What’s Place Charles de Gaulle?
France, europe
N/A
N/A
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
extremePasso Pertica: Driving the 16 hairpins from Giazza to the High Lessinia
🇮🇹 Italy
# Passo Pertica: A Wild Alpine Challenge Near Verona Tucked into the rugged heart of northern Italy's Verona Province, Passo Pertica is a seriously dramatic mountain pass that'll get your adrenaline pumping. Sitting at 1,522 meters (4,993 feet) above sea level, this high-altitude gateway opens into the wild, beautiful Lessinia Regional Nature Park—and the views alone are worth the white-knuckle drive. Starting from the village of Giazza, you've got a 9.7 km (6-mile) journey ahead of you, but don't let that short distance fool you. You're climbing a brutal 818 meters over that span, which translates to a relentless 8.43% average gradient. The road throws 16 sharp hairpin turns at you as it snakes up the mountainside, with very few moments where your engine can catch a break. It's intense. Here's where it gets interesting: the route starts as a proper paved road, but the asphalt politely disappears once you pass Rifugio Revolto. The final 2.9 km? Pure gravel—narrow, steep, and scattered with loose stones that'll test your traction on those tight upper hairpins. Rustic wooden fences line the edges in spots, with serious mountain slopes dropping away beside you. You'll want a vehicle with solid ground clearance for this finish. The landscape itself is spectacular—dramatic limestone cliffs, dense forests, and a secluded mountain atmosphere that feels worlds away from nearby Verona. The Rifugio Passo Pertica at the summit serves as a natural endpoint and a welcome respite. Fair warning though: this pass doesn't play nice with bad weather. Rain can make it impassable, and winter snow regularly closes the upper gravel section to all but specialized vehicles or hikers. Snow tends to linger well into spring, turning that 8% grade into a sketchy mess. Always check the weather forecast before heading up, and make sure your vehicle is genuinely prepared for Alpine conditions.
moderateHow Long is the Vecchia Strada dei Crozi?
🇮🇹 Italy
Okay, buckle up for a wild ride on the Strada dei Crozi in northern Italy's Trentino–Alto Adige region! This isn't your average Sunday drive. Tucked east of Trento, this 1.8-kilometer (1.11-mile) stretch was once part of the main drag, Strada Statale 47. Picture this: a fully paved road carved directly into the rock face. We're talking seriously narrow sections that will test your driving skills. Back in the day, this route was a vital connection between Trento and Valsugana. Originally built as an "Imperial Work," the construction of this road started in 1844 and took six years, requiring blasting teams who could only advance about 70-80 centimeters per day. Can you imagine the views as you hug the cliffside? Though it was bypassed in 1972, replaced by a viaduct over the Fersina stream due to safety concerns, it briefly reopened (2020-2022). Currently closed to private vehicles (with cycling plans in the works!), this historic road is a testament to engineering feats and a reminder of the challenging landscape of the Italian Alps.
moderateHow to get by car to Desfiladero de La Hermida?
🇪🇸 Spain
# Desfiladero de La Hermida: Spain's Most Thrilling Gorge Drive Nestled between Cantabria and Asturias on Spain's rugged northern coast, Desfiladero de La Hermida is an absolute gem for road trip enthusiasts. This stunning gorge, carved out by the Deva River over centuries, features those jaw-dropping vertical walls that'll have you constantly reaching for your camera. The main event is the N-621, a 27.7 km (17.21 miles) rollercoaster ride from Potes to Panes. Fair warning: this route packs about 175 turns into those kilometers, so if you're prone to motion sickness, maybe grab some ginger candy before you go. But trust me, every hairpin turn is worth it for the scenery. Before or after tackling the gorge itself, definitely make time for the charming village of Potes, where dramatic mountain ridges frame everything you see. If you're feeling a bit more cultural, swing by Nuestra Señora de Lebeña to check out the gorgeous Mozarabic church tucked into the landscape. Here's a fun fact: this road has serious history. Back in 1863, entrepreneurs with Belgian and French backing carved out the first route through these gorges to transport minerals and goods like wood and food. What started as a trade route is now one of Spain's most scenic drives. The whole road is paved and well-maintained, so you can focus on soaking in the incredible landscape around every bend.
moderateWhere is Puerto Camacho?
🇪🇸 Spain
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through the heart of Andalusia, in southern Spain, headed for the Sierra de Lújar mountains. You're about to tackle Puerto Camacho, a mountain pass sitting pretty at 1,126m (3,694ft). This isn't just any drive; it's an experience. The road, A-4131, carves its way for 16.3 km (10.12 miles) from Órgiva to Haza del Lino, offering views that’ll make your jaw drop. Trust me, you’ll want to take your time! While the road to the pass itself is in decent shape, if you're feeling adventurous, at the summit, a beaten-up road winds its way up to Los Pelaos - Repetidor Lújar, a peak soaring to 1,873m (6,145ft). Be warned: this stretch is rough, with potholes, stones, and a bumpy ride all the way. Back on the main road, get ready for a twisty adventure! Think narrow sections, hairpin curves galore, and gradients that average 7%, but can crank up to 12% in spots. It's a challenging but rewarding drive, with views of the Alpujarra Granadina that are totally worth it. Get ready for an unforgettable Spanish road trip!