The military road to Colle delle Chaberton
France, europe
N/A
2,674 m
hard
Year-round
# Colle delle Chaberton: A Rough Alpine Adventure
Perched at a breathtaking 2,674 meters (8,772 feet) in the French Alps, Colle delle Chaberton is one seriously impressive mountain pass. Located in the Hautes-Alpes département, this spot draws adventurous drivers looking for something genuinely off the beaten path.
The journey starts in the charming Italian village of Fénils in the Susa Valley, following what locals call the Strada militare dello Chaberton (also known as the Strada militare di Val Morino or Fenils-Chaberton road). Here's the thing though—this route is completely unpaved, and it's not for the faint of heart. Beyond 2,300 meters, conditions deteriorate significantly, making the upper sections impassable for most vehicles.
The road has serious historical credentials. Italian troops constructed this carriage route between 1896 and 1898, building an artillery battery at the summit aimed straight at the French town of Briançon and the Col de Montgenèvre pass. It's one of the highest mountain roads in the entire country, and it once held the title of the Alps' highest unpaved road.
Today, the condition is pretty rough—you'll only find certain sections occasionally driveable, and only for authorized vehicles since 1987. But if you're the type who loves exploring where few roads venture, this high-altitude military relic offers an unforgettable Alpine experience with incredible views and serious bragging rights.
Where is it?
The military road to Colle delle Chaberton is located in France (europe). Coordinates: 45.2941, 2.8617
Road Details
- Country
- France
- Continent
- europe
- Max Elevation
- 2,674 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 45.2941, 2.8617
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