Les Mandettes

Les Mandettes

France, europe

Length

4.8 km

Elevation

2.501 m

Difficulty

hard

Best Season

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!

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Road Details

Country
France
Continent
europe
Length
4.8 km
Max Elevation
2.501 m
Difficulty
hard

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