Les Mandettes
France, europe
4.8 km
2.501 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, picture this: the French Alps, you, and a gravel road called Les Mandettes. This isn't just any road; it's a wild 4.8km ride that connects the D1091 and D902 via eleven hairpin turns!
Get ready for a serious workout because this climb is brutal. We're talking an average gradient of 11.06% as you ascend 531 meters. You'll finish at a breathtaking 2,501m above sea level. Word to the wise: the northern section is off-limits to cars, so keep that in mind.
And PLEASE, only tackle this beast when it's dry. Trust me, altitude and unpredictable weather are always lurking, no matter the season. But, if you're up for the challenge, the views are totally worth it!
Road Details
- Country
- France
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 4.8 km
- Max Elevation
- 2.501 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in europe
easyTaking on the Twists and Turns of Défilé de l'Inzecca
🇫🇷 France
Okay, picture this: Corsica, the Haute-Corse region to be exact. You're carving your way through the Défilé de l'Inzecca, a ridiculously scenic canyon sculpted by the Inzecca River. This isn't some off-road adventure; it's all smooth sailing on the D344. This gem of a road winds for about 26 kilometers (that’s around 16 miles for my American friends) between Ghisonaccia and Ghisoni, right in the heart of the island. You'll probably want to set aside about 35 minutes to soak it all in—though you *might* be tempted to stop and take a million photos. Word to the wise: this road can get pretty packed in the summer, and the rock walls means a high risk of rock slides. But the views? Totally worth it. Think classic Corsican rock faces, all sculpted by the elements and glowing reddish in the sun. Just remember, keep moving, and don't stop or park on the road. Trust me, you don't want to be *that* tourist.
hardWhere is Platigliole Pass?
🇮🇹 Italy
Okay, thrill-seekers, let's talk about Passo delle Platigliole, a seriously high-altitude pass in the Italian Alps! We're talking Sondrio province, up near the Swiss border. This isn't your average Sunday drive. This 1.93km (1.2-mile) stretch of road climbs up to a staggering 2,908m (9,540ft). You'll want a 4x4 for this one, trust me. Starting near Rifugio Piccolo Pirovano, just south of Bormio, this old military road winds its way up, with a couple of super steep sections (think 25% gradient!). Keep in mind, this is the Alps! Winter is harsh, so expect the road to be closed when the snow flies. But when it's open, the views are incredible, especially looking over the famous Stelvio Pass. The road climbs up to 3,018m (9,901 ft), where it ends where the snow, skiers, and glacier start. You'll find hotels nearby, making it a great base for exploring. Be prepared for varied conditions, from smooth sections to rocky climbs, but the views are SO worth it!
moderateWhere is Puerto de las Señales?
🇪🇸 Spain
Las Señales Pass in León, Spain, sits way up high at 1,629m (5,344ft)! This epic route, snaking through the Cantabrian Mountains, connects Asturias and Castilla y León. The road, known as LE-333, is totally paved, although the weather can take its toll in places. The pass runs for 14.4 km (8.94 miles) from Puebla de Lillo up to Puerto de Tarna, throwing in some serious climbs with gradients hitting almost 8%. It’s even been featured in the Vuelta a España! Typically, you can drive it year-round, but keep an eye on winter weather – closures aren't uncommon. Trust me, though, this drive is worth it! The scenery is unreal, especially near Picos de Europa National Park. Think lush flora, abundant fauna, and natural viewpoints for days. From the top, you can soak in the whole Cantabrian range. There are trails leading off into the forests and up to even higher viewpoints, including one that overlooks the Picos de Europa. Seriously stunning!
hardIs the road to Soğanlı Dagi Geçidi unpaved?
🇹🇷 Turkey
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! Deep in the heart of Turkey, straddling the Trabzon and Bayburt provinces, lies Soğanlı Dagi Geçidi, a mountain pass that'll take your breath away – literally. We're talking serious altitude here! This isn't your Sunday drive kind of road. It's completely unpaved and claws its way between Demirkapı and Yoncalı. If you're not a fan of narrow, winding mountain paths with stomach-churning drops, maybe skip this one. The road stretches a fair distance, connecting Demirkapı (Trabzon Province) with Yoncalı (Bayburt Province). Keep in mind, Mother Nature calls the shots here. This road is usually open only from June to the end of October, so plan your trip accordingly. But oh, the views! Near the summit, you'll find a gorgeous lake. Picture-perfect doesn't even begin to describe it. There's even a little bar nearby where you can soak it all in. And just north of the lake, the road continues its climb. Trust me, this journey is worth it for those views alone!