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
hardWhere is Mount Ossa?
🇬🇷 Greece
Okay, picture this: Mount Ossa in Greece, rising high above the Larissa region, is one of the country's tallest peaks. You'll find it on the east side of Thessaly, beckoning adventurers. Up top, you're rewarded with the eerie sight of an abandoned weather station and some old communication gear. There's even a tiny church. Now, getting there is half the fun. Forget your sedan; this is 4x4 territory. The road from Kokkino Nero stretches for about 42.6 km (26 miles) of unpaved, steep, narrow, and twisty goodness. It's a bit of a climb, but the views are totally worth it!
extremeThe road to Camiboğazı Yaylası is for experienced drivers only
🇹🇷 Turkey
Okay, adventure junkies, buckle up for Cami Boğazı Yaylası – a wild ride through the East Black Sea region of Turkey, straddling Gümüşhane and Trabzon! Forget smooth asphalt, this 60km (37-mile) route from Yağlıdere to Çamlıyurt is a bone-jarring, teeth-rattling, unpaved beast. Think rocks, ruts, and seriously sketchy washouts, especially near the edges. This isn't your Sunday drive; it's a 4x4-only expedition for seasoned drivers. We're talking nail-biting steep drops where one wrong move could send you tumbling 200 meters down. If you dare to tackle it, budget 2.5 to 4 hours (without stops!). You'll climb high into the Kalkanlı Mountains, reaching a dizzying 2,468m (8,097ft). Pro tip: This road is usually snowed in from late October to late June/early July, so plan accordingly. And even when it's "open," expect fog and chilly temps. Despite being relatively close to civilization, Cami Boğazı Yaylası feels incredibly remote. It's a true test of your driving skills, but the stunning mountain views are your reward!
moderateRoßfeldhöhenringstraße
🇦🇹 Austria
# Roßfeldpanoramastraße: Germany's Highest Mountain Drive Ready for one seriously scenic Alpine adventure? The Roßfeldpanoramastraße is a stunning toll road that winds through the Berchtesgaden Alps in Bavaria, right between the Salzach valley and the charming town of Berchtesgaden. This isn't just any mountain drive—it's Germany's highest continuous road, reaching a dramatic 1,560 meters at its peak. Built between 1937 and 1940, this 15.4 km loop climbs from starting points around 750-850 meters in the villages of Obersalzberg and Oberau, gaining over 1,000 meters of elevation as it snakes its way up. The road even dips onto Austrian territory as it curves around the Roßfeld, a northern ridge of the stunning Göll massif (which tops out at 2,522 meters). Now, here's where it gets thrilling: this isn't a gentle cruise. Expect some seriously steep grades—we're talking up to 13% on average, with a jaw-dropping 24% plunge on the western descent. Those steep sections demand respect and careful driving, especially if you're tackling this in variable weather or winter conditions. The payoff? Absolutely spectacular panoramic views as you climb higher into the Alpine landscape. Pro tip: take the western ramp via Unterau and Oberau on the way up to really appreciate the scenery, then enjoy that heart-pounding descent on the other side. A small toll gets you access to this unforgettable mountain experience—Germany's most impressive high-altitude road.
hardLago del Chiotas
🇮🇹 Italy
# Lago del Chiotas: A Thrilling Alpine Adventure Nestled high in Italy's Piedmont region, Lago del Chiotas sits at a breathtaking 1,978 meters (6,490 feet) above sea level in the Province of Cuneo. Getting there? It's an experience you won't forget. The route starts innocently enough with a narrow, winding asphalt road that'll have you gripping the steering wheel pretty quickly. The 5.2km climb is no joke—you're gaining 442 meters of elevation with an average gradient of 8.5%, which means some sections are seriously steep. What really gets your adrenaline pumping is the scenery: sheer drops of hundreds of meters plunge right off the roadside with virtually no guardrails to catch you if things go sideways. It's raw, it's real, and it definitely demands respect. Once you've conquered the drive, there's one final wild card—a pitch-black 1.1km tunnel that'll test your nerves. Then, the last 5.2km to the actual lake are closed to vehicle traffic, so you'll need to leave your car behind and hike the final stretch. If you love mountain roads with serious personality and aren't easily rattled by exposed edges and dramatic terrain, this alpine gem delivers the kind of pure, unfiltered driving experience that most roads simply can't match.