Travel guide to the top of Col des Glieres
France, europe
2 km
1,440 m
hard
Year-round
# Col des Glières
Nestled in the Haute-Savoie department of France's Rhône-Alpes region, Col des Glières is a serious mountain pass sitting at 1,440m (4,724ft) that'll make your heart race—literally. This 24.3 km (15.09 miles) beauty stretches west-east from Fillière to Glières-Val-de-Borne, cutting straight through the heart of the Glières Mountains.
The D55 is mostly smooth asphalt, though you'll encounter a spicy 2 km gravel stretch on the eastern side that keeps you honest. What really makes this pass legendary are the 12 killer hairpins winding up the cliff face like a puzzle—some sections punch it at a brutal 15% gradient. The Tour de France has tackled this beast, and for good reason. Between the white-knuckle switchbacks, you're treated to absolutely stunning mountain vistas and cascading waterfalls that make every pedal stroke (or horsepower) worthwhile.
At the top, there's a substantial parking area and the Monument National de la Résistance. The plateau's dramatic history is impossible to ignore: during WWII, this isolated high-altitude refuge became a crucial Maquis stronghold, shielded by winter weather and perfect for covert weapon airdrops from England. In March 1944, the plateau witnessed one of the most significant clashes between the French Resistance and Nazi forces, with 149 fighters making the ultimate sacrifice.
It's a road that demands respect—challenging, historic, and absolutely unforgettable.
Where is it?
Travel guide to the top of Col des Glieres is located in France (europe). Coordinates: 46.3643, 3.8395
Road Details
- Country
- France
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 2 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,440 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 46.3643, 3.8395
Related Roads in europe
moderatePort d'Envalira (Pas de la Casa)
🌍 Andorra
# Port d'Envalira: Europe's Highest Drive Ready for a serious elevation achievement? The Port d'Envalira is calling—at 2,408 meters, it's officially the highest paved road in the Pyrenees and the highest through-road in all of Europe that's actually open to regular travelers like us. The journey kicks off in Andorra la Vella and winds its way through this pocket-sized principality on the CG-2 road, eventually hitting the French border at Pas de la Casa. It's a spectacular drive through some seriously dramatic mountain terrain. From Andorra la Vella, the route climbs alongside the Valira d'Orient valley, passing by the Soldeu ski resort before you hit the treeless summit plateau. Fair warning: this isn't some sketchy mountain pass. The road is genuinely well-maintained with modern surfaces and solid safety features—mostly because it's a major commercial artery for Andorra's busy duty-free trade. Still, don't underestimate winter conditions here. Heavy snow and brutal winds can shut things down without warning, though there's an alternative tunnel running beneath the summit if you need a backup plan. Once you crest the summit, you're treated to that classic high-altitude barrenness that suddenly explodes into panoramic views of endless Pyrenean peaks. Then comes the descent into France at Pas de la Casa, where the landscape does a complete 180. Absolutely worth the drive if conditions cooperate.
hardWhere is Niederalpl Pass?
🇦🇹 Austria
Okay, adventure-seekers, let's talk about Niederalpl Pass in scenic Styria, Austria! This beauty sits way up in the Austrian Alps at a cool 1,232 meters (that's over 4,000 feet!). You'll find it in the eastern part of the country. The road itself? Smooth sailing on the L113 (State Highway 113), all paved and ready for your road trip. Just be prepared for some steep sections – we're talking up to a 10% gradient on some of those ramps! The whole experience? It's a 16.3 km (just over 10 miles) stretch of road, running from Mürzsteg to Wegscheid. And when you reach the top, you'll find a couple of restaurants and ski lifts, so you can grab a bite or hit the slopes! Get ready for incredible views and a ride you won't soon forget.
extremeWhere is Col des Montets?
🇫🇷 France
Col des Montets is a seriously scenic mountain pass, sitting pretty in the French Alps. You'll find it in the Haute-Savoie department, right in the southeastern corner of France. Think stunning views! At the summit, you're greeted by the peaceful Chalet de la Reserve, perfect for spotting classic Alpine flora and fauna. The road itself, known as the D1506, is fully paved and easy to drive. No crazy steep sections here, with a max gradient of just 8.3% on the steeper bits, and the road surface is generally pretty good. Stretching for roughly 12 kilometers, this route cruises from Les Houches (at the foot of Mont Blanc) up to Vallorcine, near the Swiss border. Now, about winter... Col des Montets is usually open, but things can get dicey! Snow and avalanches can cause closures, so winter tires or chains are a must. Always check road conditions before you go. If the pass is closed, don't worry, there's a tunnel alternative on the French side. This tunnel does double duty, used by both trains and vehicles!
moderateWhere is Col de la Colombière?
🇫🇷 France
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through the French Alps on the Route des Grandes Alpes, specifically tackling the Col de la Colombière. This beauty sits pretty high up in the Haute-Savoie department, at 1,613m (5,292ft). You'll find it in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, southeast France. The road itself? Pure driving bliss on the D4 (Route de la Colombière), all paved and ready for you! It's about 30km (18.64 miles) of winding goodness, connecting Le Grand-Bornand and Scionzier. Keep in mind, this alpine pass is usually open from June to October, weather permitting. If you drive straight through, you're looking at 45-60 minutes of pure joy. Once you're at the top, you’ll find a bar-restaurant, parking, a souvenir shop, and even a cute little church. Perfect for a pit stop! Now, heads up, this climb isn't for the faint of heart. Some sections get seriously steep, hitting gradients of up to 13%! This col is a Tour de France regular, so you know it's got some challenging climbs. If you're coming from Le Grand Bornand, get ready for an 11.7 km climb with a 690-meter elevation gain, averaging 5.9% with a max of 12%. Starting in Scionzier? Buckle up for a 16.3 km ascent, gaining 1,108 meters, averaging 6.8%, also with a max slope of 12%. Get ready for stunning views and bragging rights!