km stretch, so you will be turning constantly! After the hairpins, the road winds through alpine fields, with a stunning cliffside section near the top. The slope evens out to about 7-8% as you pass through villages like Le Noirey, Montbrunal, and Montpascal. The last few kilometers to the summit aren’t in great condition.
Starting in La Chambre or Pontamafrey, the climb is around 14 km with an average gradient of 7.4%.
This drive is also super scenic! If you look up from the road, you might spot the ruins of an old castle. It took six years (1928-1934) to conquer that 400-meter ascent.
Cyclists will find this a real challenge. The upper section runs through villages and offers views of the Belledonne Mountains.
This is one of France's most famous balcony roads. It's not for the faint of heart, with little room for error on those cliff edges. This is a must-drive for any road trip enthusiast!
Road Details
- Country
- France
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 3 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,533 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in europe
hardGroßer Oscheniksee is a brutal climb (20%) in Austria
🇦🇹 Austria
# Großer Oscheniksee: A Legendary Alpine Challenge Perched at a breathtaking 2,390m (7,841ft) in Carinthia's stunning Fragant Valley, the Großer Oscheniksee reservoir is calling your name—if you're brave enough to answer. This isn't just any mountain pass. Built solely to service the reservoir, this fully paved road is an absolute beast. We're talking about 39 wickedly sharp hairpin turns crammed into just 8.5km (5.28 miles) of climbing. The gradient hits a punishing 20% in sections, with an average grade of 13.01%—making this one seriously steep ascent. Fair warning: if you get queasy on winding roads, you might want to think twice. Starting from the tiny village of Innerfragant, you'll gain a massive 1,106 meters in elevation over those 8.5 kilometers. The road itself is narrow and totally paved, which is good news for traction but keeps things feeling intense as you navigate those endless hairpins. Here's the catch: access is currently blocked by a barrier, and the road only opens seasonally from early May through the end of September due to snow. That limited window actually works in your favor—it means this legendary climb stays wild and relatively uncrowded. Want to test yourself on one of the Alps' toughest climbs? This is it.
hardKurubaş Geçidi
🇹🇷 Turkey
Okay, buckle up for the Kurubaş Geçidi! This awesome mountain pass sits way up high in eastern Turkey's Van Province, clocking in at a cool 7,335 feet above sea level. The good news? It's paved, so no need for a monster truck. You'll find it winding between Van and Gürpınar. But hold on tight — it's a pretty intense climb with some seriously tight hairpin turns. Word to the wise: keep an eye on the weather, as it can get hit with some nasty winter storms. While you're in the area, be sure to check out Topuzdüzü Tepesi for an ultimate 4WD experience, or embark on a wild adventure to Tobamızga Lake!
hardWhen was Orchilla Lighthouse built?
🇪🇸 Spain
Okay, adventurers, picture this: you're on El Hierro, the tiniest Canary Island, heading to its southwestern tip – the edge of Spain itself! Your destination? The iconic Orchilla Lighthouse, a beacon built back in the day using stones hauled from Frontera. This beauty sits right on the old prime meridian line, which is pretty cool if you're a history buff. Getting there is half the fun, though! The road, known as HI-14, is a wild mix of pavement and dirt, twisting and turning like a rollercoaster. It’s only 13.4 km, but don't let the short distance fool you. Starting from the tricky intersection of HI-500 and HI-14, it's a white-knuckle ride all the way to the small pier near the lighthouse. We're talking hairpin turns, serious drop-offs, and views that'll make you forget your fear of heights... almost! Word on the street is that some locals won't even attempt this drive, so that should give you an idea of what you're in for. But trust me, it's worth it. Once you reach the lighthouse, take a deep breath and soak it all in. The solitude, the crashing waves, and at night? Forget about it! The stargazing here is out of this world, with constellations galore in a sky free from light pollution. And don't miss the old pier - a quiet reminder of when this remote spot was buzzing with ships from all over.
hardRefuge du Grand Plan
🇫🇷 France
Okay, adventurers, listen up! I've got a spot for you that'll blow your mind – the Refuge du Grand Plan in the French Alps. We're talking Savoie, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, right in the heart of Vanoise National Park. This isn't your Sunday drive, folks. The road to the refuge, perched at a cool 2,310 meters (7,578 feet), is a rough-and-tumble gravel track. Expect rocks, bumps, and a whole lot of "hold on tight!" This trail is definitely for experienced off-roaders only, so if unpaved mountain roads aren't your thing, maybe skip this one. 4x4 is a must. It's usually closed from October to June, so plan accordingly. Be warned: this road is STEEP. And if you're not a fan of heights, well, let's just say the views might come with a side of vertigo. Rainy weather turns the road into a muddy mess, so be prepared for some seriously challenging driving. But, oh man, the views are WORTH IT. Just imagine: crisp mountain air, stunning alpine scenery, and the satisfaction of conquering one seriously epic road.