
Les Grandes Platières
France, europe
N/A
2,473 m
hard
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
Road Details
- Country
- France
- Continent
- europe
- Max Elevation
- 2,473 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 47.3670, 2.2173
Related Roads in europe
extremeWhere is Alt de Capolat?
🇪🇸 Spain
Alt de Capolat is a wild ride! Perched way up in Spain at 1,307m (4,288ft), get ready for some serious views and some serious driving. You'll find this beauty nestled in the Berguedà comarca of Catalonia, northeast Spain. The buzz around this pass started when cycling enthusiasts scouted it out for the Vuelta España, dreaming of epic climbs. The entire route is paved, thankfully, since it was originally built with just picks and shovels. The road winds through the stunning Congost de Malpás gorge, carved out by the Ora River—keep an eye out for a metal plaque commemorating the construction. Clocking in at 17.9 km (11.12 miles), the road goes from the C26 Road, west of L'Espunyola, up to the BV-4241 Road, past Túnel de Capolat. "Challenging" doesn't even begin to cover it. The road is grippy in spots, but watch out for loose gravel. And hold your breath—it's super narrow, barely wide enough for two regular cars to squeeze by. Speaking of challenging, the grades here are no joke, reaching a lung-busting 22%! They say one particular kilometer is among the most intense in Catalonia. Be prepared for sustained stretches of 14% with constant spikes to 18% and 20%.
moderateWhere is Port de Bales?
🇫🇷 France
Port de Balès sits high in the French Pyrenees, right on the border between the Hautes-Pyrénées and Haute-Garonne departments. This paved beauty stretches for 25.3 km (15.72 miles), connecting Bourg-d'Oueil to Mauléon-Barousse. Fair warning: this isn't a drive for the faint of heart. The D925 and D51D are narrow, with some seriously steep sections hitting a maximum gradient of 13.3%! Expect some thrilling drop-offs and a distinct lack of guardrails. You'll likely encounter little traffic, and there aren't any facilities at the summit, so pack accordingly. Be aware that winter snow often closes the pass for extended periods. But oh, the views! At the summit (1,760m or 5,774ft), you're rewarded with a breathtaking, broad panorama of the surrounding mountains, including the snow-capped Spanish peaks in the distance. It's a magnificent 360-degree vista well worth the challenging drive. This route is so epic it's even been featured in the Tour de France and Vuelta a España!
hardPortal do Inferno e Garra: Stay Away if You're Scared of Heights
🇵🇹 Portugal
# Portal do Inferno e Garra: A Heart-Pounding Mountain Drive in Portugal Ever heard of a viewpoint with a name that literally translates to "Hell's Portal"? Yeah, it lives up to the hype. Perched at 984 meters (3,228 feet) in the heart of Portugal's Gralheira Massif, Portal do Inferno sits right on the border between the Viseu and Aveiro districts. It's nestled in the stunning Arada Mountains in the country's Central Inland region—and trust us, the views are absolutely worth the white-knuckle ride to get there. The Estrada do Portal do Inferno is a 7.5 km (4.66 miles) stretch of pure adrenaline that connects CM1123 to EM567. While it's fully paved (thank goodness), this road is *not* for the faint of heart. We're talking gradients that hit 11% in some sections, a ribbon-thin width in many spots, and four absolutely brutal hairpin turns that'll have your hands gripping the steering wheel. If you're even slightly squeamish about heights, you'll want to keep your eyes locked on the asphalt ahead. But here's the thing—those intense grades that make your palms sweat? They're exactly what make this one of Portugal's most dramatic mountain roads. The Serra da Arada unfolds beneath you with each hairpin, creating a drive that's genuinely spectacular. This is the kind of road that adrenaline junkies and seasoned drivers dream about.
moderateHow to get by car to Güldağı Tepe?
🇹🇷 Turkey
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! If you find yourself cruising around the Black Sea region of Turkey, and you're itching for a real off-the-beaten-path experience, then Güldağı Tepe is calling your name. This high mountain pass tops out at a staggering 2,834 meters (that's 9,297 feet!), so get ready for some serious altitude. Now, let's be real: this isn't your average scenic route. We're talking gravel, rocks, and a whole lot of bumpy, tippy terrain. Oh, and did I mention the *serious* drop-offs? Yeah, you'll want to keep your eyes on the road – and maybe say a little prayer. A 4x4 isn't just recommended; it's essential. Plus, Mother Nature usually shuts this baby down from October to June, so plan accordingly. But hey, if you're up for the challenge, the views are absolutely worth it! And if you're feeling extra adventurous, you can also check out Yaylasuyu Gecidi, a paved road nearby leading even deeper into the mountains. So, pack your sense of adventure, buckle up, and get ready for a ride you won't soon forget!