Is the road to Colle di Chavannes unpaved?
Italy, europe
12.2 km
2,608 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, picture this: You're in the Valle d’Aosta region of Italy, ready for an adventure. You're about to tackle Colle di Chavannes, one of Italy's highest roads, clocking in at 2,608m (8,556ft)!
Forget smooth asphalt; this is a proper old-school military road – unpaved, narrow, and seriously steep. We're talking about a 12.2 km (7.58 miles) climb from Strada Statale 26 della Valle d'Aosta (SS26), gaining a whopping 1,003 meters in elevation. That’s an average gradient of 8.22%, so get ready for a workout!
But trust me, it's worth it. As you grind your way up, keep an eye out for the old military fortifications carved right into the mountainside. And the summit? Oh. My. Goodness. Prepare for jaw-dropping, panoramic views stretching from the Col de la Seigne to the entire Mont Blanc massif. Seriously, this is Alpine scenery at its finest. Just remember, this isn't a Sunday drive – come prepared for a rugged, unforgettable experience!
Road Details
- Country
- Italy
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 12.2 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,608 m
- Difficulty
- hard
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