Take the Scenic Route and Discover Col de la Charmette
France, europe
11.5 km
1,284 m
extreme
Year-round
# Col de la Charmette: A Alpine Adventure in the Chartreuse
Nestled in the heart of the Chartreuse Alps between Chambéry and Grenoble in France's Isère department, Col de la Charmette sits at a breathtaking 1,284 meters (4,212 feet). This stunning mountain pass offers two very different routes to the summit—and trust us, only one is for the faint of heart.
## The "Easier" Option: D105
If you're looking for a challenge but want to keep your car intact, take the D105 from Saint-Égrève. This fully paved 11.5 km (7.14 mile) route climbs with relentless intensity, boasting a brutal 17.1% gradient at its steepest sections. You'll gain a whopping 1,026 meters in elevation, averaging 8.92% throughout. It's steep, it's narrow, and it demands respect—but your vehicle will thank you.
## The Extreme Route: Route Forestière de la Charmette
Ready to really test yourself? The old Route Forestière de la Charmette is pure adrenaline. This 10 km (6.21 mile) route—closed to cars for good reason—mixes paved and unpaved sections and hasn't seen maintenance since the 1990s. Look for an easy-to-miss unsigned turnoff near the Gorges du Guiers Mort (heading right toward the Chartreuse de Curière monastery). After the monastery, the real adventure begins: a crumbling cliff road with four unlit tunnels, treacherous hairpin turns, dramatic drop-offs, gaping potholes, and regular rockslides. It's rugged, it's raw, and it's absolutely unforgettable.
Where is it?
Take the Scenic Route and Discover Col de la Charmette is located in France (europe). Coordinates: 46.5670, 2.7333
Road Details
- Country
- France
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 11.5 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,284 m
- Difficulty
- extreme
- Coordinates
- 46.5670, 2.7333
Related Roads in europe
moderateWhere is Tiarms Pass?
🇨🇭 Switzerland
Okay, picture this: Tiarms Pass, or as the locals call it, "Cuolm de Vi," a super-secret, high-altitude hideaway in central Switzerland. It's perched way up above the famous Oberalp Pass, like its cooler, more rugged cousin. Where exactly are we talking? Think Glarus Alps, right on the border between Graubünden and Uri. You'll get insane panoramic views of the Surselva valley. Everyone flocks to the Oberalp, but this is a hidden gem for those who like their adventures a little rougher. Speaking of rough, the road to the top is seriously a primitive gravel track. It's one of the steepest short climbs around, and I mean steep! This loose gravel path demands some serious traction. Word on the street is that the final stretch is "brutally steep," hitting around 18%! Oh, and keep an eye out near the top for a gate across the track – it's for livestock, but remember motorized access is super restricted in these parts. If you have authorization to drive, 4x4 is a must, but honestly, most people tackle this one on mountain bikes or on foot to protect the environment. The climb is short – just 1.1 km from the Oberalp Pass summit – but don't let that fool you. It's intense! You can only access this beauty from around June to October. Fun fact: the start of the climb is near the Oberalp Lighthouse, the highest lighthouse in the world, which marks the source of the Rhine. How cool is that?
moderateEstrada de Sao Bento: 12% Gradients and Endless Curves — Check Your Brakes!
🇵🇹 Portugal
Estrada de São Bento, aka the Loriga Pass, is seriously like Portugal's answer to the Stelvio Pass! You'll find this gem nestled west of Alto de Torre–Serra da Estrela, in the heart of the country. Named after the nearby peak of São Bento, this winding beauty (part of the N338) opened back in '06 and serves up panoramic views of the Serra da Estrela that will blow your mind. Picture this: smooth pavement, practically no traffic, killer views, and seriously steep climbs. Most people take the Seia–Covilhã road, so you'll practically have this stunner all to yourself. This road is all about pure driving joy — think smooth curves and fresh mountain air. It's one of the least-traveled routes up the mountains, which makes it even more awesome. Even surrounded by other great roads, the Loriga Pass is where the curves get tight and you just want to drive it over and over again! Fair warning: this drive is intense. Countless turns and some ramps hit a 12% gradient! You'll see signs reminding you to keep it in low gear and check your brakes. Slow and steady wins the race here, and watch out for those high winds! This road is only 9.1 km (5.65 miles) from the N231 to the ER399, but in that short distance, you climb 682 meters and end up at a whopping 1,653 m (5,423 ft) above sea level! The average gradient is 7.49%, so get ready for some serious uphill action.
moderateDriving the scenic Stoderzinken Alpine Road in the Austrian Alps
🇦🇹 Austria
# Stoderzinken Alpenstraße: Austria's Alpine Gem Ready for one of Styria's most spectacular drives? The Stoderzinken Alpenstraße (aka Panoramastraße Stoderzinken) is a must-do for anyone craving stunning mountain scenery paired with an adrenaline-pumping road experience. This 10.9 km (6.77 miles) ribbon of asphalt climbs from the charming town of Grobming all the way up to the Stoderzinken ski area, topping out at an impressive 1,836 meters (6,023 feet). Fair warning: you'll need to pay a toll for the privilege, but trust us, it's worth every penny. The road itself is totally paved but doesn't pull any punches. It's narrow in places, carved dramatically through bare rock, and features a gut-wrenching 20 hairpin turns that'll keep your hands glued to the wheel. With an average gradient of 9% and max slopes hitting 13%, this isn't exactly a leisurely cruise. Plan around 25 minutes for the drive (longer if you want to stop for those panoramic photos—which you absolutely will). Nestled in the Low Tauern range of the Central Eastern Alps, this road has some serious heritage. Built between 1958 and 1961 by the Stoderzinken road association, it was completed in 1962 and fully renovated in the early 2000s. It's even bragging rights-worthy as Styria's highest alpine road. So buckle up and get ready for an unforgettable alpine adventure.
easyAlto de la Farrapona is a Cycling Must
🇪🇸 Spain
# Alto de la Farrapona Want to tackle one of Spain's most legendary climbs? Alto de la Farrapona is a high mountain pass sitting at 1,708m (5,603ft) between Asturias and León in northwestern Spain, and it's definitely earned its reputation. The fully paved SD-1 road stretches 26km (16.15 miles) from AS-227 near Pola de Somiedo in Asturias to LE-481 near Torrestío in León. Since it was asphalted in 2011, it's become famous as the region's highest paved road—and for good reason. The final 6km? That's where things get spicy, with grades averaging 9% and hitting up to 15.4% in some sections. Cyclists live for this stuff. Nestled in the stunning Somiedo Natural Park within the Cantabrian Mountains, the pass rewards you with absolutely breathtaking scenery. The panoramic views from the summit are genuinely jaw-dropping, and there's a spacious parking area up top where you can soak it all in. Fair warning: while the road typically stays open year-round, winter closures do happen periodically. But when conditions are good, this drive is an unforgettable experience. Whether you're a cyclist chasing elevation or a road tripper seeking epic vistas, Alto de la Farrapona delivers on both fronts.