Les Grandes Platières

Les Grandes Platières

France, europe

Length

N/A

Elevation

2,473 m

Difficulty

hard

Best Season

Year-round

# Les Grandes Platières

Nestled in the Haute-Savoie department of the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region in southeastern France, Les Grandes Platières is a high mountain pass sitting pretty at 2,473m (8,113ft) above sea level.

Fair warning: this isn't your typical Sunday drive. The road is basically a gravel service route—rocky, tippy, and bumpy in all the right (or wrong?) ways. You'll want serious off-road chops and a decent 4x4 to tackle this beast. Winter? Forget about it—this pass is completely impassable once the snow rolls in.

The climb is genuinely steep, so if you're not comfortable with unpaved mountain roads or get queasy around heights, this one's not for you. When conditions are wet, the muddy sections become properly challenging driving, especially as you push toward the ski slopes at the summit. But here's the payoff: once you've conquered the twists and turns, there's a restaurant waiting to celebrate your victory.

Bottom line? If you've got the skills, the guts, and a well-equipped vehicle, Les Grandes Platières offers an exhilarating high-altitude adventure with serious bragging rights.

Where is it?

Les Grandes Platières is located in France (europe). Coordinates: 47.3670, 2.2173

Share this road

Road Details

Country
France
Continent
europe
Max Elevation
2,473 m
Difficulty
hard
Coordinates
47.3670, 2.2173

Related Roads in europe

How to drive to Colle della Ciabra in Piedmont?extreme

How to drive to Colle della Ciabra in Piedmont?

🇮🇹 Italy

Colle della Ciabra is a high mountain pass sitting at 1,712m (5,616ft) in the Province of Cuneo, tucked into Piedmont's stunning landscape. This isn't your typical Alpine crossing—it's a lonely, grueling beast of a climb that marks the eastern entrance to the high alpine ridges. Nestled between the Varaita and Maira valleys in the Cottian Alps, the pass plays a starring role on the legendary Strada dei Cannoni (Varaita-Maira-Kammstraße). Once you summit, you're rewarded with sweeping views across the Piedmontese plains and the dramatic peaks surrounding you. Here's the real talk: yes, it's technically asphalt, but don't expect smooth sailing. The road surface is thin, weathered, and relentlessly bumpy—prepare for a serious bone-shaking ride whether you're behind the wheel or on your bike. Coming up from Brossasco in the Varaita Valley is the most popular (and genuinely punishing) approach. If you're craving solitude and authentic, no-frills mountain roads, Ciabra is absolutely calling your name. Unlike the Instagram-famous Alpine passes packed with tour buses, this one delivers pure wilderness vibes. For cyclists and off-road enthusiasts, it's the ultimate gateway—that final threshold before you transition into the high-altitude gravel world where military roads take over. This is mountain biking and driving in its rawest form.

The Wild Road to Col de Jou in the Pyreneeshard

The Wild Road to Col de Jou in the Pyrenees

🇫🇷 France

Col de Jou is a mountain pass in the Pyrénées-Orientales department of southern France, sitting at 1,125 meters (3,690 feet) above sea level. It's tucked away in the Occitania region, and there's a convenient parking lot right near the summit if you need a breather. Here's the thing about Route de Mariailles—it's technically paved, but honestly, it looks like it's barely made it past the unpaved stage. This isn't a road for the faint of heart. We're talking seriously narrow, switchback-laden terrain that'll test your nerve and your steering wheel skills. If tight mountain roads make you sweat, you might want to give this one a pass. Starting from Casteil, you're looking at a 3.7-kilometer (2.3-mile) climb with 323 meters of elevation gain. That works out to an average gradient of about 8.7%—steep enough to feel it in your legs if you're cycling, or in your engine if you're driving. The combination of the narrow road, crappy pavement, and serious incline makes this a proper adventure. It's the kind of drive that's exhilarating once you've conquered it, but definitely not one to tackle on autopilot.

Godovic Pass is a classic road trip in Sloveniahard

Godovic Pass is a classic road trip in Slovenia

🌍 Slovenia

Okay, picture this: you're cruising through Slovenia's Inner Carniola region, right where the Slovenian Prealps meet the Dinaric Alps. You're heading for Godovič Pass, sitting pretty at 850 meters (2,789 feet). The road here? Immaculate. Seriously, smooth sailing on Road n° 207. Don't get too comfy though, because this isn't just any scenic drive. Over 16 kilometers (10 miles) from Col to Godovič, you'll be tackling seven seriously tight hairpin turns! And get this: near the top, you can explore the Bunker Alpskega zidu, a WWII-era fortress. How cool is that? History and hairpin turns all in one trip. Get ready for some views – this road's a total winner!

Bellevardehard

Bellevarde

🇫🇷 France

# Bellevarde: A Thrilling Alpine Adventure Ready for some serious mountain driving? Bellevarde stands tall at 2,783 meters (9,130 feet) in the heart of the French Alps, nestled within the stunning Savoie department. This isn't just any peak – it's one of France's highest drivable roads, and honestly, it's incredible. The road itself? Think gravel, rocks, and plenty of bumpy surprises. You'll be navigating a pretty steep climb on unpaved terrain that demands respect and real off-road skills. If mountain roads make you nervous or you're not comfortable with heights, this one's probably not for you. Wet weather turns the whole thing into a muddy, slippery challenge, so timing is everything. The drive is only possible from July through September – winter and spring snow close it down completely. Once you reach the summit, you'll find a communication tower and, more importantly, absolutely breathtaking panoramic views of Parc National de la Vanoise and the surrounding landscape that'll make every bump worth it. This is definitely a road for experienced drivers who love a challenge. If you've got the skills and the nerve, Bellevarde offers one of those unforgettable Alpine experiences that'll stay with you long after you've descended.