Travel guide to the top of Col de la Colle-Saint-Michel in the Provence
France, europe
26 km
1,431 m
hard
Year-round
# Col de la Colle-Saint-Michel
Tucked away in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence region of southeastern France, Col de la Colle-Saint-Michel sits at a respectable 1,431 meters (4,694 feet) above sea level. This gem is part of the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur area, and it's absolutely worth adding to your French Alps bucket list.
The 26-kilometer (16-mile) route runs north-south between Beauvezer and Le Fugeret along the D908, and here's the good news: it's completely paved. The road got some serious TLC back in 2004 when sections were freshly resurfaced.
What makes this pass special? The northern approach is seriously steep and narrow—it's the kind of section that'll get your adrenaline pumping. But don't worry; the overall experience is surprisingly enjoyable. You'll wind through forested terrain at a lower elevation, surrounded by beautiful Alpine scenery that makes every switchback worthwhile.
History buffs will appreciate that this pass has earned its stripes in the cycling world, featuring multiple times in the legendary Tour de France. Whether you're a cyclist, a road tripper, or just someone who loves dramatic mountain scenery, the Colle-Saint-Michel delivers on all fronts.
Where is it?
Travel guide to the top of Col de la Colle-Saint-Michel in the Provence is located in France (europe). Coordinates: 47.5411, 2.6431
Road Details
- Country
- France
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 26 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,431 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 47.5411, 2.6431
Related Roads in europe
moderateMambet Rock
🌍 Russia
Okay, buckle up for an off-road adventure to Mambet Rock! This incredible 450-foot rock formation hides out in the Gafuriysky District of Bashkortostan, Russia. You'll be rambling through the Ural Mountains, following the Zilim River. The road kicks off from Tolparovo and stretches for about 30 km. Now, hold on tight – we're talking gravel and dirt here, and it can get pretty gnarly. This isn't a Sunday drive; it’s a proper off-road trail far from civilization, so come prepared. Forget about checking your Insta, you will have no cell service! Leave your low-riding vehicles at home; this is strictly 4x4 territory. And definitely don’t even think about it if the weather turns sour. But hey, the views? Totally worth the bumpy ride!
moderateCime de la Bonette is the highest paved road of the Alps
🇫🇷 France
# Cime de la Bonette Want to experience the highest paved road in the Alps? Head to the Cime de la Bonette, sitting pretty at 2,806 meters (9,206 feet) in the stunning Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region of southeastern France. This legendary pass straddles the border between Alpes-Maritimes and Alpes-de-Haute-Provence, tucked deep within the Mercantour National Park near Italy. The road itself has serious history—what started as a humble mule track in 1832 didn't get its full paved treatment until 1960. Today, the entire route (called C1) is completely paved and forms a scenic loop that starts and ends at Col de la Bonette. Fair warning: this climb is legit tough. You'll face some seriously steep pitches, with sections hitting a gnarly 15% gradient that'll test your legs (and your brakes). But here's the payoff—you'll reach a point marked by a monument where the views are absolutely unreal. Just a short 60-meter walk from the small parking lot at the top rewards you with panoramic vistas of the national park that'll make every pedal stroke worth it. The Tour de France has made this pass legendary, and for good reason—it holds the record as the highest point the race has ever reached. Pretty epic stuff. Just plan accordingly: this route is snowbound and totally inaccessible from late October through June, so stick to summer climbing season if you want to conquer France's highest paved road.
extremeWhere is Katu-Yaryk Pass?
🌍 Russia
Katu-Yaryk Pass in the Altai Republic of Russia? Buckle up, adventurers! This isn't your average Sunday drive. Perched at 1,203m (3,946ft), reaching the summit is a proper challenge. We're talking 4x4 territory only, with gradients hitting a wild 19%! Loose gravel, zero guardrails, and hairpin turns? Yep, it’s got it all. You'll find this beast in southern Siberia, and it serves as the gateway to the Chulyshman Valley, surprisingly the warmest spot in the Altai Mountains. The pass is 68.1km (42.31 miles) long, winding from Balyktyul to Koo. Built in the late 80s to improve local access to the valley, the road descends a mere 3.5 kilometers but manages to pack in 9 switchbacks and drop 800 meters in elevation. Be warned: this road demands respect. Rockfalls are a real threat, so keep your eyes peeled. Sharing the narrow road can be tricky, and those steep turns require serious focus. Conquer Katu-Yaryk, and you'll be rewarded with panoramic views of the emerald Chulyshman River, cascading waterfalls, and the crazy zigzag of the only road into the valley. Just watch out for landslides during the rainy season – they can close the pass until the bulldozer crew arrives!
hardZig Zag Hill in Shaftesbury is the bendiest road in the UK
🇬🇧 England
Okay, buckle up, road trip lovers! You absolutely HAVE to check out Zig Zag Hill in Dorset, England. Seriously, it's rumored to be the windiest mile of road in all of Great Britain. Tucked away near the charming town of Shaftesbury (think rolling hills and that classic English countryside vibe), this little gem is part of the B3081. The whole thing is paved, so no worries there, but get this – it's like a mini Alpine pass right in the UK. Four hairpin bends in just one mile? Mind blown! You’ll start near Cann Common and shoot straight up. Now, I'm not gonna lie, it's STEEP. We're talking gradients up to 13% on some of those ramps. Those hairpin turns are tight and can be a bit slick with leaves, especially in the autumn when the foliage is just spectacular. Just take it slow, enjoy the views, and embrace the challenge. Trust me, it’s worth it. This one’s a definite contender for best driving road in Great Britain.