The Road to Col de Cannelle is Not for the Faint of Heart

The Road to Col de Cannelle is Not for the Faint of Heart

France, europe

Length

9.1 km

Elevation

1,882 m

Difficulty

hard

Best Season

Year-round

Col de Cannelle is an international high mountain pass sitting pretty at 1,882 meters (6,174 feet), straddling the border between France and Italy.

You'll find it tucked just east of the legendary Col de Tende, acting as the scenic bridge between Italy's Province of Cuneo in Piedmont and France's Alpes-Maritimes department in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region.

Here's the good news: the road up is completely unpaved but surprisingly well-maintained and mercifully not too steep—your standard 4x4 will handle it without breaking a sweat.

The route spans 9.1 km (5.65 miles) of high-altitude Alpine beauty, starting from the paved D6204 road and climbing steadily toward the pass. Set against the dramatic backdrop of the Alps, this is one mountain crossing that delivers serious scenery without the usual heart-pounding drama.

Where is it?

The Road to Col de Cannelle is Not for the Faint of Heart is located in France (europe). Coordinates: 46.6163, 2.5900

Share this road

Road Details

Country
France
Continent
europe
Length
9.1 km
Max Elevation
1,882 m
Difficulty
hard
Coordinates
46.6163, 2.5900

Related Roads in europe

A delightful yet challenging road to Puerto de Piedrasluengasmoderate

A delightful yet challenging road to Puerto de Piedrasluengas

🇪🇸 Spain

# Puerto de Piedrasluengas Nestled in the Cordillera Cantábrica mountains of northern Spain, Puerto de Piedrasluengas sits at a breezy 1,355 meters (4,445 feet) above sea level in Castile and León. This is the kind of pass that makes you feel like you're on top of the world—literally. The C-627 connects the charming towns of Cervera de Pisuerga and Potes with a fully paved road that stays open year-round (though winter weather can occasionally force brief closures). Fair warning: winters here are seriously intense, with harsh mountain conditions that demand respect. If you're thinking of tackling this beast, know what you're getting into. Starting from Puentenansa, the climb stretches 37.6 km with a brutal 1,193-meter elevation gain. While the average gradient sits at a manageable 3.17%, don't get too comfortable—there are sections that ramp up to a gnarly 10.0% that'll really test your brakes and patience. This pass has earned serious credentials, having been featured in the legendary Spanish Vuelta cycling race. Whether you're a road-trip enthusiast or a cycling fan, Puerto de Piedrasluengas delivers the kind of dramatic mountain scenery and challenging curves that make for unforgettable driving (or pedaling).

Road trip guide: Conquering Steingrimsfjörðurheiði passhard

Road trip guide: Conquering Steingrimsfjörðurheiði pass

🇮🇸 Iceland

Okay, picture this: you're cruising through Iceland's Westfjords on Route 61 (aka Djúpavegur), and you hit Steingrimsfjörðurheiði pass. This fully paved beauty climbs to 440 meters (1,443 feet) and it's a real treat, connecting Vestjarðavegur (Road 60) to Ísafjörður. The road stretches for 249 km (155 miles) and has a parking lot at the summit, making it a perfect spot to soak in the views. The drive is steep in places, with gradients hitting 9%, but nothing your car can't handle. Just a heads-up: this is Iceland, so weather can change in a heartbeat. Fog can roll in and winter storms are not uncommon so keep an eye on the forecast. During winter, snow clearance runs from 11:00 to 19:00 daily but high winds might cause closure. Regardless, the scenery is absolutely worth it!

A rough 4x4 road to Pedró dels Quatre Batlleshard

A rough 4x4 road to Pedró dels Quatre Batlles

🇪🇸 Spain

Pedró dels Quatre Batlles is a seriously high mountain pass sitting at 2,387m (7,831ft) above sea level in Lleida, Catalonia, Spain. It's legit one of the country's loftiest road crossings. Here's the real talk: this route is totally unpaved and basically a no-go during winter months. If you're an experienced off-road enthusiast with solid driving skills, you'll probably love the challenge. But if mountain roads aren't your jam, honestly skip it. You'll need a proper 4x4 to tackle this one, and if heights make you queasy, turn back now. The road winds through the Serres d'Odèn-Port del Comte range with some seriously steep sections. Throw in wet conditions and that muddy surface becomes a genuine test of your driving prowess. But here's what makes it worth the effort—the views from the summit are absolutely jaw-dropping. This is the kind of ride that'll make your adrenaline pump and fill your camera roll with stunning mountain vistas. Bottom line? Only attempt this if you've got the skills, the right vehicle, and nerves of steel.

Foz de Viboli is a drive you'll never forgetmoderate

Foz de Viboli is a drive you'll never forget

🇪🇸 Spain

# Foz de Viboli: A Canyon Drive That'll Test Your Nerve Want a road that'll make your heart race? Welcome to Foz de Viboli, a jaw-dropping canyon drive nestled in Asturias, Spain's northwestern corner. Tucked within the stunning Picos de Europa National Park, this route—also called Foz de los Andamios—isn't for the faint of heart. Let's be real: this is a tight squeeze. The road's so narrow that two cars passing each other is basically impossible. You'll be navigating 3.9 kilometers (2.42 miles) of pure adrenaline from the N625 at Desfiladero de los Beyos all the way to the charming village of Viboli. If you can't reverse confidently, seriously reconsider this one. The drive hugs the Viboli river through some seriously spectacular scenery, and while the entire route is paved, don't expect a smooth ride—potholes are plentiful, guardrails are nonexistent, and rockfalls are a real concern. The road stays blissfully quiet, attracting mostly cyclists and weekend bikers, which means passengers can soak in the breathtaking canyon views while you focus intensely on not becoming a cautionary tale. Here's the kicker: after rainfall, the road transforms into something even more treacherous. Waterfalls cascade down the towering cliffs above you, creating a stunning (but genuinely dangerous) light show. Beautiful? Absolutely. Safe? That's debatable. Approach with caution, stay alert, and maybe skip this one if weather looks iffy.