Route de Pierrefitte
France, europe
10.3 km
N/A
hard
Year-round
Okay, picture this: You're in the French Pyrenees, cruising along the Route de Pierrefitte (that's the D920, for those keeping track). This little gem clocks in at just over 10km, connecting Cauterets and Pierrefitte-Nestalas.
The road's paved, sure, but it's a bit on the narrow side, so keep your eyes peeled! You'll be winding your way right next to the Gave de Cauterets river, which is gorgeous... but heads up: after a big rain, this road can get a little soggy. Seriously, though, this drive is a must-do. The scenery is incredible!
Road Details
- Country
- France
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 10.3 km
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in europe
hardTendurek Geçidi
🇹🇷 Turkey
Okay, road trip lovers, buckle up for Tendurek Geçidi in eastern Turkey's Van Province! This beast of a pass climbs to a whopping 2,602 meters (8,536 feet), making it one of Turkey's highest paved routes. You'll find it along the E99 highway, connecting Iğdır and Muradiye. Be warned, though – this isn't your Sunday drive. Expect strong winds and crazy-fast weather changes, so pack those layers! The road can get icy and snowy, turning treacherous in a heartbeat. Drive carefully! The asphalt isn't in the best shape, and you'll be tackling some seriously steep grades, with sections hitting 8%. One interesting thing to note: you're practically hugging the Iranian border, with military outposts dotting the nearby hills.
hardDriving the unpaved road to the summit of Vaia Pass
🇮🇹 Italy
# Passo di Vaia: A Thrilling Alpine Adventure Ready for one seriously epic mountain drive? Passo di Vaia sits way up at 2,114 meters (6,935 feet) in Brescia province, and it's not for the faint of heart. This remote corner of Lombardy in northern Italy is home to the notoriously challenging SP345B—also called Strada Delle Tre Valli—and honestly, it's one wild ride. The 17.4 km (10.81 miles) route stretches from Passo del Maniva's Anfo Ridge Road to the SP 669 junction, and pretty much the entire drive keeps you above 2,000 meters elevation. You'll be navigating narrow, steep sections with towering cliff faces that, yep, lack protective guardrails. It's the kind of road that demands your full attention. Here's the quirky part: the route is mostly paved at the start and finish, but the middle section turns into gravel—rocks, deteriorated surfaces, the whole package. Tight curves mean you really need to watch your speed and your footing. There's a strict 20 km/h speed limit for good reason, and the local rules are clear: no overtaking and no stopping anywhere except designated parking areas. Despite its rough-and-tumble reputation, the road is totally passable in both directions if you've got the skills and nerves. The reward? Stunning high-altitude mountain scenery that'll take your breath away—though the altitude might do that too. This is definitely one for experienced drivers seeking an unforgettable mountain adventure.
hardA paved road to Sanctuaire de Notre Dame de la Salette
🇫🇷 France
# Notre Dame de la Salette Sanctuary: A Scenic Alpine Drive Tucked away in the Isère department of southeastern France, the Notre Dame de la Salette Sanctuary sits pretty at 1,787 meters (5,862 feet) above sea level. Getting there? A breeze, really—the D212C is a smooth, well-maintained asphalt road that winds its way up with plenty of satisfying curves without ever feeling too demanding. It's wide, not overly steep, and blessedly free of the bumper-to-bumper crowds you'd find on busier Alpine routes. As you climb, you'll pass a poignant memorial and cemetery just a few kilometers up the road—it honors the 51 people who tragically lost their lives when an airplane crashed into the nearby Grande Tête de l'Obiou peak back in 1950. The site is beautifully maintained and worth a respectful pause. Once you reach the summit, you'll find everything you need to make a day of it: a welcoming hotel, a solid restaurant, boutique shops, and a bookstore. Whether you're stopping for a quick bite or planning to linger and soak in the mountain atmosphere, the sanctuary has you covered. It's a rewarding drive with some genuine Alpine charm.
moderateAn old military road to Tremalzo Pass
🇮🇹 Italy
# Passo del Tremalzo: A WWI Adventure Road Want to drive through history? Head to Passo del Tremalzo, sitting pretty at 1,845m (6,053ft) in the Italian Alps, right where Trentino and Lombardy meet near the stunning Garda Lake. This isn't just any mountain pass—it's a piece of WWI heritage that'll blow your mind. Back in the Great War, Italian soldiers realized they needed a faster way to move artillery up the mountain to face the Austrians dug in on the northern side. So they transformed old footpaths into the "Strada della Grande Guerra" (Road of the Great War)—a rough, unpaved route that's still standing today. Fair warning: this isn't a drive for your regular sedan. You'll need serious off-road cred—think early Panda 4x4, Jimny, Defender, or similar beasts. The 10.6 km (6.58 miles) stretch from Rifugio Garda to Rifugio Alpini Passo Nota is pure dirt, beautifully rough, and demands respect. Expect hairpin turns with gradients up to 22%, a handful of rock tunnels, and jaw-dropping views of Garda Lake that'll make you forget how slowly you're crawling (seriously, 5-10 kph is the norm here). Here's the catch: only tackle this between late spring and early fall—snow dominates from November through April. Plus, the southern flank has been off-limits to vehicles since 2015. And proceed cautiously—rockslides are frequent, and maintenance is minimal. Worth it? Absolutely.