
Pas des Escaliers
France, europe
N/A
1,700 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, thrill-seekers, listen up! I just discovered this mind-blowing mountain pass in the Isère department of France called Pas des Escaliers. We're talking a lofty 1,700 meters (that's 5,577 feet!) above sea level, people.
The road, also known as Route du Poursollet, is paved and ready for your tires. But heads up – it's the D114E, which is seriously steep and skinny. Think hairpin turns and breathtaking drops. You'll need your wits about you, but the views from the top are seriously worth the adrenaline rush. Get ready for some serious alpine scenery!
Road Details
- Country
- France
- Continent
- europe
- Max Elevation
- 1,700 m
- Difficulty
- hard
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