
Piste de Clausis, pure adventure
France, europe
6.2 km
2,388 m
hard
Year-round
# Piste de Clausis: A Alpine Gravel Adventure
Tucked away in the Queyras Regional Natural Park in the Hautes-Alpes of southeastern France, the Piste de Clausis is a seriously scenic 6.2km gravel road that'll get your heart pumping. This winding, steep climb (expect sections pushing 10%) takes you up to the Chapelle de Clausis, perched at a jaw-dropping 2,388 meters (7,834 feet) above sea level.
The road itself is surprisingly well-maintained, which means a regular high-clearance 2WD vehicle can handle it just fine—as long as you take it slow and steady. You won't have to worry too much about washboarding, ruts, or unexpected dips throwing you off course on those long, dry stretches. Just keep in mind this road plays by winter's rules; it can close whenever the snow decides to move back in.
You've got two solid options for getting up here. Coming from Château Queiras is the longer haul at 19km with 1,000 meters of elevation gain (averaging 5.3%), while the Molines en Queyras route is more bite-sized at 11.5km with 644 meters of climbing (5.6% average). Either way, you're in for stunning alpine views and a drive you won't forget.
Where is it?
Piste de Clausis, pure adventure is located in France (europe). Coordinates: 47.2648, 1.4395
Road Details
- Country
- France
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 6.2 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,388 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 47.2648, 1.4395
Related Roads in europe
moderateHow to drive to the summit of Col d’Eylac in Cantal
🇫🇷 France
# Col d'Eylac If you're craving a proper mountain adventure in France, Col d'Eylac is calling your name. Perched at 1,442 meters (4,730 ft) in the Cantal department of south-central France, this pass sits proudly within the stunning Massif Central range. The 32-kilometer (20-mile) D680 road winds its way from Salers to Dienne, offering a fully paved but seriously challenging drive. Don't let that "fully paved" part fool you though—this route means business. Expect tight hairpin turns and steep sections that'll keep your hands firmly on the wheel, with gradients hitting a punchy 15% in places. It's the kind of road that demands respect and rewards you with incredible mountain scenery. Reaching the summit feels like an accomplishment (and it should). There's a welcoming little bar and parking area up top—perfect for catching your breath and soaking in the views. The pass has earned its stripes as a Tour de France climb, so you'll be following in the tire tracks of cycling legends. While the road typically stays open year-round, winter can throw curveballs with occasional closures, so check conditions before heading out during colder months. This is proper mountain driving through one of France's most dramatic landscapes. Thrilling, demanding, and absolutely worth the drive.
easyAn epic frozen drive to Anabar
🌍 Russia
# The Anabar Road: One of Earth's Most Extreme Winter Drives Want to experience true Arctic adventure? The Anabar Road might just be the ultimate bucket-list drive – a 4,000km journey from Irkutsk (Siberia's legendary capital) all the way north to Yuryung-Khaya on the Laptev Sea. We're talking 72°49' North here, which puts you further north than the Nordkapp, Prudhoe Bay, or Tuktoyatuk. This isn't just a road trip; it's a pilgrimage to one of the world's most remote places. Here's how the expedition breaks down: You'll start in Irkutsk and cruise 600km down the Trans-Siberian Highway to Bratsk, a mining town that marks your last taste of civilization. Then things get serious. For the next 1,000km, there's basically nothing – no towns, no services, no cell signal. You'll eventually pass through Mirny and Udacny (the only real settlements worth mentioning) before finally reaching your destination: Yuryung-Khaya, a tiny coastal settlement serving as the administrative hub for this forgotten corner of the Sakha Republic. **What to expect:** The road alternates between asphalt, gravel, and ice. Winter is the ONLY time to attempt this (December to March), and even then, you'll face Yakutian cold that drops below -50°C, unpredictable blizzards, cracks in the ice, and trucks barreling through with supplies for isolated communities. Bring fuel, supplies, and serious winter gear – there's nowhere to get help out here. But here's the magic: when winter transforms the landscape into an otherworldly frozen realm, the scenery shifts from dense taiga to endless tundra to pure polar wilderness. It's hauntingly beautiful. In fact, foreign drivers have completed this entire journey only once. That's how remote and challenging it really is.
hardUltimate 4WD Destination: Col des Lessieres in the Alps
🇫🇷 France
# Col des Lessières: A Wild Alpine Adventure Ready for some serious altitude? Col des Lessières sits pretty at 2,936m (9,632ft) above sea level, making it one of Europe's highest drivable roads. You'll find it perched in the Savoie department of the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, right in the heart of the French Alps near the Italian border within the stunning Tarentaise Valley. Fair warning: this isn't your average scenic drive. The 4.2 km (2.60 mile) ascent from the paved D902 is an unpaved beast featuring loose gravel, scattered rocks, and a chairlift service road that's strictly 4x4 territory only. You're looking at an average gradient of 10.90% with some gnarly sections hitting up to 25%—throw in narrow passages and relentless hairpin turns, and you've got yourself quite the challenge. The landscape up here is absolutely breathtaking though. These are the real Alpine heights, and the views are worth every jolting moment of that 458m elevation gain. Just keep in mind: this road is only accessible from July to September. Winter and spring don't play nice at this elevation, so plan accordingly if you're dreaming of tackling this high-altitude gem.
easyN634 is one of the Spanish best coastal roads
🇪🇸 Spain
# The N634: Spain's Best-Kept Coastal Secret If you're looking for one of the world's most stunning coastal drives, look no further than Spain's N634. This 730 km (453 miles) beauty winds along the Cantabrian Sea in northern Spain, earning itself a well-deserved spot on lists of the world's best roads. The route stretches across four autonomous communities—Basque Country, Cantabria, Asturias, and Galicia—connecting Santiago de Compostela all the way to San Sebastián. The entire road is beautifully paved and well-maintained, making for smooth driving as you hug the coastline. What really sets the N634 apart is its incredible variety. You'll weave between dramatic coastal cliffs and rugged mountain gorges, dip down toward charming seaside villages, then inland through lush landscapes. The scenery constantly shifts, keeping you glued to every curve. Don't rush this one—seriously. Block out plenty of time for stops because you'll want them. The final 15 km stretch between Zarauz and Zumaya is absolutely magical, showcasing some of Spain's most breathtaking coastal scenery. Zarauz itself boasts the longest beach on the Gipuzkoan coast, and the drive here is pure eye candy. It's no wonder bikers flock to this road on weekends and during summer holidays. Whether you're after dramatic seascapes, charming coastal towns, or just a damn good drive, the N634 delivers on all counts.