Les Tourniquets d'Astoin

Les Tourniquets d'Astoin

France, europe

Length

N/A

Elevation

1,084 m

Difficulty

extreme

Best Season

Year-round

Okay, thrill-seekers, buckle up for Les Tourniquets d'Astoin! This is a seriously twisty, steep climb located in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence in France. Imagine snaking your way up a narrow road, switchbacking through six seriously tight hairpin turns – locals even call it Les Six Tournants!

You'll gain some serious altitude, reaching 1,084 meters (3,556 feet) above sea level. The whole stretch is only about 550 meters long as you make your way from Bayons to Astoin on the D1 road. This road is so epic, it's actually featured as a stage in the legendary Monte Carlo Rally. Get ready for incredible views... and maybe a little bit of white-knuckle driving!

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Road Details

Country
France
Continent
europe
Max Elevation
1,084 m
Difficulty
extreme

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