Navigating the Rugged Slopes: Col de la Lezette Road Guide
France, europe
1.8 km
1,786 m
hard
Year-round
# Col de la Lézette
Tucked away in the Savoie department of southeastern France, Col de la Lézette sits pretty at 1,786 meters (5,859 feet) above sea level in the heart of the Alps. This is the real deal for mountain pass enthusiasts.
The Route des Crêtes is your ticket to the summit, and here's the good news: it's mostly unpaved but totally doable in a regular passenger car. Starting from Les Saisies via the D218B road, you're looking at a quick but punchy 1.8 km (1.11 miles) climb that'll get your adrenaline pumping. The elevation gain? A solid 126 meters with an average gradient of 7%—but heads up, some sections ramp up to a gnarly 13.4%, so take it at your own pace.
The real rewards? Stunning alpine views that'll make every hairpin turn worth it. Once you reach the top, there's a generous parking lot and Le Benetton restaurant where you can refuel and catch your breath. If you're feeling extra adventurous, a minor gravel road continues beyond the pass toward Col de la Légette for those seeking even more exploration.
This is quintessential French Alps driving—challenging enough to feel accomplished, accessible enough to actually enjoy the journey, and surrounded by some seriously gorgeous scenery the whole way up.
Where is it?
Navigating the Rugged Slopes: Col de la Lezette Road Guide is located in France (europe). Coordinates: 46.0524, 2.9392
Road Details
- Country
- France
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 1.8 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,786 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 46.0524, 2.9392
Related Roads in europe
hardRoad Beniarres-Vilallonga
🇪🇸 Spain
Okay, picture this: you're in the Valencian Community of Spain, ready for a thrilling drive. Buckle up for the Beniarres-Vilallonga road! This isn't your average Sunday cruise; it's a twisty, turny, asphalt adventure spanning about 23 kilometers. Linking the charming towns of Beniarres and Vilallonga via the CV701, this route is seriously steep and winding. Think stunning scenery paired with challenging bends that'll keep you on your toes. Word to the wise: if your travel buddies get carsick easily, maybe pack some ginger ale. Also, keep an eye out for concrete sections and be ready to slow down – you'll see some 20 km/h speed limits along the way. But trust me, the views are so worth it!
hardIs the LP-4 Road in the Canary Islands Paved?
🇪🇸 Spain
Okay, picture this: the LP-4 on La Palma, Canary Islands. This isn't just any road, it's a stairway to heaven in the northern part of the island! Seriously, the panoramic views are insane! It climbs up, up, up to Roque de Los Muchachos, the island's peak, giving you access to the stunning Caldera de Taburiente National Park. Starting near Santa Cruz de la Palma, this paved beauty winds and twists its way up into the mountains. Fair warning though, it's a road with some serious curves and steep climbs, so you'll need to keep it slow and steady. Remember, you're up high, so take it easy and enjoy the views. This road really showcases the island's mountainous character!
moderateThe road to Kaprun reservoir, a chillout in high mountains
🇦🇹 Austria
# Kaprun Hochgebirgsstauseen: Alpine Adventure Awaits Perched at a breathtaking 2,038 meters (6,686 feet) in Austria's Salzburg region, the Kaprun Hochgebirgsstauseen reservoir is a hidden gem tucked into the eastern Alps within the stunning Hohe Tauern National Park. The drive here is an exhilarating experience along the Mooserbodenstraße, a fully paved mountain road built back in 1938. Fair warning though—this route is only passable from late June or early July through late October, as heavy snow transforms it into an impassable ribbon of white during the colder months. Starting from Lärchenwand Schrägaufzug Bergstation, you'll climb 6 kilometers (3.72 miles) through upper Kaprun Valley, gaining 417 meters of elevation along the way. The average gradient sits at about 7%, but don't let that fool you—the road ramps up to a jaw-dropping 17% in sections, making for some seriously steep switchbacks that demand respect and attentive driving. This isn't your typical scenic cruise. The combination of extreme steepness, high altitude, and narrow hairpin turns means you'll need nerves of steel and solid driving skills. But for those willing to take on the challenge, the rewards are spectacular Alpine views and the satisfaction of conquering one of Austria's most impressive mountain roads.
extremeForcella Zovo
🇮🇹 Italy
# Forcella Zovo: A Thrilling Alpine Adventure Nestled in the heart of Belluno province in Veneto, Forcella Zovo sits at a breathtaking 1,604 meters (5,262 feet) above sea level. This isn't your typical Sunday drive—it's an exhilarating mountain pass that demands respect and attention. The road itself is paved, which is a bonus, but don't let that fool you into thinking it's an easy cruise. You'll encounter stretches of loose gravel that'll keep you on your toes, and some seriously steep sections that max out around 20% gradient. The real kicker? This road is *incredibly* narrow. We're talking white-knuckle tight in places, so patience and careful maneuvering are essential. If you're into mountain driving and don't mind a bit of adrenaline with your scenery, Forcella Zovo is absolutely worth the challenge. Just take it slow, stay focused, and prepare yourself for one of those roads you'll be talking about for years to come.