Val Thorens: One of the Longest and Biggest Climbs in France
France, europe
36.5 km
2,300 m
hard
Year-round
Val Thorens is a ski resort perched at a seriously impressive 2,300m (7,545ft) above sea level in the Savoie department of southeastern France. You'll find it nestled in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, deep in the Tarentaise Valley, and it's the gateway to one of Europe's most legendary drives—the road to Orelle.
The D117 is absolutely wild. This narrow, paved route climbs all the way up to 3,007m (9,865ft), making it one of the highest roads on the continent. What makes it truly thrilling? Tight hairpin turns, a bumpy surface, and—here's the kicker—zero guard rails in some sections. It's the kind of road that gets your adrenaline pumping.
Val Thorens holds the title of Europe's highest ski resort, and it's been a star of the Tour de France for good reason. The climbing route starting from Moutiers (old-school name: Tarentaise) is genuinely epic: 36.5km (22.68 miles) of pure alpine challenge featuring 20 hairpin turns. You're looking at a 1,807-meter elevation gain with an average gradient of about 5%—definitely not a casual cruise.
Whether you're a cyclist, road tripper, or thrill-seeker, this corner of the French Alps delivers some seriously unforgettable scenery and driving.
Where is it?
Val Thorens: One of the Longest and Biggest Climbs in France is located in France (europe). Coordinates: 46.0633, 2.8038
Road Details
- Country
- France
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 36.5 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,300 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 46.0633, 2.8038
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