Travel guide to the top of Col du Grand Renard
France, europe
N/A
2,455 m
extreme
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
Road Details
- Country
- France
- Continent
- europe
- Max Elevation
- 2,455 m
- Difficulty
- extreme
- Coordinates
- 46.6573, 1.1321
Related Roads in europe
easyDiamond Circle Road is an epic adventure in Iceland
🇮🇸 Iceland
Ready for an epic Icelandic adventure? Then you NEED to check out the Diamond Circle Road in the northeast! This loop is an absolute must-do, hitting five of the most incredible spots in northern Iceland: the otherworldly Lake Mývatn, the thunderous Dettifoss waterfall, the horseshoe-shaped Ásbyrgi canyon, the charming town of Húsavík, and the majestic Goðafoss waterfall. Starting in Húsavík, nestled on the coast, this 190-mile (310 km) route will wind you past these unbelievable sights before looping you back. And the best news? The whole thing is paved as of 2020! But hold on, while a 4WD isn't *strictly* necessary, you might want to consider one, especially if you're planning to explore the east side of Dettifoss and Selfoss Waterfalls – Route 864 there is a bumpy gravel road. You can technically tackle the Diamond Circle year-round, but winter can throw a wrench in the plans with road closures. So, always double-check conditions before heading out, and maybe only experienced drivers should take this on in those conditions. Think of it as the Ring Road's cooler, slightly wilder cousin. It's a super popular tourist route for good reason: unreal landscapes await around every bend! If you drove non-stop, it would take only 3-4 hours, but who does that? Realistically, set aside 10-12 hours to soak it all in. Trust me, you’ll want to!
easyFairytale castles and ancient cathedrals on the Bavarian Romantic Road
🇩🇪 Germany
# The Romantic Road: Bavaria's Most Enchanting Drive If you're dreaming of a German road trip that feels like stepping straight into a storybook, the Romantic Road is absolutely calling your name. This iconic scenic route winds through Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg, taking you through medieval towns, fairytale castles, and rolling countryside that'll make you want to pull over every five minutes for photos. Plan on spending 3-5 days to really soak it all in. You'll drive 460 kilometers (290 miles) from Würzburg—a gorgeous baroque town in Franconia—down to Füssen near the Austrian border. What started as an ancient trade route has evolved into Germany's most beloved holiday drive, and honestly, once you see it, you'll understand why. Along the way, you'll pass through twelve charming towns that look like they've jumped straight out of a fairy tale. Picture this: cobblestoned villages, walled medieval towns like Rothenburg ob der Tauber and Dinkelsbuehl, impressive Gothic cathedrals, baroque architecture, and timber-framed houses that seem frozen in time. And the castles? They're absolutely stunning. Combine all that with sweeping views of the Bavarian landscape and the distant Alps, and you've got some serious romance. Here's the insider scoop: skip summer if you can. The crowds get absolutely wild—we're talking two million visitors a year—but spring and fall offer perfect weather and fewer tourists. Winter's pretty magical too, with Christmas lights twinkling throughout the region. Plus, from May through autumn, the area hosts fantastic open-air festivals where you can enjoy local wine and beer at historic venues. It's the perfect excuse to slow down and soak up the atmosphere.
moderateWhen was Flexen Pass in Austria built?
🇦🇹 Austria
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through Vorarlberg on Road 198, also known as the Flexenpass, a seriously cool mountain pass that tops out at 1,781m (5,843ft). This isn't just some quick hop over a hill, though. We're talking about a 15.6 km (9.69 miles) stretch of winding road connecting Warth to Stuben am Arlberg. Expect some steep sections – some ramps max out at a 10% gradient! And get this: near the summit, the road dives into this super old, 1.550m long avalanche tunnel called the Flexengalerie. The road in that tunnel is in bad condition and the ceiling is made of old oak wood! It's one lane only, so a traffic light keeps things moving. Speaking of, keep an eye on the weather if you're heading up here, because even though they keep the road open in winter, short-term closures are common. The summit is also home to a parking lot and a small snack bar (Restaurant Flexenhäusl). If you're not stopping, expect the trip to take between 25 and 30 minutes. Get ready for some incredible views of the Austrian Alps!
moderateWhere is Col de la Chambotte?
🇫🇷 France
Okay, buckle up for the Col de la Chambotte in the Savoie region of France! This isn't your average Sunday drive. You'll find this gem nestled in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, a 7.2km (4.47 miles) stretch of pure driving bliss (and a little bit of terror!). The Route de la Chambotte (D991B) is paved, but don't let that fool you. This road, topping out at 650m (2,132ft), is known for its "balcony" sections — think narrow, winding stretches clinging to the mountainside, with some unlit tunnels thrown in for good measure. Oh, and did I mention sections with limited or no guardrails running right above the lake? Yeah, it's that kind of ride. But the views? Absolutely incredible! You'll be treated to stunning panoramas of Lac du Bourget, France's largest natural lake, glimmering with clear turquoise waters. This glacial lake is framed by mountains, making for a breathtaking backdrop as you navigate this precarious (but unforgettable) road. It runs roughly north-south, connecting Chindrieux to Saint-Germain-la-Chambotte. Get ready for a truly unique experience!