The road to Col Nazie, pure adventure
France, europe
4.9 km
1,902 m
moderate
Year-round
# Col Nazie: A Thrilling Alpine Adventure
Tucked away in the Isère department of southeastern France's Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, Col Nazie sits at a pretty impressive 1,902 meters (6,240 feet) above sea level. This isn't your typical leisurely mountain drive—it's an exhilarating challenge that rewards confident drivers with stunning alpine scenery.
Starting from Besse, you've got just 4.9km of mostly paved road to conquer, but don't let that short distance fool you. The narrow sections demand your full attention, and you'll definitely want to be comfortable with tight spaces and, honestly, reversing—because meeting another car head-on in those pinched sections can get seriously awkward.
Once you've conquered the pass, a well-maintained gravel road stretches onward toward Col de Saint Georges-Chalet Josserand, opening up even more breathtaking views of the highlands. Just be prepared for the moody mountain atmosphere: the area is notorious for thick mist that can roll in without warning, drastically reducing visibility. When conditions get foggy, caution becomes your best friend.
This is definitely one for drivers who enjoy a technical, engaging drive through spectacular alpine terrain. Come prepared, stay alert, and you'll have an unforgettable experience in the French mountains.
Where is it?
The road to Col Nazie, pure adventure is located in France (europe). Coordinates: 47.3179, 2.2128
Road Details
- Country
- France
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 4.9 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,902 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- 47.3179, 2.2128
Related Roads in europe
moderateA brutally steep (28%) road to Cuitu Negru in Spain
🇪🇸 Spain
# Cuitu Negru: Spain's Brutal Mountain Beast Cuitu Negru towers at 1,848 meters (6,062 feet) above sea level, straddling the border between Asturias and Castile and Leon in Spain's dramatic Cantabrian Mountains. This wild, remote peak looks like something straight out of a cyclist's fever dream—and for good reason. The fully paved road to the summit (also called Cuetu Negro or Cuitu Nigru) is a savage 5.1km climb that'll test every ounce of your driving skill. Starting from the N-630 south of the legendary Puerto de Pajares, you'll gain 487 meters over that short distance with an average gradient of 9.54%. But here's the thing—those averages don't tell the whole story. This isn't just steep; it's absolutely relentless. Maximum gradients hit a bone-crushing 28%, with the opening kilometers sitting between 24-25% inclines. The final 500 meters? Still a punishing 17% grade. The top 2.5 kilometers were literally a goat track until 2012, when they got paved specifically for that year's Vuelta a España race. Yeah, this climb was so gnarly they had to lay concrete just to make it passable for one of Europe's toughest cycling races. If you're after scenery, solitude, and a serious adrenaline rush in Spain's high country, Cuitu Negru delivers all three—just bring your grips and nerves.
moderateSH8 is a road with spectacular views of the Albanian coast
🇦🇱 Albania
Okay, picture this: cruising down SH8, Albania's coastal dream road hugging both the Adriatic and Ionian Seas. Seriously, this drive is legendary! Snaking through the counties of Fier and Vlorë, this beauty was carved out back in the 1920s. Completely paved, this 158 km (98-mile) stretch runs from Fier down to Saranda, a total hotspot on the Albanian Riviera. Get ready for some serious elevation! You'll climb from sea level to the Llogara Pass, a whopping 1,043m (3,422ft) high. The freshly paved road is a blast, but keep your wits about you. Expect narrow sections, hairpin turns that demand attention, and sometimes, a lack of guardrails! Budget about 3-4 hours for the drive, non-stop. You'll be glued to the views of rocky cliffs meeting the impossibly blue Adriatic, with tempting hotels and beaches begging for a pit stop. It's the classic Mediterranean coastal experience. But hey, this is Albania! Don't be shocked if you spot locals transporting wood, donkeys, shepherds chilling with their sheep, or even just cows enjoying the day on the roadside. Once you've reached your destination, give yourself a pat on the back – you've earned your stripes as an Albanian driver!
moderateDriving the canyon road to Margalef Dam is not a piece of cake
🇪🇸 Spain
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through the Priorat region of Catalonia, Spain, heading towards the Margalef Dam. This isn't just any road; it's a 2.9 km (1.8 mile) slice of pure canyon-carving bliss! Think stunning scenery, rugged beauty, and a front-row seat to the Montsant River, all within the Serra de Montsant Natural Park. Now, fair warning: this road is *narrow*. Like, "hope you don't meet another car" narrow. Seriously, reversing skills might be a lifesaver. Keep an eye out for potential rock slides, too. While your passengers are busy snapping photos of the breathtaking views, you, the driver, need to stay laser-focused. But trust me, it's worth it! The road leads to a chill parking area with picnic spots, perfect for soaking in the tranquility after your thrilling drive to the dam, which was built in 1992. Bonus? You probably won't encounter much traffic. Enjoy the ride!
hardUmbrail Pass is an iconic Alpine road with 35 hairpin turns
🇨🇭 Switzerland
# Umbrail Pass: Switzerland's Hidden Alpine Gem Perched at a breathtaking 2,506 meters (8,221 feet), Umbrail Pass sits right on the Swiss-Italian border and claims the title of Switzerland's highest paved road—a seriously impressive feat in the Alps. Straddling the Province of Sondrio in Italy's Lombardy region and the Swiss canton of Graubünden, this pass (also known as Giogo di Santa Maria) takes its name from the stunning Piz Umbrail peak nearby. You'll spot a simple but moving war monument on the right as you climb—a poignant reminder of the area's history. What makes this pass special? It only recently got fully paved in 2015, and honestly, it's one of the best-kept secrets in the Alps. While its more famous neighbors draw crowds, Umbrail remains refreshingly quiet—perfect for riders seeking authentic alpine adventure. Fair warning: this pass is a winter sleeper, closing entirely from October through June. Vehicle restrictions apply for anything over 18 tons, 2.50m wide, or 10m long. The 13.2-km climb from Santa Maria packs serious elevation gain—1,126 meters of pure alpine ascent. You're looking at an average gradient of 8.5%, with some sections hitting 14.0%, all while navigating a jaw-dropping 35 hairpin turns. The road is narrow, unguarded in places, and features some vertigo-inducing drops mere meters from the asphalt. The ride's asymmetrical too—the north side from Santa Maria offers the real challenge, while the southern slope barely stretches a kilometer. The pavement is solid, but rain demands extra caution on those hairpins. Fair heads up: Swiss customs patrols these roads hunting smugglers, so stay on your toes. Moderate difficulty, extraordinary scenery, and unforgettable memories await.