Ultimate 4WD Destination: Col des Lessieres in the Alps
France, europe
4.2 km
2,936 m
hard
Year-round
# Col des Lessières: A Wild Alpine Adventure
Ready for some serious altitude? Col des Lessières sits pretty at 2,936m (9,632ft) above sea level, making it one of Europe's highest drivable roads. You'll find it perched in the Savoie department of the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, right in the heart of the French Alps near the Italian border within the stunning Tarentaise Valley.
Fair warning: this isn't your average scenic drive. The 4.2 km (2.60 mile) ascent from the paved D902 is an unpaved beast featuring loose gravel, scattered rocks, and a chairlift service road that's strictly 4x4 territory only. You're looking at an average gradient of 10.90% with some gnarly sections hitting up to 25%—throw in narrow passages and relentless hairpin turns, and you've got yourself quite the challenge.
The landscape up here is absolutely breathtaking though. These are the real Alpine heights, and the views are worth every jolting moment of that 458m elevation gain. Just keep in mind: this road is only accessible from July to September. Winter and spring don't play nice at this elevation, so plan accordingly if you're dreaming of tackling this high-altitude gem.
Where is it?
Ultimate 4WD Destination: Col des Lessieres in the Alps is located in France (europe). Coordinates: 44.4530, 1.9835
Road Details
- Country
- France
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 4.2 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,936 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 44.4530, 1.9835
Related Roads in europe
moderateWhere is Ziyarettepe Pass?
🇹🇷 Turkey
Okay, picture this: you're cruising along the D.300, one of Turkey's longest highways, right in the heart of the country where Kayseri meets Sivas. You're heading for Ziyarettepe Pass, a cool 1,887 meters (that's 6,190 feet!) above sea level. This isn't some crazy off-road adventure; the road is paved, so your ride will be smooth. The pass itself stretches for about 26.4 km (16.4 miles) between Olukkaya and Yazyurdu. Now, while the slopes aren't too wild, there are some steep-ish bits to keep things interesting. Just a heads-up: this route is pretty remote. Think quiet roads with not much in the way of gas stations or restaurants between Pinarbasi and Gurun. Word of caution, though: winter here can be brutal. This road gets icy and snowy, and blizzards can shut it down. Even though it usually stays open, be prepared for possible closures and lots of snow if you're traveling between November and March. But hey, think of the views!
moderateHow to Get to Sant'Anna di Vinadio in Cuneo, the Highest Sanctuary in Europe by Car?
🇮🇹 Italy
Sant'Anna di Vinadio is a stunning high mountain sanctuary perched at 2,000m (6,600ft) in Italy's Cuneo Province, dedicated to Sant'Anna and Gioacchino, the parents of Mary. Tucked into the Orgials side valley within the Stura Valley in the Piedmont region, this sacred spot holds the distinction of being Europe's highest Christian place of worship. The winding road up to the sanctuary starts in the charming village of Vinadio at 900m and climbs for 17km, gaining a serious 1,100m in elevation. You'll navigate a mix of tight bends, steep climbs, and occasional flat sections along a fully paved but remarkably narrow route. Fair warning: as you approach the sanctuary, three particularly gnarly switchbacks await, with gradients reaching up to 20%. The road accommodates vehicles up to 10 meters long, though navigating this serpentine path in anything larger requires some careful maneuvering. At the summit, you'll find a spacious parking lot and access to accommodations housed in a converted military barracks—the Casa di San Gioacchino guesthouse offers rooms and dining facilities, while the San Giuseppe refuge provides hostel-style lodging. This has been a cherished pilgrimage destination for centuries, drawing the faithful from far and wide. Just keep in mind that this Alpine gem is only accessible during the brief summer months, so timing your visit is essential. The Maritime Alps landscape surrounding the sanctuary makes every hairpin turn worth it.
moderateWhere is Sommet Bucher?
🇫🇷 France
Okay, picture this: You're in the French Alps, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region, ready for an adventure. Your destination? Sommet Bûcher, a peak chilling at 2,215m (7,267ft). This isn't your average Sunday drive, folks. This old military road, first carved out in 1892, climbs 13 km (8.07 miles) from Chateau Queyras. While mostly paved, there are some dirt sections, so a 4x4 is definitely your friend here. The road is STEEP, with some sections hitting a maximum gradient of 12%! You'll gain 858 meters in elevation from Chateau Queyras. Up top, you'll find a communication tower and a tiny mountain hut. But the real reward? Insane views of the Queyras valley. Trust me, the scenery is worth the white-knuckle drive!
moderateHow to get by car to Belmeken Reservoir in Bulgaria?
🌍 Bulgaria
Okay, picture this: You're cruising through Bulgaria's Rila National Park, heading toward Belmeken Reservoir. This isn't just any lake, it's the highest dam lake in the Balkans, perched way up at 1,932m (6,338ft)! The locals call it "Famous Place," and trust me, it lives up to the name. The road starts near Sestrimo and winds its way up for about 25.8km (16 miles). Don't let the "fully paved" part fool you, though – keep an eye out for a few potholes along the way. The climb is steady, averaging a 5% gradient, and you'll gain a whopping 1,303 meters in elevation. You'll be driving through stunning old-growth forests, but the real thrill comes from the twelve hairpin turns that have even seen action in the WRC Rally Bulgaria! The road's a bit narrow, so be prepared to take it slow if you meet another car. Once you reach the top, the views are incredible, and you might even find a smaller road that climbs even higher to 2,062m (6,765ft). It's the perfect spot for a picnic, some fishing, or just soaking up the wild Balkan scenery.