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
Related Roads in europe
hardThe Road to Hjolmoberget: Norway's Steep Paved Challenge
🇳🇴 Norway
# Hjølmoberget: Norway's Epic Alpine Climb Nestled in the heart of Hardangervidda National Park in Vestland county, Hjølmoberget is a 853-meter (2,798ft) summit that'll test your driving skills—and reward you big time. Starting from the charming village of Øvre Eidfjord, perched at the edge of Eidfjordvatnet lake, this fully paved mountain road is an adrenaline-pumping 10.5 km (6.52 miles) of pure driving challenge. What makes this route special? Twenty-two wickedly sharp hairpin turns that'll keep you engaged and focused. The average gradient sits at 12.43%, but some sections ramp up to a serious 16%—this isn't your typical Sunday drive. The road is genuinely narrow; two medium-sized cars passing each other? That's basically impossible. Buses with more than 20 seats should definitely steer clear. Winter driving here demands respect. Road conditions can shift in a heartbeat, with snowploughs working overtime to keep things passable. Sometimes Mother Nature wins and the road closes completely. If you're heading up during colder months, winter tires aren't optional—they're essential. But here's the payoff: breathtaking panoramic views and the stunning Vedalsfossen waterfalls create an unforgettable backdrop for your climb. The small summit parking area fills up quickly on weekends, so plan accordingly. Every twist and turn is worth it.
moderateHow long is the F208 (Fjallabaksleið nyrðri) Road?
🇮🇸 Iceland
F208, also known as Fjallabaksleið nyrðri, is one of Iceland's real off-road adventures! This totally unpaved track winds through the Central Highlands for 102 km (63 miles), connecting F26 (Sprengisandsleið) in the north to Route 1 in the south, near Grafarkirkja. Word to the wise: 4x4 vehicles only! This isn't a drive for your rental sedan. This route is usually open from June to October, but Icelandic weather is notoriously unpredictable. Closures are common due to flooding, especially after rain, as the route involves fording a dozen or so rivers. Glacial rivers swell as the day progresses, so plan accordingly. Expect a bumpy ride with potholes, rocks, and uneven terrain. Despite the challenges, F208 is absolutely worth it. The road serves up incredible views of volcanoes, lakes, and rivers. The ever-changing landscapes and vivid colors will leave you breathless. Set aside 3-4 hours to soak it all in (without stops).
hardIs the Road to Curmătura Vidruţei Paved?
🇷🇴 Romania
Okay, road trip enthusiasts, let's talk about Curmătura Vidruţei in Romania's Vâlcea County! Perched at a cool 1,589m (5,213ft), this mountain pass is south of Sibiu, right in the heart of the country. The DN7A, as it's known, will take you there, and yes, it's paved! But fair warning, the pavement isn't always your best friend. Expect curves, hairpin turns galore, and some seriously steep climbs. Usually, you can cruise it year-round, but winter might throw a little snow-closure wrench in your plans. This scenic drive through the Latoriței Mountains stretches for 40.6 km (25.22 miles), connecting Obârșia Lotrului and Voineasa. Once you conquer the pass, you'll find a small parking area and a few souvenir vendors ready to help you remember your adventure. Plus, it's the perfect jumping-off point for even wilder road trips!
moderatePasso del Muratone
🇮🇹 Italy
Okay, picture this: you're straddling the border between France and Italy, cruising up to the Col de Muraton (or Passo del Muratone, if you're feeling Italian). This isn't your typical paved highway, folks. We're talking gravel roads that climb to a cool 1,163 meters (3,815 feet) above sea level. Trust me, this isn't a Sunday drive. You'll want to take it slow and steady, especially with those dramatic drop-offs. A 4x4 is definitely your best friend here. This old mule track connects the Alpes-Maritimes in France with Liguria in Italy, offering some serious scenery along the way. Get ready for an adventure!