Road trip guide: Conquering the Pas de Bellecombe
France, europe
22.6 km
2,361 m
moderate
Year-round
Okay, picture this: you're on Réunion Island, ready for an epic adventure to Pas de Bellecombe, a mountain pass sitting pretty at 2,361m.
The road you'll be cruising is Route Forestière 5 du Volcan, aka Volcano Road. It's paved, but hold on tight – it's a steep climb! Pro-tip: sun protection is a must. The lava reflects like crazy, so you'll want sunscreen and a hat, even if it seems clear. And be prepared for the weather to change on a dime; fog can roll in fast. Give yourself plenty of time to be safe!
The road stretches for 22.6 km, climbing 743m. That’s an average gradient of 3.28%. When you get to the top, there's a parking lot and even a snack bar! The view over the northeast part of the caldera is incredible. Just a heads up, the final stretch is on a decent gravel road, so be ready for that.
Road Details
- Country
- France
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 22.6 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,361 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
Related Roads in europe
hardDriving a Wild Paved Road to Majelletta in the Abruzzo
🇮🇹 Italy
# Majelletta: A Thrilling Alpine Climb in Central Italy Ready for a serious mountain challenge? Majelletta is a high-altitude pass that'll test your driving skills and reward you with stunning views. Sitting at 1,897m (6,223ft) in Chieti province, this beauty is nestled right within Abruzzo's incredible Parco Nazionale della Majella. The 3.6km (2.23-mile) ascent from Cima Mammarosa on SP64 doesn't mess around—you're gaining 250m of elevation with some sections hitting a brutal 15% gradient. The average climb sits at about 7%, and there are six hairpin turns to keep things interesting. Good news though: the road is completely paved and in excellent condition, freshly improved in recent years. Just note that winter weather typically shuts this route down from November through April. At the summit, you'll find a solid mountain refuge (Rifugio Bruno Pomilio), parking, and communication towers. If you're feeling extra ambitious, a paved continuation heads up to nearby Blockhaus at 2,072m (6,797ft). Here's the cool part—this isn't just any mountain road. Majelletta earned its legendary status as a Giro d'Italia classic, especially during the seventies when it was known for absolutely destroying riders. Even Eddy Merckx famously collapsed here during an early stage. So if you conquer this climb, you're following in the wheel tracks of cycling history.
hardThe steep unpaved road to Mount Ithome
🇬🇷 Greece
# Mount Ithome: A Thrilling Climb in Messenia Ready for an adventure? Mount Ithome in Messenia, Greece is calling your name. This 800-meter (2,600ft) peak isn't just any mountain—it's home to one of the most exhilarating drives in the region. The journey starts from the Kalamata-Pylos road and winds its way up 3.5 km of ancient, zigzagging dirt road that'll test both your nerves and your vehicle. With an elevation gain of 327 meters and an average grade of 9.34%, this isn't a casual Sunday drive—bring a 4x4 if you've got one. The steep, gravel track demands respect, but trust us, every hairpin turn is worth it. This is a photographer's dream. Seriously, pack extra memory cards and keep those batteries charged. The panoramic views from the summit are absolutely stunning. On a clear day, you can gaze out across the entire Pamisos River valley, trace your eyes eastward to the dramatic Mount Taygetus, and sweep southward across the sparkling Gulf of Messenia. At the top, you'll find the charming Ekklisia Panagia church—a perfect spot to catch your breath and take in the majesty of your accomplishment. If you love mountain roads, challenging drives, and breathtaking vistas all rolled into one experience, Mount Ithome absolutely belongs on your bucket list.
moderateA very bumpy, grueling road to Vojnovac
🌍 Montenegro
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! Deep in the Morača region of Montenegro, you'll find Vojnovac peak, towering at a cool 6,233 feet. This isn't your Sunday drive; we're talking hardcore off-roading in the Radojeva Prodo! The road? Well, "road" is a generous term. Think rocks, loose stones, and a whole lotta unpaved glory. You'll need a serious 4x4 with high clearance to even think about tackling this beast. Starting from the stunning Kapetanovo jezero lake, it's a short but intense 1.73 miles to the top. Don't let the distance fool you; you'll climb a hefty 1,053 feet, making for an average gradient of over 11%. Prepare for breathtaking views, nail-biting moments, and bragging rights for days!
hardWhere is Etang de Soulcem?
🇫🇷 France
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through the French Pyrenees, heading towards a hidden gem called Étang de Soulcem. This high-altitude reservoir sits pretty at 1,649m near the borders of Andorra and Spain. The drive starts in Val-de-Sos and winds its way up for 17.8 km. Don't let the smooth, paved surface fool you, though! This road gets pretty steep with some ramps hitting a grunty 15% gradient. Over that distance, you'll climb a hefty 987 meters! Trust me, though, the views are insane. The lake itself is stunning, full of fish, and the area is just breathtaking. Word of warning: the road can get narrow, especially near the top. There are some tight hairpin bends, so keep your eyes peeled. Also, this area can have rock slides, so be aware. Sadly, this route is usually snowed in during winter, so plan your trip accordingly! Once you reach the top, park at Parking du Chemin des Orris, and you can explore a gravel road. Worth the trip? Absolutely!