
Pas de Cherferie
France, europe
N/A
2,142 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, adventure-seekers, listen up! Pas de Cherferie in the French Alps is calling your name! This insane gravel track in Savoie tops out at a cool 2,142 meters (that's over 7,000 feet!). Word to the wise: you NEED a 4x4 for this one, and forget about it in the winter – it's totally impassable. Expect some seriously narrow and steep bits as you climb. The views? Absolutely worth the white knuckles, but be prepared for a wild ride!
Road Details
- Country
- France
- Continent
- europe
- Max Elevation
- 2,142 m
- Difficulty
- hard
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