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
moderateHow long is Zig Zag Road Box Hill?
🇬🇧 England
Okay, buckle up, road trip enthusiasts, because Zig Zag Road in Surrey is an absolute gem! Picture this: a super smooth ribbon of asphalt snaking its way up North Downs, right in the heart of the South East of England. They call it England's twistiest road, and it lives up to the hype. This beauty stretches for about 6.6 kilometers (or a little over 4 miles) from Westhumble to the M25. It's a real leg-burner, especially for cyclists, but the views are so worth the effort. Speaking of effort, get ready for a climb! This road steadily gains 120 meters (almost 400 feet) over 2.5 kilometers (about 1.6 miles). Sure, it's no alpine pass, but with an average gradient of around 5%, it'll definitely get your heart pumping. Zig Zag Road leads up to Box Hill, a mountain pass that sits at a lofty 212 meters (nearly 700 feet). This route has been a cyclist's paradise since the late 1800s and even played a starring role in the 2012 Olympics!
moderateDriving the unpaved road to Klammljoch (Passo di Gola)
🇦🇹 Austria
# Klammljoch-Passo di Gola: A High-Alpine Adventure Nestled at 2,288m (7,507ft) where Austria and Italy shake hands, the Klammljoch-Passo di Gola is a stunning high mountain pass that connects South Tyrol's charming villages with Austria's Lienz district. Fair warning: there's an abandoned toll booth at the summit! This 24.5km (15.22 miles) route runs west-east from the Italian village of Rein-Riva di Tures to Austria's Erlsbach, and it's strictly for non-motorized adventurers—think cyclists and hikers rather than cars. The unpaved gravel surface is mostly solid, though it can get loose and crumbly on the edges, so watch your footing. The climb is legitimately challenging, with pitches hitting up to 14.7% gradient in places, so you'll need solid fitness levels to make it. If you're feeling ambitious on a road bike with 23mm tires, it's doable but definitely demanding. Technically speaking though, the paths are well-maintained and straightforward—no fancy skills required. The real magic? Those sweeping views on the Austrian descent down to Erlsbach (1,549m). The Austrian side has the showstopper vistas, while the ride itself is a genuine workout. On a clear day with decent weather, this becomes the kind of ride you'll remember forever. Just come prepared for gravel, elevation, and some serious leg-burning climbs!
extremeThe Road to Colle d'Esischie is Not for Timid Drivers
🇮🇹 Italy
# Colle d'Esischie: A Alpine Adventure Ready for an unforgettable mountain drive? Welcome to Colle d'Esischie, a stunning high-altitude pass perched at 2,370m (7,775ft) in Italy's Piedmont region, right near the French border in the Province of Cuneo. This 47km (29.2-mile) north-south route connects Ponte Marmora to Demonte, threading through the spectacular Cottian Alps and linking the Valle Grana with the Vallone di Marmora. Here's what you're getting into: the road is fully paved, but it's narrow and occasionally bumpy with some worn sections—nothing you can't handle, but definitely demanding attention. The real challenge? Endless hairpin curves and serious elevation gains that'll test your driving skills. We're talking grades that hit 15.0% in places, so this isn't a leisurely Sunday cruise. The pass has earned its stripes as a legendary climb in the Giro d'Italia, and once you tackle those relentless switchbacks, you'll understand why cyclists talk about this place with genuine respect. Plan your visit for summer and early fall—the pass closes during winter, so timing is everything. But when conditions are right, you'll be rewarded with incredible Alpine scenery and the kind of mountain driving experience that stays with you long after the journey ends.
hardDriving to Lago di Maulazzo: A scenic mountain road in the Nebrodi Park
🇮🇹 Italy
# Lago di Maulazzo: A Hidden Gem in Sicily's Mountains Tucked away in Sicily's Messina province, Lago di Maulazzo is this stunning mountain lake sitting pretty at 1,453 meters (4,767 feet) above sea level. It's nestled within the Parco Naturale Regionale dei Nebrodi, which happens to be one of the island's most impressive forested areas. Getting there is half the fun—if you're into a bit of a driving challenge, that is. The route starts from Portella Femmina Morta on the SS289 mountain pass, and from there, you've got 3.7 km (2.29 miles) of winding road ahead. It's a narrow, steep climb that winds through gorgeous beech forests, and the experience is genuinely unique. Now, here's the thing about this road: it's a real patchwork. You'll encounter cobblestones (lots of them), gravel, old asphalt, and concrete sections all mixed together. Years of weather have taken their toll, leaving potholes and uneven surfaces scattered throughout. A standard sedan might struggle here—a high-clearance SUV is definitely your best bet. Also, bring your GPS because there's nothing in the way of directional signs, and plenty of small side roads are eager to lead you astray. The payoff? Absolutely worth it. When you finally roll up to the lake, you'll find yourself in a peaceful paradise with Monte Soro looming nearby. The entire lake is perfect for a scenic walk, making it a haven for both road trippers and hikers. One heads-up: come winter, this mountain road gets serious. Snow and ice can turn that cobblestone surface into a skating rink. Always check the weather before heading up outside the summer months.