The breathtaking road to Col de Caron in the Massif de la Vanoise
France, europe
28.3 km
2,996 m
hard
Year-round
# Col de Caron
Nestled in the French Alps at a jaw-dropping 2,996 meters (9,829 feet), Col de Caron is basically as high as roads get in Europe. You'll find this beast tucked away in Orelle, a small commune in the Savoie department, sitting pretty in the Rhône-Alpes region of southeastern France.
Here's where it gets wild: the entire 28.3-kilometer (17.58-mile) route is unpaved. This is the Val Thorens-Orelle road—a ski-lift service road that connects the upscale Val Thorens ski resort with the village of Orelle. The drive features a staggering 55 hairpin turns, and yes, they're all numbered and signed so you can tick them off like some kind of alpine bingo.
Fair warning: this isn't a casual Sunday drive. You'll need a 4x4 to even attempt it. The road clings to the side of the Massif de la Vanoise range, often running directly beneath the chairlift itself. The average gradient of 10.4% gets genuinely gnarly around the corners, where you're looking at 17-18% inclines that'll make your vehicle (and your nerves) work overtime.
But the payoff? Absolutely stunning panoramic views of thousands of summits stretching across France, Switzerland, and Italy. It's the kind of scenery that makes every hairpin turn feel worth it.
Only accessible during the summer months—realistically July and August—this remote alpine challenge is for serious drivers seeking something truly unforgettable.
Where is it?
The breathtaking road to Col de Caron in the Massif de la Vanoise is located in France (europe). Coordinates: 46.1536, 1.7928
Road Details
- Country
- France
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 28.3 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,996 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 46.1536, 1.7928
Related Roads in europe
hardWhere is Covas do Monte?
🇵🇹 Portugal
Covas do Monte, a cute little Portuguese village, sits pretty at 536m (1,758ft) above sea level in the São Pedro do Sul municipality. Want to find it on a map? Head to the Viseu District, nestled in Portugal's Central Inland region. Now, about getting there... The road up to Covas do Monte, tucked away in the Serra da Gralheira mountains, is an adventure in itself! Think unpaved surfaces, seriously steep climbs, and sections that might make you pucker up they're so narrow. You'll peak at 554m (1,817ft). The climb kicks off from the M559-1 road and stretches for 3.8km (2.36 miles). In that short distance, you'll gain a hefty 241 meters in elevation. Expect an average gradient of 6.34%, but be ready for bursts of up to 10%! The views? Totally worth it.
hardWhere is Tossal de Boada?
🇪🇸 Spain
Okay, so picture this: you're in Catalonia, Spain, itching for an adventure. Head northeast to La Noguera comarca, and get ready to tackle Tossal de Boada! This peak isn't playing around, sitting pretty high up there. The road? Let's just say it's not for the faint of heart! We're talking unpaved, narrow sections, and hairpin turns galore. Definitely leave your low-rider at home; you'll want something with some serious clearance. It’s a good climb of a few hundred meters over just a couple of kilometers, so expect a fairly steep gradient. But trust me, the views from the top are worth it! You'll be rewarded with a panorama that'll knock your socks off – the Urgell plain, Lleida, La Noguera, the Montroig mountains, and Montsec all spread out before you. Plus, there's a cool communication tower at the summit. Get ready for some amazing photos!
