The breathtaking road to Col de Salese in the Maritime Alps
France, europe
4.3 km
1,663 m
hard
Year-round
# Col de Salèse
Tucked away in the Alpes-Maritimes region of southeastern France, Col de Salèse is a stunning high-altitude mountain pass sitting at 2,036m (6,679ft). You'll find it nestled within the stunning Mercantour National Park, practically on the Italian border—perfect if you're looking for some serious Alpine scenery.
The route connects Mollières to Saint-Martin-Vésubie and comes in two distinct flavors. First up is the M89 section, a fully paved drive that takes you to Parking de Salèse at 1,663m elevation. So far, so good. But here's where things get interesting: beyond the parking area, the road transforms into an unpaved track that's closed to regular vehicles. That final 4.3km (2.67 miles) to the summit? That's strictly for hikers and determined adventurers.
Fair warning—this isn't a casual Sunday drive. The unpaved section is genuinely challenging, with steep stretches that max out at an 11.7% gradient. Throw in the rough surface conditions, and you're looking at a serious mountain challenge that demands respect and careful navigation. Winter enthusiasts take note: the pass is typically impassable from November through March, so plan your visit for the warmer months if you're hoping to reach the top.
Where is it?
The breathtaking road to Col de Salese in the Maritime Alps is located in France (europe). Coordinates: 46.4905, 3.1532
Road Details
- Country
- France
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 4.3 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,663 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 46.4905, 3.1532
Related Roads in europe
hardWhere is Cairnwell Pass?
🇬🇧 Scotland
Okay, picture this: You're in Scotland, right? Smack dab in the central Highlands, cruising between Perthshire and Aberdeenshire. You're on the A93, heading for the Cairnwell Pass. This isn't just any road; it's the UK's highest main road, topping out at 684 meters (2,244 feet)! The pass stretches for about 24 kilometers (almost 15 miles) from Glen Shee up to Braemar. The traffic is light, and the views are absolutely breathtaking. This route isn't for the faint of heart though – it's seriously steep! We're talking double-digit gradients, with some ramps hitting a wild 17%! Historically, this route was used to move cattle and sheep, following a military road built way back in the 1750s. Nowadays, it's paved but be warned: even though it's usually open year-round, winter can bring heavy snow, especially overnight on the long southern approach. A mile before the summit, you can even check out the original, bypassed Devil's Elbow with its hair-raising double hairpin bend. These days, the summit area is home to the Glenshee Ski Centre, Scotland's biggest and oldest ski resort!
hardMontescuro Sila Pass
🇮🇹 Italy
# Passo di Montescuro Sila Nestled in the stunning Calabria region of Southern Italy, Passo di Montescuro Sila sits at a pretty impressive 1,618 meters (5,308 feet) above sea level. This is one of those passes that'll really test your driving skills—and your car's engine! The route up is via Strada Provinciale 256, a paved road that sounds innocent enough until you hit those genuinely brutal steep sections. We're talking grades up to 14.5% here, so don't expect a leisurely cruise. Your knuckles might be white gripping that steering wheel, but that's half the fun, right? The pass connects some seriously scenic territory in Southern Italy's mountainous backbone. The twisting, winding nature of the road means every switchback reveals a new perspective of the landscape, making this a memorable drive for anyone who loves a proper mountain challenge. This isn't your typical highway—it's the kind of road that separates the casual drivers from those who actually enjoy the art of driving. Come prepared with decent brakes, a full tank, and respect for the elevation.
hardPuerto de Cabigordo
🇪🇸 Spain
# Puerto de Cabigordo Get ready for an incredible mountain adventure in the heart of Aragon! Puerto de Cabigordo sits pretty at 1,602 meters (5,255 feet) above sea level in Teruel province, Spain, and it's absolutely worth the drive. The route follows the A226, a well-maintained asphalt road that'll keep you engaged with some seriously steep sections—we're talking grades up to 9.2% that'll definitely get your adrenaline pumping. But here's the cool part: this pass is legit enough to have hosted Spain's famous Vuelta a España cycling race, so you know you're in for something special. What makes this drive truly unforgettable is the scenery. You'll wind through the stunning Congosto de Olvena, where dramatic gorges and beautiful landscapes surround you at every turn. It's the kind of road that makes you want to pull over constantly just to take it all in. Whether you're a road trip enthusiast, a cycling fan retracing pro routes, or just someone looking for breathtaking mountain scenery, Puerto de Cabigordo delivers on all fronts. Just be prepared for those steep climbs and take your time enjoying the incredible views!
hardWhere Are Lagos de Covadonga?
🇪🇸 Spain
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through the stunning Picos de Europa National Park in northern Spain, heading towards the legendary Lagos de Covadonga – a pair of breathtaking glacial lakes. This isn't just any drive; it's an adventure! The road is totally paved, so no need for a monster truck, but don't think it'll be a walk in the park. It's a climb, baby! We're talking seriously steep inclines, making it a famous route for pro cyclists. It winds its way up, reaching a cool elevation of above sea level. The whole shebang is long, gaining in elevation along the way, which translates to an average gradient of . There's even a particularly brutal stretch called with sections hitting , 7km from the top! But trust me, it’s SO worth it. The scenery is absolutely unreal – picture-postcard perfect. And when you finally get to the top, take some time to explore the lakes and check out the interesting . You won't regret it!