Travel guide to the top of Col du Grand Renard

Travel guide to the top of Col du Grand Renard

France, europe

Length

N/A

Elevation

2,455 m

Difficulty

extreme

Best Season

Year-round

# Col du Grand Renard

Tucked away in the Savoie department of France's Rhône-Alpes region, Col du Grand Renard sits at a breathtaking 2,455m (8,054ft) and is absolutely not for the faint of heart. This is serious mountain pass territory.

Fair warning: the road here is intense. We're talking gravel all the way, following old unpaved ski-lift service roads with a rocky, loose surface that'll keep you on your toes. Plenty of slippery gravel to navigate, though thankfully the gradient never gets completely bonkers. Still, you'll want excellent vehicle control and nerves of steel.

The real kicker? Being this high up means Mother Nature calls the shots—the pass can shut down without warning whenever snow decides to roll through. That's just part of the adventure at this elevation.

The Alpine scenery is worth every white-knuckle moment, though. This is raw, rugged mountain beauty that'll stay with you long after you've conquered it.

Where is it?

Travel guide to the top of Col du Grand Renard is located in France (europe). Coordinates: 46.6573, 1.1321

Share this road

Road Details

Country
France
Continent
europe
Max Elevation
2,455 m
Difficulty
extreme
Coordinates
46.6573, 1.1321

Related Roads in europe

How to get to Gorges du Tarn through a scenic balcony road?hard

How to get to Gorges du Tarn through a scenic balcony road?

🇫🇷 France

# Gorges du Tarn: France's Most Dramatic Canyon Drive Picture this: you're winding through one of Europe's deepest canyons, with dramatic limestone cliffs towering above you and the stunning blue-green Tarn River flowing below. That's the magic of driving through the Gorges du Tarn, a 50-kilometer natural wonder carved by the river itself, straddling the border between Lozère and Aveyron in southern France's Occitanie region. The scenic route, known locally as D907bis or the Route des Gorges du Tarn, is a fully paved 26.5-kilometer stretch that connects the charming villages of La Malène and Rivière-sur-Tarn. You can complete the drive in about 40 minutes if you're just passing through, though honestly, you'll want to stop more often than that to soak in the views. Here's the real talk: this isn't a casual Sunday drive. The road demands your attention with its narrow passages, tunnels carved into rocky overhangs, and a genuine risk of rockfalls. Large vehicles might struggle with the tight squeezes, and rockslides are a real concern you'll need to stay alert for. There are stopping points scattered along the way, though they're not always conveniently placed when you want them. Timing matters too. While the gorges are accessible March through November, summer—especially mid-July to mid-August—brings packed roads and traffic jams that can turn your scenic adventure into a parking lot experience. Spring and fall are your sweet spots for avoiding the crowds. This legendary route has been captivating drivers since 1905, and it remains one of France's most unforgettable drives.

Cafa e Ljekenithard

Cafa e Ljekenit

🌍 Kosovo

Alright, adventure seekers, let's talk about Cafa e Ljekenit, a seriously epic mountain pass in Kosovo's Gjakova District! We're talking serious altitude here - 2,065 meters (that's 6,774 feet for my American friends!). Tucked away in the Albanian Alps, this climb is not for the faint of heart. The gravel road is rough and bumpy, and you'll definitely want a 4x4 to tackle it. Keep an eye on the weather because with that kind of elevation, winter snow can shut it down completely. Be prepared for steep sections, and remember that even a little rain can turn the road into a real challenge. Watch out for loose gravel - it can sneak up on you! But if you're ready for an adventure and not afraid of heights, the views are absolutely incredible!

A remote road to Pereval Nevelskiy in the Sakhalin Oblastextreme

A remote road to Pereval Nevelskiy in the Sakhalin Oblast

🌍 Russia

Okay, picture this: you're cruising through the Sakhalin Oblast of Russia, heading for the legendary Pereval Nevel’skiy! This mountain pass tops out at a cool 437 meters (1,551 feet), and it’s your ticket across the island’s southern mountains. You'll find it nestled between the Nevelsky and Anivsky districts in southwest Sakhalin, carving a path through the Bambukovyy Range – yep, that's the Bamboo Range. The 64H-6 highway, mostly gravel and packed earth, is your route, linking the Sea of Japan coast with the Aniva Gulf plains. Summer's the time to go, but watch out – those rains can turn the road into a muddy mess! Plus, being so close to the sea, you might find yourself in a thick blanket of fog. Clocking in at 47.3 km (29.39 miles), this road connects Nevelsk, a bustling port town, with Petropavlovskoye. Get ready for a steady climb from sea level, winding through the thick Sakhalin taiga and crazy bamboo forests. Heads up, though: Siberian weather can be intense. Winter brings the big snow and blizzards, and the pass can get shut down during Pacific cyclones. Pro tip: check the local weather from the Nevelsk port authority before you go in winter – trust me, you’ll want to be prepared!

How long is the Nockalmstrasse (Nockalm Road)?easy

How long is the Nockalmstrasse (Nockalm Road)?

🇦🇹 Austria

Okay, picture this: you're cruising through Austria, specifically the Karnten region, and you stumble upon the Nockalm Road. Seriously, this drive is a must-do! Winding through Nockberge National Park, this alpine road stretches for 34 kilometers (around 21 miles) between Innerkrems and Ebene Reichenau. Built back in 1981, it’s a toll road well worth the price of admission. Get ready for 52 hairpin bends (that's 104 if you're doing the whole loop!), weaving and winding through the mountains. The road's in great shape, so the curves are smooth, even with a maximum gradient of 12% in places. Keep in mind, because it's located way up in the Carinthia's Nock Mountains, peaking at 2,042 meters (almost 6,700 feet) above sea level at Eisentalhöhe, it's only open from early May to late October. And a heads up for bikers: it's closed to motorcycles between 6 PM and 8 AM. Trust me, it's worth planning your trip around the road being open! You'll be driving through Europe’s only national park nestled in high mountains, with views that stretch forever. The mountains themselves, the Nockbergs, are these amazing rounded summits, totally unique to the Alps. You'll pass through spruce and stone pine forests, and there are plenty of spots to pull over, snap photos, and just soak it all in. Plus, keep an eye out for the mountain huts serving up local Carinthian food! Just a word of warning, it gets pretty busy on weekends and holidays.