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
moderateWhere is Col de la Colombière?
🇫🇷 France
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through the French Alps on the Route des Grandes Alpes, specifically tackling the Col de la Colombière. This beauty sits pretty high up in the Haute-Savoie department, at 1,613m (5,292ft). You'll find it in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, southeast France. The road itself? Pure driving bliss on the D4 (Route de la Colombière), all paved and ready for you! It's about 30km (18.64 miles) of winding goodness, connecting Le Grand-Bornand and Scionzier. Keep in mind, this alpine pass is usually open from June to October, weather permitting. If you drive straight through, you're looking at 45-60 minutes of pure joy. Once you're at the top, you’ll find a bar-restaurant, parking, a souvenir shop, and even a cute little church. Perfect for a pit stop! Now, heads up, this climb isn't for the faint of heart. Some sections get seriously steep, hitting gradients of up to 13%! This col is a Tour de France regular, so you know it's got some challenging climbs. If you're coming from Le Grand Bornand, get ready for an 11.7 km climb with a 690-meter elevation gain, averaging 5.9% with a max of 12%. Starting in Scionzier? Buckle up for a 16.3 km ascent, gaining 1,108 meters, averaging 6.8%, also with a max slope of 12%. Get ready for stunning views and bragging rights!
hardPuerto de Mosqueruela
🇪🇸 Spain
# Puerto de Mosqueruela Nestled in Teruel's rugged Aragonese terrain, Puerto de Mosqueruela sits at a bracing 1,512 meters (4,960 feet) above sea level. This is a mountain pass that demands respect and careful driving. The A-1701 road gets you to the summit, but fair warning—it's a bit of a character. Technically paved, but the asphalt has seen better days. You'll encounter plenty of potholes that'll keep you on your toes, sections that squeeze narrow enough to make you nervous, and grades that climb steeply in places—some pushing up to 7% incline. If you're after an authentic, challenging mountain driving experience without the typical well-maintained infrastructure, this is it. The Aragon landscape rewards the adventurous, but come prepared for a road that's as wild and unpolished as the scenery surrounding it.
easyHow long is E272 Road?
🌍 Lithuania
Hey road trippers! Wanna cruise from Lithuania's capital all the way to the Baltic Sea? Then buckle up for the E272! This beauty stretches for about 361 km (224 miles) from Vilnius, heading through Panevezys and Siauliai before landing you right on the coast in Palanga. And the best part? It's paved the whole way, so no need for a monster truck! This isn't just about getting from A to B; it's a visual feast. Think charming historic cities and breathtaking natural parks. You HAVE to check out Samogitian National Park – it's got this totally unique Soviet vibe. And don't even get me started on the Hill of Crosses, a pilgrimage site that's seriously moving. You'll roll through major cities like Siauliai and Panevezys, plus those gorgeous manor towns like Kretinga and Plunge. And Ukmerge, a super cute stop-off. The grand finale? The seaside resort of Palanga, ready for your beach selfies!
moderateWhat are the highest roads in Switzerland?
🇨🇭 Switzerland
# Switzerland's Alpine Roads: A Driver's Paradise Nestled between Western and Central Europe, Switzerland is basically the continent's ultimate mountain playground. With roughly 20% of the entire Alps calling this tiny country home, it's no wonder that Switzerland claims the title of Europe's most mountainous nation by land area. You'll find around 100 peaks here that tower at 4,000 meters (13,125 feet) or higher—talk about a view! This jaw-dropping vertical landscape isn't just stunning to look at; it's shaped the entire character of the country. Switzerland has become one of the world's most sought-after destinations, and for good reason. The locals have engineered an incredible network of high-alpine passes that are nothing short of legendary. These aren't just any roads—they're some of the highest, most thrilling, and most impressively built routes you'll find anywhere on the planet. If you're the type who gets a rush from winding mountain roads, Swiss passes are basically your dream come true. Whether you're tackling switchbacks with thousand-meter drops or cruising through dramatic alpine valleys, every turn feels like a victory lap through some of Earth's most spectacular scenery. Ready to hit the asphalt and experience these incredible routes for yourself? The Alps are calling!