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
moderateThe road with 25 hairpin turns to Macahel Gecidi
🇹🇷 Turkey
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! I've got a killer road trip idea for you: Macahel Gecidi, a mountain pass that'll blow your mind. Picture this: you're cruising through Artvin Province in Turkey's Black Sea region, almost close enough to wave at Georgia. This isn't your grandma's Sunday drive though! We're talking about a fully paved road – Borçka Camili Yolu – that climbs to a dizzying 1,821m (5,974ft). Get ready for a wild ride packed with hundreds of twists and turns, including a whopping 25 hairpin bends. If your travel buddies get carsick easily, maybe pack some ginger ale! The pass stretches for almost 40km (25 miles) from Borçka up to Düzenli. Word of warning: winter can be brutal up here, so expect closures. And hold on tight, because this route gets seriously steep in places, hitting gradients of up to 25%! But trust me, the incredible scenery makes it all worthwhile.
hardLes Détroits - D907BIS: A Balcony Road in France
🇫🇷 France
# Les Détroits: France's Thrilling Clifftop Drive Ready for an adrenaline rush? Head to the Lozère department in southern France's Occitania region, where the legendary road through Les Détroits awaits. Perched dramatically above the Gorges du Tarn, this isn't your typical Sunday cruise. The Tarn River carved this marvel over millennia, and now the fully paved D907BIS winds its way along impossibly narrow sections clinging to sheer cliff faces. We're talking serious drop-offs here—the kind that'll have your passengers gripping the door handles. Fair warning: if your vehicle is taller than 3.8 meters, you'll need to find another route. Stretching just over 11 kilometers (about 7 miles) from La Malène to Les Vignes, this east-west corridor delivers non-stop jaw-dropping scenery. The road hugs the mountainside like it was glued there, offering stunning views of the gorge below as you navigate each heart-pounding curve. It's the kind of road that makes for incredible stories and even better photos—assuming you can keep your hands steady on the camera! If you're a thrill-seeking driver with a good head for heights, Les Détroits absolutely belongs on your bucket list.
hardWhere is Truskmore located?
🌍 Ireland
Truskmore, at 647m (2,123ft), is supposedly one of Ireland's most challenging climbs! You'll find this beast straddling the Sligo and Leitrim county line in the northern part of the country. Yep, it’s the highest point in both counties. The road? Paved, but hold onto your hat – it's seriously narrow. Think of it as one of the highest routes you can drive in Ireland. Plus, it's home to the Truskmore television transmitter. Starting from Ballaghnatrillick, the road winds up for 9.0 km (5.59 miles), gaining a hefty 599 meters in elevation. Don't let the gentle beginning fool you. The average gradient is around 6.65%, but the last 4km are a real leg-burner, averaging 11% and hitting a max of 22%! Be aware that the final stretch is private property, owned by RTE, and blocked by a barrier. The views, though? Totally worth it. You'll be treated to sweeping panoramas of the surrounding countryside, even catching glimpses of the Slieve League sea cliffs on a clear day. Parking is limited and the wind can be fierce, so check the forecast before you head up!
extremeThe Burway is a dangerously steep drive in Shropshire
🇬🇧 England
Okay, picture this: you're in Shropshire, in the UK's West Midlands, ready to tackle the legendary Burway! This isn't just any drive; it's an experience. Starting near the charming market town of Church Stretton, this paved ribbon of road snakes its way up to the top of Long Mynd, a mountain plateau that reaches a whopping 488 meters (1,601 feet) high. The views from the summit? Absolutely breathtaking, stretching across Shropshire and beyond. Trust me, you'll want to have your camera ready. But here's the thing: The Burway is not for the faint of heart. It's narrow, seriously narrow – like, one-car-wide-in-places narrow. And steep! We're talking gradients up to 20% in sections. There are sheer drops down the hillside with absolutely no barrier protection. Caravans? Forget about it. Beginners beware! The whole adventure is about 7.88 kilometers (4.9 miles) of pure driving thrill, ending at Longmynd (where it's known as The Port Way). That initial climb out of Church Stretton is particularly intense, gaining 281 meters in just 3.24 kilometers (2.01 miles), with an average gradient of 8.6%. Oh, and one more thing: winter. The Burway is notorious for being treacherous in winter. Deep snow makes it impassable, and even a bit of ice or frost can send you sliding over the edge. So, unless you're a seasoned pro with a serious love for white-knuckle drives, maybe save this one for a sunny day. But when the weather is right? It's an unforgettable ride.