Navigating the Road to Col d'Espreaux: Twists and Turns in the Alps
France, europe
13 km
1,160 m
hard
Year-round
Col d'Espréaux is a high mountain pass sitting at 1,160 meters (3,805 feet) in the Hautes-Alpes department of southeastern France. This scenic route connects the Buëch and Durance valleys in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region.
The 13-kilometer (8-mile) D20 road runs north-south from Châteauneuf-d'Oze to Barcillonnette, and while it's fully paved, don't let that fool you. Loose gravel scattered across the surface can catch you off guard, especially when you're braking on the descents. Add in the steep grades—hitting a maximum of 9.1%—plus narrow winding sections, and you've got yourself a legitimate mountain driving challenge.
If the name sounds familiar, that's because serious rally enthusiasts will recognize it immediately. Col d'Espréaux has made appearances in the Tour de France and has been a key waypoint in the legendary Monte-Carlo Historic Rally. For those competitors, it's often paired with the neighboring Col de Faye as part of a demanding special stage that really tests your driving skills.
Where is it?
Navigating the Road to Col d'Espreaux: Twists and Turns in the Alps is located in France (europe). Coordinates: 46.8947, 3.6907
Road Details
- Country
- France
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 13 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,160 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 46.8947, 3.6907
Related Roads in europe
hardWhere is Tanarello Pass?
🇫🇷 France
Okay, buckle up, adventure seekers! Let's talk Tanarello Pass, perched way up high on the French-Italian border. We're talking serious altitude here! This isn't your Sunday drive. It's a Ligurian track, a relic from a time when salt was king, connecting Ventimiglia to Limone Piemonte. Now, picture this: a mostly unpaved road stretching from Limone Piemonte to Monesi di Triora. It's somewhat maintained, but don't let that fool you. This route is a wild one! You'll need a 4x4, good ground clearance, and nerves of steel. Trust me on this. Oh, and did I mention the road is often blocked by snow? Yeah, check the conditions before you even think about heading up there. There are hints of asphalt in some places, but mostly it's a rugged, bumpy ride. But hey, that's what makes it an adventure, right? Get ready for stunning scenery, but be prepared for a challenge!
extremeCarretera de las Presas (Road GC-605) is not for the faint-hearted
🇪🇸 Spain
# The Carretera de las Presas: Gran Canaria's Wild Mountain Ride Want to experience one of Gran Canaria's most thrilling drives? The GC-605, nicknamed the Carretera de las Presas, winds through the southwestern part of the island with serious mountain road vibes. This 23.3 km beast climbs from the tiny town of Pie de la Cuesta (325m elevation) all the way up to the charming village of Ayacata (1,304m), gaining nearly 1,000 meters of elevation in the process. Fair warning: this isn't a leisurely Sunday cruise. The road kicks off with an absolutely epic series of hairpin bends that spiral up the west side of the valley, flanked by striking ochre cliffs and massive boulders. By the time you reach the summit, you'll have conquered more than 30 hairpins, with some sections so narrow that two cars genuinely can't pass each other. The maximum slope hits 10%, and while the road is fully paved, the final 8 km can feel like a bit of a lottery—sometimes decent, sometimes rough as hell. The payoff? Stunning vistas throughout, plus you'll reach the Las Niñas reservoir, one of the island's three biggest dams. There's even a legendary 400-year-old pine tree nearby with a haunting backstory. Nature lovers will appreciate the scenic viewpoints with parking spots scattered along the route. Just come prepared: this route is notorious for landslides, rockfalls, and sudden fog. Bring layers too—it gets cold and windy up there. Definitely not for the faint-hearted, but if you're after an unforgettable mountain driving experience, this is it.
hardDriving the Challenging Road F224 in the South of Iceland
🇮🇸 Iceland
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! If you're heading to the Highlands of Iceland, specifically Landmannalaugar, you're gonna encounter the F224 (Landmannalaugavegur). This baby is a short but mighty mountain road leading to the iconic mountain hut nestled in the valley. Forget your rental sedan – you absolutely NEED a high-clearance 4x4 and some serious driving chops for this one. We're talking about a completely unpaved track with massive, immovable rocks playing the part of a "road surface." Expect deep potholes, crazy ruts, and boulders galore. Seriously, don't even THINK about attempting this in a regular car unless you want a rescue mission in your future. This 2.4 km (1.5 miles) stretch connects the F208 at Sólvangur to the Landmannalaugar parking lot. Your reward? A gateway to the famous hut and a natural hot spring bubbling at a perfect 37-39°C. Plus, during peak season, you can snag a coffee and basic supplies at the small shop. Oh, and did I mention the unbelievably breathtaking landscapes? Keep in mind this road is only open during the summer months, usually from late June to early September, thanks to the Icelandic weather. Now, for the kicker: this route includes crossing a double fjord *and* some pretty significant rivers. I can't stress this enough – do NOT attempt these crossings solo or during heavy rainfall. Rising water levels from rain or warmer temps can turn these fords into serious trouble. Only well-equipped jeeps and larger vehicles should even consider it, and smaller jeeps? Forget about it. And if you do get stuck, call 112. Always check the river depth before you go for it – water levels can change *fast*. While the scenery is stunning during the day, this road can be dicey at night. And one last thing: rental car insurance typically doesn't cover water damage, so that river crossing is all on you.
moderateDriving the Ghost Highway of Madrid: The MP-203
🇪🇸 Spain
# Spain's Strangest Highway: The Ghost Road That Nobody Drives Ever heard of a perfectly good highway that's been sitting completely empty for nearly two decades? Welcome to Madrid's most peculiar piece of infrastructure: the MP-203, now officially called the M-205. This 12.5-kilometer stretch of pristine asphalt was supposed to connect Vallecas and Alcalá de Henares, easing the notorious traffic headaches on the A-2. Sounds like a solid plan, right? Well, not quite. Construction kicked off in 2005 with big dreams, but things went sideways fast. By 2007, just two years later, the whole project ground to a halt—and it never recovered. Someone forgot to file the proper construction permits, which might explain why things fell apart so spectacularly. Here's where it gets wild: the project swallowed 70 million euros. That's right—tens of millions spent on a road where you'll almost never see a car. Today, the only traffic comes from cyclists pedaling through and locals using it for morning jogs. It's essentially become Madrid's strangest running track. But the empty highway isn't completely useless. Over the years, it's become a favorite filming location for movies, a notorious spot for illegal street racing, and a quirky recreational route for adventurous Madrid residents. The local ecology association has called it the ultimate symbol of government mismanagement and wasted resources. The good news? Regional officials are finally considering putting this ghost road to work. Plans are in the works to connect it to the A-2, R-3, and M-50 to actually improve traffic flow. After nearly 20 years of sitting idle, this strange highway might finally fulfill its original purpose.