hardDriving to Alto del Naranco: The iconic cycling climb overlooking Oviedo
🇪🇸 Spain
# Monte Naranco: Oviedo's Classic Climb Just north of Oviedo, the capital of Asturias in northern Spain, sits Monte Naranco (also called Alto del Naranco)—a mountain pass that's become legendary among cyclists and road-trippers alike. At 634 meters elevation, this isn't exactly a towering giant, but what it lacks in height, it makes up for in character. The 6.6-kilometer ascent winds steadily up the southern slope with an average gradient of 6.1%, offering constant views of Oviedo sprawling below you and the Cantabrian Mountains stretching across the horizon. It's the kind of climb that keeps you engaged the whole way up—no massive surprise sections, just relentless, rhythm-setting gradients that'll test your legs if you're pedaling or your focus if you're driving. The road itself is fully asphalted and generally well-maintained (it gets plenty of love from being featured in major cycling events like the Vuelta a España), though it does narrow considerably as you approach the summit. Fair warning: the steepest sections hit 8.9%, so there's definitely some bite to this climb near the end. What makes Monte Naranco special isn't just the workout. As you climb, you'll pass within sight of the stunning 9th-century Church of Santa María del Naranco, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of Spain's finest examples of Pre-Romanesque architecture. And when you finally crest the summit, you're greeted by the impressive Sacred Heart of Jesus monument—the perfect reward after that steady push upward. For cycling fans, this climb has serious pedigree. It's been a fixture on the Vuelta a España since 1974, hosting countless decisive moments and dramatic finishes that have shaped professional cycling history. Whether you're chasing that pro cyclist feeling or just looking for a scenic Asturian drive with some history thrown in, Monte Naranco delivers.
extremeA-472: between Seville and Sanlucar la Mayor (Andalusia)
🇪🇸 Spain
Alright, thrill-seekers, buckle up! Spain's got some roads that'll give you chills – and not just from the scenery. We're diving deep into the land of haunted highways and ghostly getaways. **A-472: Seville to Sanlucar la Mayor (Andalusia):** This ain't your average Sunday drive. Dubbed the "Cuesta de las Doblas," this short 2.3 km stretch is infamous for a tragic number of accidents. Legend says a girl in a red jacket appears, hitchhiking just before a deadly curve... Spooky! **EX-204: Aceitunilla to Nuñomoral (Extremadura):** Nestled in the mysterious Las Hurdes region, this winding road is said to be the most terrifying in Spain. We're talking women in period costumes with monstrous babies, ghost children from a nearby cemetery, and red-eyed creatures chasing cars. The remote setting definitely amps up the creep factor. **N-340: Tarragona to Castellón (Catalonia):** This is one seriously eerie stretch of asphalt. Drivers report seeing silent figures – men, women, and children – staring from the roadside near the Los Alfaques campsite. This is where a catastrophic tanker explosion killed hundreds in 1978. Is it suggestion or something more? **AS-17: Mengollo to Blimea (Asturias):** Keep an eye out for a dark-haired woman who suddenly appears from behind a sign. Spooky! **A-5 Highway km 174: Valparaíso, Extremadura:** Legend says a girl returning from her first communion fell from a carriage and disappeared. Now, drivers claim to see her in her communion dress, clutching a rosary. **A-457: Lora del Río to Carmona (Andalusia):** Watch out for shadowy figures, some missing limbs, of a towering presence over 1.90 meters! **EX-370: Pozuelo de Zarzón to Monterhermoso (Extremadura):** Locals call this "the stretch of death." Despite good visibility, accidents are frequent. Some say it's the ghost of a 17-year-old girl who was tragically killed on the spot. Keep an eye out for red stains on the pavement... **CA-631: Vega de Pas to Estacas de Trueba (Cantabria):** Deep in the Cantabrian mountains, the Engaña Tunnel is said to be haunted by the spirits of political prisoners forced to build it. Apparitions and eerie sounds are common. **A-360: Seville to Morón de la Frontera (Andalusia):** Strange things are happening on this road! Drivers report seeing lines of children in school uniforms disappearing, glowing faces, humanoid figures, and even UFOs. And with a major air force base nearby, who knows what's really out there? **N-240: Puente de la Reina to Jaca (Huesca):** Be careful – a pilgrim, complete with staff and canteen, has been spotted throwing himself at cars. **T-704: Vilaplana to La Mussara (Catalonia):** Before it was stolen, this was considered Catalonia's most haunted road, leading to the ruins of La Mussara. Permanent fog, strong winds, and pure desolation make for a chilling experience. Satanic rituals, disappearances, time jumps, and encounters with strange beings are all part of the lore. Electromagnetic interference has even been measured in the abandoned town!