The Steep, Rough Road to Col de la Vallee Etroite is Not for the Faint of Heart
France, europe
21.9 km
2,735 m
moderate
Year-round
# Col de la Vallée Étroite
Ready for a serious Alpine adventure? Col de la Vallée Étroite sits at a breathtaking 2,735 meters (8,973 feet) in France's Savoie department, nestled within the stunning Vanoise National Park in the southeastern Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region.
This isn't your typical scenic drive—we're talking about one of France's most challenging mountain roads. Starting from the small village of Saint-Martin-d'Arc, you'll tackle a rugged gravel track that climbs 21.9 kilometers (13.6 miles) with a punishing elevation gain of 2,014 meters. The average gradient sits at around 9.19%, so your vehicle better be up to the task: a sturdy 4x4 is absolutely essential here.
Perched high in the Massif de la Vanoise range within the French Alps, this road ranks among the highest in the entire country. The payoff? Jaw-dropping mountain scenery that'll make every white-knuckle moment worth it. Just plan your trip wisely—the road is completely impassable during winter months, typically closing from October through May, so summer is really your only window to conquer this beast.
Where is it?
The Steep, Rough Road to Col de la Vallee Etroite is Not for the Faint of Heart is located in France (europe). Coordinates: 46.9415, 2.8115
Road Details
- Country
- France
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 21.9 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,735 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- 46.9415, 2.8115
Related Roads in europe
moderateWhere is Ziyarettepe Pass?
🇹🇷 Turkey
Okay, picture this: you're cruising along the D.300, one of Turkey's longest highways, right in the heart of the country where Kayseri meets Sivas. You're heading for Ziyarettepe Pass, a cool 1,887 meters (that's 6,190 feet!) above sea level. This isn't some crazy off-road adventure; the road is paved, so your ride will be smooth. The pass itself stretches for about 26.4 km (16.4 miles) between Olukkaya and Yazyurdu. Now, while the slopes aren't too wild, there are some steep-ish bits to keep things interesting. Just a heads-up: this route is pretty remote. Think quiet roads with not much in the way of gas stations or restaurants between Pinarbasi and Gurun. Word of caution, though: winter here can be brutal. This road gets icy and snowy, and blizzards can shut it down. Even though it usually stays open, be prepared for possible closures and lots of snow if you're traveling between November and March. But hey, think of the views!
extremeWhat is the driving experience like on the FV975?
🇳🇴 Norway
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through the southern heart of Norway on the FV975 in Agder, a killer stretch of asphalt that's about 17.4 km (10.8 miles) long. This isn't just getting from A to B – it's a pure Norwegian experience cutting through the alpine wonderland. Think rugged granite, shimmering lakes like Sinnesvatn, Fidjelandsvatnet and Ortevatnet, and views that just don't quit. This road is your gateway to the famous Suleskarvegen – one of the highest and most epic mountain passes you'll ever lay eyes on. The road itself? It's paved perfection but don't get complacent. You'll be hugging the shores of those gorgeous lakes, but the road gets twisty with constant elevation changes. Some sections are tight, rock face on one side, water on the other. Watch out for local traffic (sheep included!). Near Fidjelandsvatnet, you'll be winding through ski slopes which make for unreal scenery. Keep an eye out for black ice in spring and fall – it can sneak up on you! Take it steady, find your rhythm with the curves, and soak it all in. When to go? Winter brings the snow bunnies heading to Sirdal's resorts. Summer is buzzing with travelers going to Lysebotn or Setesdal valley. But the real sweet spot? Late spring or early autumn. Crisp mountain air, fewer crowds, and reflections of those granite peaks in the still waters – pure magic!
hardIs the road to Shelter Pelegii paved?
🇷🇴 Romania
Okay, so you're heading to Shelter Pelegii in Hunedoara County, Romania? Sweet choice! The road up there is part of the adventure. Think mostly paved, but with a definite "character." Let's just say your rental car might not *love* you afterwards. You don't need a full-on 4x4, but it's not exactly a Sunday drive on a brand new highway either. Seriously, think about getting some extra insurance that covers off-the-beaten-path roads. Trust me on this one! The road snakes up through Retezat National Park for about 19 kilometers (almost 12 miles). You'll climb quite a bit – about 1170 meters! That works out to an average gradient of 6.16%, so expect some ups and downs. Keep an eye out for those 12 hairpin turns near DN73A; they're tight. The road ends at a big parking lot where you can ditch the car and start your trek to the mountain refuge. The parking lot's usually big enough, but get there early if you want a prime spot, especially during peak season.
easyThe Only Road on Asinara Island: Scenic Drive from Fornelli to Cala d’Oliva
🇮🇹 Italy
# The Fornelli-Cala d'Oliva Road: Sardinia's Hidden Gem If you're hunting for one of the world's most stunning coastal drives, look no further than the Fornelli-Cala d'Oliva Road on Asinara Island. This 21.1 km stretch is literally the *only* paved road on this remote Italian island in the Mediterranean, making it pretty special. Tucked into the northwestern corner of Sardinia near the Province of Sassari, Asinara was kept under wraps until 1999 when it finally opened to tourism. The concrete road itself blends beautifully into the landscape, connecting the southern town of Fornelli (where a former maximum-security prison stands as a historical landmark) with the charming northern settlement of Cala d'Oliva, complete with whitewashed houses and buildings that once housed prison staff families. What makes this drive absolutely magical is the incredible biodiversity and scenery you'll encounter. As you wind along the road, you'll pass through the island's most important habitats, catch glimpses of unique wildlife, and witness dramatic coastal panoramas. The route connects several picturesque towns—Fornelli, Tumbarino, La Reale, and Cala d'Oliva—each with their own charm. Spring and autumn are the perfect times to visit, when you can soak in those dreamy turquoise and azure waters, pristine white sand beaches, and some of the Mediterranean's most breathtaking seascapes. Here's the catch though: don't plan on renting a car. Private vehicles are strictly off-limits for visitors. You'll need to hop on a guided tour, rent a bicycle or e-bike, or take an electric cart provided by the park. Parking is limited to designated areas near key spots, and rules are enforced seriously—so respect them!