The old military road to Col de l’Infernet in the Hautes-Alpes
France, europe
9 km
2,355 m
hard
Year-round
# Col de l'Infernet: A Wild Alpine Adventure
Ready for a seriously intense mountain drive? Col de l'Infernet sits pretty at 2,355m (7,726ft) in France's Hautes-Alpes, just outside the charming town of Briançon in the southeastern Alps. This isn't your typical scenic byway—it's a full-on adventure.
The real star here is Fort de l'Infernet, a jaw-dropping 19th-century fortress perched even higher at 2,380m. Built between 1876-1878, this beauty was the last French fort constructed with traditional cut stone masonry and was designed to keep potential Italian invaders at bay. During WWII, this place actually saw action, trading fire with Italian forces across the valley. The fort housed 210 soldiers and packed some serious firepower—think 138mm, 155mm, and 220mm guns. Pretty cool, right?
Now, about that drive. Fair warning: this ain't for the faint of heart. Starting from the paved D902, you're looking at roughly 9km (5.5 miles) of pure unpaved military trail. You'll climb nearly 1,000 meters with an average gradient of 10.45%—steep doesn't even begin to describe it. The road is narrow, exposed, and features sketchy slippery sections with some seriously gnarly drops. You'll absolutely need a 4x4, no exceptions.
But here's the payoff: stunning panoramic views across the Clarée, Guisane valleys, and beyond. Plus, you'll pass scattered old military installations, gun emplacements, and barracks dotting the landscape.
Winter? Basically forget about it. Snow can close this route anytime, typically making it impassable from late autumn through spring. Plan accordingly and you've got yourself an unforgettable mountain experience.
Where is it?
The old military road to Col de l’Infernet in the Hautes-Alpes is located in France (europe). Coordinates: 46.9991, 2.3875
Road Details
- Country
- France
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 9 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,355 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 46.9991, 2.3875
Related Roads in europe
moderateTravel guide to the top of Vallon de la Fournache
🇫🇷 France
# Vallon de la Fournache: A High-Alpine Adventure Tucked away in the Savoie department of south-eastern France, Vallon de la Fournache stands tall at 2,703 meters (8,868 feet) in the heart of the Vanoise massif within the Graian Alps. This peak sits proudly within the Parc National de la Vanoise—one of France's most pristine alpine playgrounds. Here's the real deal: this isn't a leisurely Sunday drive. The road to the summit is completely unpaved and strictly 4x4 territory. You'll be following what's essentially a chairlift access trail, meaning you're literally climbing where ski infrastructure leads. The route only really opens up during summer months, so timing is everything. Starting from the Lac de Plan d'Aval parking lot, you're looking at a 4.6-kilometer ascent that'll gain you a serious 662 meters of elevation. That works out to an average gradient of 14.39%—steep enough to get your adrenaline pumping and your engine working hard. This is genuinely one of the highest drivable roads in the entire country, so you're in rare territory here. If you've got a capable 4x4, nerves of steel, and you're chasing that ultimate alpine adventure, Vallon de la Fournache delivers the kind of views and thrills that'll stay with you long after the dust settles.
hardWhere is Colle Malaberghe?
🇮🇹 Italy
Okay, picture this: Colle Malaberghe, a seriously high mountain pass way up in the Alpes-Maritimes department, France. You'll find it in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region, practically breathing down Italy's neck. This isn't some modern highway. We're talking about a route with serious history, used for centuries to move goods and, you know, defend stuff. It started as a medieval path hauling goods from the coast, and later got beefed up for military use. Heads up: the road *to* the pass is all unpaved. We're talking rough, narrow, exposed sections. Leave your fancy sports car at home. You'll need something tough and a super careful driver. The higher you go, the bumpier it gets. And listen, this road closes from November to April. Snow, avalanches, ice… it's a no-go. The weather can flip on you in a heartbeat. But if you're up for it, the views? Epic! You're cruising along the crests where France shakes hands with Italy, with views stretching from the Alps to the Mediterranean. Totally untamed and unforgettable!
moderateA paved road to Puerto de Tarna in Cordillera Cantábrica
🇪🇸 Spain
# Puerto de Tarna: A High-Alpine Adventure in Northern Spain Nestled at 1,492 meters (4,895 feet) above sea level, Puerto de Tarna sits right on the border between Castile and León and Asturias in Spain's rugged north. This mountain pass cuts through the stunning Cordillera Cantábrica range, making it feel like you're truly escaping into the wilderness—especially since it's tucked within the gorgeous Redes Natural Park. The good news? The entire route is paved, so you don't need to white-knuckle your way up an unpaved track. The pass is accessible year-round, though winter storms can occasionally force temporary closures if conditions get too gnarly. Here's what you're getting into: The 29.5-kilometer (18.33-mile) journey connects La Foz to Lario, with most of the action happening on the northern climb. From La Foz, you'll tackle 18.2 km of steady elevation gain—pushing up 949 meters total with an average gradient of 5.2%. It's a solid workout for your engine, but nothing that'll make you regret bringing your regular car instead of a mountain goat. The drive splits into two road designations: AS-117 on the northern side and CL-635 on the southern side. Whether you're chasing dramatic alpine scenery or just want to tick off an epic mountain crossing, Puerto de Tarna delivers the kind of dramatic landscape that'll have you reaching for your camera at every hairpin.
hard1. Solving the "Dead Zone" Problem in Rural Areas
🇬🇧 England
Okay, buckle up for the Bealach na Bà! This legendary Scottish pass winds its way through the Applecross peninsula, packing a serious punch in just 11.4 kilometers. You'll start near sea level, but don't get too comfy – you'll be climbing to a whopping 626 meters in no time. Now, this isn't your average Sunday drive. We're talking hairpin turns that'll test your skills, plus single-track sections where you'll need to keep your wits about you. Landslides can happen, especially after heavy rain, so stay alert. But oh, the views! Once you conquer the climb, the panorama of the surrounding mountains and the Isle of Skye is absolutely breathtaking. On a clear day, it's worth every nerve-wracking moment of the drive. Just remember to take it slow, stay focused, and soak it all in!