Travel guide to the top of Col de la Ricelle
France, europe
N/A
2,366 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! Col de la Ricelle in the Hautes-Alpes of France is calling your name. This isn't your average Sunday drive; we're talking a legit mountain pass topping out at 2,366 meters (that's 7,762 feet!).
Forget smooth tarmac – the route is a gravelly, rocky rollercoaster that'll test your off-road skills. Think tippy, bumpy, and definitely requiring a 4x4. This baby's usually snowed in from October to June, so plan your trip accordingly.
Definitely not for the faint of heart (or those scared of heights!), this trail is steep and demanding. But the views? Absolutely insane! You'll be driving through the Massif des Cerces range, and the scenery is worth every white-knuckle moment. Just make sure you're comfortable navigating unpaved mountain roads before you attempt this beast. Trust me, this isn’t one to try unless you're an experienced off-roader!
Road Details
- Country
- France
- Continent
- europe
- Max Elevation
- 2,366 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in europe
hardPresolana Pass
🇮🇹 Italy
# Passo della Presolana Tucked away in Bergamo Province in Italy's Lombardy region, Passo della Presolana sits at a cool 1,297 meters (4,255 feet) above sea level—and it's absolutely worth the drive to get there. The road up is fully paved (SPexSS671), but don't let that fool you into thinking it's a leisurely cruise. This route is serious business, with tight hairpin bends that'll keep you on your toes and grades that hit 14% in some sections. It's the kind of climb that'll get your adrenaline pumping—and your car working hard. You've got two main starting points, depending on your preference. Coming from Dezzo di Scalve, you're looking at a shorter but spicier 7.95 km push with 548 meters of elevation gain (averaging 6.9%). Prefer a gentler pace? Start from Rovetta instead, and you'll tackle 11.95 km with 651 meters of gain averaging 5.4%—still challenging, but a bit more forgiving. This pass has earned some serious street cred too—the legendary Giro d'Italia race has tested cyclists on these very roads, so you know you're on something special.
hardWhen was the Slettnes lighthouse built?
🇳🇴 Norway
Cruising up to Slettnes Lighthouse in Finnmark, Norway, feels like driving to the edge of the world! Seriously, this is where Europe just…stops. The road starts in the cute village of Gamvik and winds its way 3.4 km (2.11 miles) north along the Nordkinn Peninsula to the lighthouse. The road itself is mostly gravel and can be a bit bumpy with some potholes, but don't worry, most cars can handle it. Just take it slow and enjoy the ride! Speaking of which, hold onto your hat – the wind up here can be fierce! The lighthouse, standing tall at 39 meters (128 ft), marks the northernmost point of mainland Europe, and the views are absolutely incredible. You're smack-dab between the Barents Sea and the Nordkyn mountains, with a rugged coastal plain stretching out around you. It's a photographer's dream! Once you arrive, you will find a carpark and a café. It's totally worth the drive, for the views of the ocean and surrounding landscape.
hardVillach Alpine Road is a scenic drive with 116 turns
🇦🇹 Austria
# Villacher Alpenstraße: A Thrilling Alpine Adventure Want to experience one of Austria's most stunning Alpine drives? The Villacher Alpenstraße in Carinthia is calling your name. Nestled near the Italian and Slovenian borders, this scenic toll road has been wowing drivers since 1965. Here's what you're getting into: a thrilling 16.5 km (10.25 miles) climb toward Dobratsch, sitting pretty just below Carinthia's highest peak. The road gains a serious 1,200 meters in elevation, topping out at 1,732 meters above sea level. With seven hairpin turns and 116 curves total, you'll definitely get your adrenaline pumping—and those steep 10% grades aren't for the faint of heart. Mother Nature keeps things interesting up here too. Expect strong winds and rapidly shifting weather conditions, but the good news is the road stays open year-round, so you can tackle it whenever you're ready. The real magic? The views are absolutely incredible. Multiple parking spots and viewing platforms dot the route, giving you plenty of chances to snap photos and soak in the scenery—from the Karawanken mountains all the way to the Julian Alps spanning across into Italy and Slovenia. Starting at the pay desk in Villach-Möltschach and finishing at the Rosstratte View Point, this isn't your typical Sunday drive. The constant twists and narrow sections will keep even experienced drivers on their toes. But every hairpin turn rewards you with fresh vistas of Villach, the majestic Julian Alps, and the Dobratsch. Whether you hit the official lookouts or find your own secret spots, this road delivers pure scenic magic around every corner.
extremeLes 12 lacets de Ceillac: a breathtaking road with 12 challenging hairpins
🇫🇷 France
# Les 12 Lacets de Ceillac: A Thrilling Alpine Adventure Tucked away in the Hautes-Alpes region of southeastern France, the D60 road winds its way up to the charming village of Ceillac—and let me tell you, this isn't your typical scenic drive. The route is famous for its 12 hairpin turns that'll keep your hands firmly gripped on the steering wheel. The 8.2km stretch is paved, though you'll encounter some pretty tight sections that demand respect and careful driving. The climb is genuinely steep, gaining 589 meters with an average gradient of 7.18%—and trust me, there are sections pushing 10% that'll make your heart skip a beat. Here's the real talk: skip this road during winter or bad weather. Avalanches, heavy snow, and landslides are genuine hazards here, and the patches of ice scattered throughout can turn a thrilling drive into a nightmare in seconds. Timing is everything on this one. But if you catch it on a clear day? The dramatic Alpine scenery combined with those perfectly engineered hairpins make it an unforgettable experience for anyone who loves mountain driving. Just respect the road, respect the weather, and you'll have an epic story to tell.