What’s Place Charles de Gaulle?
France, europe
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hard
Year-round
Okay, so you're in Paris, right? And you absolutely HAVE to experience the Place Charles de Gaulle, formerly known as Place de l'Étoile! This crazy roundabout is where 12 avenues converge, including the legendary Champs-Élysées. Think of it as a symbol of Parisian traffic, and trust me, it lives up to the hype! It's HUGE, like 241 meters across, so you have plenty of space to get lost.
Seriously, it's a wild ride any time of day, so be prepared for some serious gridlock. If you're new to this, stick to the outer lane. Yeah, you'll have to deal with the lights, but it's way less stressful. Honestly, just surviving a lap around the Arc de Triomphe in this thing will give you bragging rights for years! It’s insane, chaotic, and totally Parisian. You'll remember this drive forever!
Related Roads in europe
moderateWhere is Col de Saint-Alexis?
🇫🇷 France
Cruising through the Drôme department in southeastern France? You HAVE to experience Col de Saint-Alexis! Nestled in the Vercors Regional Natural Park, this mountain pass is your gateway between the rugged southern ridges and the awesome high plateau of the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes. Think dramatic cliffs and deep gorges, that's the Vercors! The D76 runs for about 7.7km from south to north, connecting Vassieux to Col de Rousset. And guess what? Unlike some of the crazy, winding roads in the area, this one's paved and surprisingly straight! No crazy hairpin turns here – just a gentle climb that's perfect for a chill drive or a leisurely bike ride. But it’s not just about the views (which are epic, by the way!). This road takes you straight to Vassieux, a village with a HUGE history as a symbol of the French Resistance during WWII. Check out the Mémorial de la Résistance nearby for a moving reminder of the past. Okay, a heads-up: even though it's not the highest pass, the Vercors gets serious snow. The D76 is usually cleared, but winter tires or chains are a MUST in the colder months to keep you safe on that alpine plateau. Get ready for an unforgettable adventure!
hardPian della Mussa
🇮🇹 Italy
# Pian della Mussa Tucked away in Turin's Province, the charming mountain town of Pian della Mussa sits pretty at 1,847 meters (6,059 feet) above sea level in Piedmont's stunning landscape. Getting up there? You'll be taking Strada Provinciale 1 delle Valli di Lanzo — and trust us, this road means business. It's fully paved, which is the good news. The bad news? Some stretches hit a jaw-dropping 17.1% gradient that'll have your car (and your nerves) working overtime. If you're feeling adventurous, there's also a wild, unpaved route heading toward Val Viola Pass that'll give you that true off-the-beaten-path experience.
hardCol de Vaumale
🇫🇷 France
# Col de Vaumale Tucked away in the Var department of southeastern France's Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region, Col de Vaumale sits at a respectable 1,202 meters (3,943 feet) above sea level. This is one of those passes that rewards you for the effort! The D71 is your ticket up, and it's properly paved the whole way—though "steep" is definitely the operative word here. Starting from where the D957 and D19 intersect, you're looking at an 11.64 km climb that'll gain you 739 meters of elevation. The average gradient hovers around 6.3%, but don't be caught off guard by those sections that kick up to 9%—they'll definitely get your heart pumping. The scenery in this corner of Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur makes the work worthwhile though. Near the summit, you'll spot the Fort de Roche la Croix, adding a bit of historical intrigue to your mountain adventure. It's the kind of road that makes for a satisfying day out, whether you're tackling it by car or on two wheels.
hardIs the road to Piribeg difficult to drive?
🌍 Macedonia
Okay, adventurers, ready for a seriously epic climb? We're talking about Piribeg, a peak straddling Kosovo and North Macedonia way up in the Šar Mountains. This isn't your Sunday drive; it's one of the highest roads around! The view from the top? Unreal. You're perched on a strategic border point, gazing out over both countries. But getting there? That's the adventure. Think desolate, high-alpine vibes, a lone communications tower, and weather that can flip on you faster than a pancake. So, how tough is it? Let's just say it's among the steepest climbs in the Balkans. Starting near a ski resort, this off-road track is short, but brutal. We're talking a massive elevation gain over a short distance, making the average gradient crazy steep. Translation: 4WD with high clearance and low-range gearing is non-negotiable. Expect a rocky, loose surface that turns into a mud pit with a hint of moisture. As you wind your way up, expect some tight switchbacks hugging the mountainside. Get ready for serious exposure as you near the top – think drop-offs and zero barriers. Snow often blankets the summit from late October to June, so plan accordingly. The highest point is marked by a communications tower. This isn't a drive for the faint of heart, but if you're experienced with high-altitude driving, the views make it all worthwhile!