Pic de Chabrières is a Most Tricky Scenic Drive
France, europe
N/A
2,701 m
hard
Year-round
# Pic de Chabrières: One Seriously Epic Alpine Adventure
Looking for a true high-altitude challenge? The Pic de Chabrières sits pretty at 2,701 meters (8,861 feet) above sea level in the Hautes-Alpes region of southeastern France, making it one of the country's most elite mountain passes. Located in the stunning Queyras mountains, this isn't your typical paved highway experience.
Here's the real talk: the road to the summit is completely unpaved and basically functions as a chairlift access trail. You're looking at a seriously steep climb with endless twists, turns, and narrow sections that'll keep even seasoned drivers on their toes. Your vehicle needs serious credentials too—4x4 is non-negotiable here.
**When to go?** Plan your adventure between July and September. Outside those months (October through June), expect impassable conditions thanks to snow and weather. Even during the "open" season, thunderstorms can transform this trail in minutes, turning it into a slippery nightmare or shutting it down completely.
The scenery is absolutely worth it though—those Queyras views are unforgettable. Just remember: this road demands respect, full attention, and genuine driving skills. Every direction change—up, down, left, right—keeps you constantly engaged. It's not a leisurely drive; it's a full-on mountain experience.
Where is it?
Pic de Chabrières is a Most Tricky Scenic Drive is located in France (europe). Coordinates: 45.8912, 2.9318
Road Details
- Country
- France
- Continent
- europe
- Max Elevation
- 2,701 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 45.8912, 2.9318
Related Roads in europe
hardWhere is Karkonoska Pass?
🌍 Poland
Okay, picture this: you're cruising along the Polish-Czech border, smack-dab in the middle of the stunning Karkonosze (Giant) Mountains. You're headed for Przełęcz Karkonoska, a mountain pass soaring to 1,263m (4,143ft). This isn't your average Sunday drive, though. Starting from Sobieszów (near Jelenia Góra) in Poland or Špindlerův Mlýn in the Czech Republic, you've got a 12.2 km (7.58 mile) stretch of road ahead that'll test your mettle. Let's be real, the Polish side isn't winning any awards for smooth tarmac. The road is paved, but it's seen better days thanks to some rough weather. Word on the street is that this is Poland's steepest road, featuring sections hitting a crazy 24% gradient! That's an average of 15% on a pretty significant 820m climb. Despite the road quality, it's a popular spot for mountain bikers and those seeking a challenge. So, buckle up, enjoy the views, and get ready for an unforgettable ride through the heart of the mountains!
moderateDriving Through the Iconic Tunnel du Galibier
🇫🇷 France
# Tunnel du Galibier Tucked away in the French Alps at a breathtaking 2,576m (8,451ft), the Tunnel du Galibier is a historic passage that sits roughly 1 kilometre from the actual Col du Galibier summit. Straddling the border between Savoie and Hautes-Alpes in southeastern France, this fully paved route has quite the story to tell. Built back in 1890 and opened in 1891, this tunnel was *the* way over the summit until the 1970s—for nearly 85 years, every vehicle that wanted to cross had to squeeze through its oak doors. Then in 1976, deterioration forced a closure, and during the 26-year restoration period, traffic rerouted over the exposed summit via the D902B. When it finally reopened in summer 2002, fresh and restored, drivers got the option to either brave the tunnel or tackle the dramatic alpine route overhead. The tunnel's quirky detail? It's supposedly 365 metres long—one metre for each day of the year. At just 4 metres wide (with a 3.2m roadway), it operates as a single-lane passage controlled by traffic lights for alternating traffic flow. It ranks among Europe's highest tunnels, which means summer snowstorms are totally possible, and the route closes from late October through May or early June. The tunnel's famous too—the Tour de France has rolled through here multiple times, and there's a poignant memorial to Henri Desgrange, the race's founder, right at the south entrance. Desgrange absolutely loved this spot, once writing: "In front of this giant, we can do nothing but take our hats off and bow." Fair warning: bicycles, caravans, and trucks over 19 tonnes aren't permitted, but you'll find a welcoming bar-restaurant just before the tunnel entrance to fuel up before your alpine adventure.
hardA 5-star road to Manghen Pass in the Dolomites
🇮🇹 Italy
# Passo di Manghen: A Dolomite Challenge Looking for a serious mountain pass adventure? Passo di Manghen sits pretty at 2,047m (6,716ft) in the heart of Trentino's stunning Dolomites, making it the southernmost paved pass above 2,000m in the range. This one connects the scenic Fiemme and Sugana valleys, and let me tell you—it's a beast from either direction. The 39.1km (24.29 miles) stretch of SP-31 winds its way north from Borgo Valsugana to Cavalese through some seriously remote terrain. Picture this: a narrow, paved road cutting through dense forest on both sides, with the pavement getting narrower as you climb higher. Those hairpin bends just keep coming, with gradients hitting 16% on the steepest sections. You'll feel like you're on a quiet forestry track more than a main road, and honestly, that's part of its charm—traffic is sparse (commercial vehicles are banned anyway). The real trick here? Watch out for wet larch needles on the forest sections—they can get surprisingly slippery. The road surface itself is typically excellent, and the challenge lies purely in the relentless climbing and tight corners. Local Giro d'Italia organizers clearly agree this pass is legitimately tough for its length; cyclists have cursed those switchbacks for years. The Rifugio Passo Manghen at the summit makes a perfect rest stop to catch your breath and take in the views. This isn't for the faint of heart, but if you're after an authentic, challenging Alpine experience, Passo di Manghen delivers.
hardCol de Furfande
🇫🇷 France
# Col de Furfande: A High-Alpine Adventure Tucked away in the Hautes-Alpes region of southeastern France, Col de Furfande sits at a respectable 2,500m (8,202ft) above sea level and serves up a proper mountain challenge for those ready to take it on. Fair warning: this isn't your typical smooth alpine pass. The road to the summit is gravel and rocky, with plenty of bumpy stretches that'll keep you on your toes. It's steep too—no gentle climb here. That said, the track is well-maintained, so at least you're not dealing with complete chaos. Just be prepared for some serious terrain. Winter essentially closes this route from October through June, so plan your visit for the warmer months when conditions cooperate. Once you make it to the top, there's a small parking area where you can catch your breath and take in the views. Here's the real talk: this is one for experienced off-road drivers only. If unpaved mountain roads make you nervous, do yourself a favor and pick a different route. The southern section of the summit is closed off anyway, so there's a natural endpoint to your adventure. If you've got the skills and the nerve, though, Col de Furfande offers genuine alpine adventure in one of France's most dramatic mountain regions. Just come prepared and respect what this pass is asking of you.