
Where are the Gorges du Guiers Mort?
France, europe
9.9 km
N/A
moderate
Year-round
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through the Isère department of France, just north of Grenoble, in the stunning Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region. You're about to hit the Gorges du Guiers Mort, a seriously scenic canyon carved by the Guiers Mort river. Get ready for the D520B, also known as Route du Désert. This balcony road is totally paved and winds for about 10 km from Saint-Laurent-du-Pont to La Diat, right in the heart of the Chartreuse Natural Regional Park. But heads up! This incredible road is carved right into the mountainside, so watch out for rock slides. Also, if you're rolling in something taller than 3.8m, you're out of luck. Expect some super-narrow tunnels and get ready for views that will blow your mind!
Road Details
- Country
- France
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 9.9 km
- Difficulty
- moderate
Related Roads in europe
moderateStorseisundet Bridge: a different shape from whichever angle you view it
🇳🇴 Norway
# Storseisundet Bridge: Norway's Mind-Bending Marvel Tucked along Norway's dramatic coastline sits the Storseisundet Bridge, part of the legendary Atlanterhavsveien (Atlantic Road). This isn't just any bridge—it's an optical illusion on wheels. Here's the wild part: as you approach, it genuinely looks like a diving board. Seriously. The bridge appears to just... end. Your brain screams that you're about to launch your car straight into the sea below. Spoiler alert: you won't. It's totally safe, despite locals cheekily calling it the "drunk bridge." At 260 metres long with a maximum clearance of 23 metres above the water, Storseisundet is the star of the Atlantic Road's eight bridges. The Daily Mail famously dubbed it the "Road to Nowhere" back in 2011, and honestly? The nickname fits the vibe perfectly. What makes this place so special is the engineering trickery. Those sharp bends create a rollercoaster effect as you drive, and here's the kicker—you literally can't see the road ahead once you're on the curve. It vanishes right in front of you. Every angle gives you a completely different perspective of the structure, which explains why it looks different depending on where you're viewing it from. Opened in 1989, this paved bridge has become one of the world's most jaw-dropping stretches of road. Fair warning though: expect your heart to skip a beat before you realize the magic is just clever design. Welcome to Norway's most spectacular optical illusion.
moderateCol du Clapier is where Hannibal crossed the Alps
🇫🇷 France
# Col du Clapier-Colle Clapier: A High-Alpine Adventure Perched at a dramatic 2,480m (8,170ft) in the northern Cottian Alps, the Col du Clapier straddles the Italian-French border like a natural gateway between worlds. This pass—also called Col de la Savine—connects the Savoie region of southeastern France with Italy's Piedmont, and honestly, it's one of those places that feels genuinely remote and timeless. Here's the thing: there's no paved road up here. Instead, you're looking at a bridle path that stretches from Bramans (1,220m) down to Susa (503m), making this a true hiker and mountain biker's territory. The path only opens seasonally—typically July through August—when the snow finally melts away. Starting from Col du Petit Mont Cenis, you've got a 7km climb ahead of you. The lower sections follow an old military gravel road (accessible to 4x4s and bikes), a remnant of the late 1800s and WWI-era fortifications that pepper this entire alpine border. Once you push past Lac de Savine though, it's hiking only—the bikes have to stop, and the Italian side becomes a proper mule track for feet only. But here's what really makes this pass legendary: Hannibal might've crossed here. Seriously. While historians have debated for 2,000 years exactly which route the general took with his 50,000 soldiers, 5,000 horses, and 37 elephants back in 218 BC, this remote pass is a genuine contender. Sure, Napoleon and the local tourist board back the Col du Mont Cenis, but many scholars think Clapier's secluded nature makes it the perfect candidate for his daring Alps crossing into Italy. Either way, you're walking in the footsteps of history.
moderateGuide to the top of Monte Farinha
🇵🇹 Portugal
# Monte Farinha: Portugal's Spiritual Summit Tucked away in the Vila Real district of northern Portugal sits Monte Farinha, a 940m (3,083ft) peak that's equal parts spiritual sanctuary and scenic wonderland. The mountain is crowned by the Santuário de Nossa Senhora da Graça, a stunning sanctuary that was rebuilt back in 1755 and has since become a major pilgrimage destination. Each August 15th, the Feast of Our Lady of Grace draws devotees from across Portugal and beyond, creating a vibrant atmosphere of faith and tradition. But it's not just pilgrims making the trek here. The panoramic views from the summit are absolutely breathtaking, making it a magnet for hikers and travelers seeking those Instagram-worthy vistas. There's a handy parking lot at the top, plus natural viewpoints that showcase the surrounding landscape in all its glory. The climb up Rua da Senhora da Graça is entirely paved, which is great for most vehicles—though fair warning, this is *steep*. Starting from the N312 road, you're looking at 8.5 km (5.28 miles) of climbing with some sections hitting a brutal 13% gradient. In total, you'll gain 614 meters of elevation at an average gradient of 7.22%. It's challenging enough that it's been featured in the Volta a Portugal em Bicicleta cycling race, so cyclists and drivers alike should come prepared for a proper workout.
hardThe road to Bulgurlu Dağı isn’t an easy one
🇹🇷 Turkey
Alright, adventure junkies, listen up! Bulgurlu Dağı in Turkey's Van province is calling your name, if you're brave enough. We're talking a whopping 2,905 meters (9,530 feet) above sea level! This isn't your Sunday drive, folks. The entire road is unpaved, so a 4x4 isn't just recommended, it's REQUIRED. Seriously, don't even think about it without one. And keep in mind, this beast is typically snowed in from late October until almost July. Mother Nature calls the shots here. But for those willing to brave it, the views are absolutely insane. The road is super steep in sections, reaching a max gradient of 15%! Hold on tight as you tackle this 30.3 km (18.8 miles) stretch from Aksu in Hakkari Province, all the way north to Kılıçtutan in Van Province. Trust me, it's a climb to remember!