
Vallon de la Gordolasque
France, europe
N/A
1,689 m
hard
Year-round
# Vallon de la Gordolasque
Ready for some serious Alpine elevation? Vallon de la Gordolasque is a stunning mountain pass sitting pretty at 1,689 meters (5,541 feet) in the Alpes-Maritimes region of southeastern France.
The route up is M171, and while it's paved—which is nice—don't let that fool you into thinking it's a leisurely cruise. This road gets *steep*, with sections hitting up to 14% gradient that'll have your calves (and your car) working overtime. The dramatic elevation changes and challenging terrain make this a thrilling drive for anyone who loves pushing their limits in the mountains.
Expect breathtaking alpine scenery as you wind your way up to the summit. This is the kind of road that rewards your effort with jaw-dropping views and an undeniable sense of accomplishment once you reach the top.
Where is it?
Vallon de la Gordolasque is located in France (europe). Coordinates: 46.5503, 1.5902
Road Details
- Country
- France
- Continent
- europe
- Max Elevation
- 1,689 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 46.5503, 1.5902
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