Where is Alpe d'Huez?
France, europe
13.8 km
1,859 m
hard
Year-round
Alpe d’Huez: the legendary Tour de France climb! You'll find this ski resort nestled in the French Alps, in the Isère département. We're talking a lofty 1,860m (6,100ft) above sea level, right in the heart of the Oisans region's Romanche valley.
The D211, the road to the top, is all smooth asphalt, open year-round (though snow might close it temporarily in winter). In summer, get ready to share the road with tons of cyclists – it's a seriously popular climb!
Why all the hype? Well, the road throws some seriously steep sections at you, hitting a maximum gradient of 13% in places. Alpe d'Huez is known as 'l'Isle du Soleil' (The Island of the Sun), but don't let the name fool you, this climb is relentless!
Starting in Le Bourg d'Oisans, the ascent is a beastly 13.8 km (8.6 mi) long, with an average gradient of 8.1%. The views are fantastic, and once you get to the Alpe d'Huez ski resort at the top, you’ll know you've accomplished something special. And, each of the 21 hairpin bends is named after a Tour de France stage winner, a cool tribute to cycling history!
Road Details
- Country
- France
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 13.8 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,859 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in europe
moderateWhere is Prislop Pass?
🇷🇴 Romania
Okay, picture this: you're cruising along National Road 18 (DN18) in northern Romania, smack-dab on the border of Maramureș, Bistrița-Năsăud, and Suceava counties. You're headed for Pasul Prislop, a mountain pass that climbs to a cool 1,416m (4,646ft) in the Eastern Carpathians. This isn't just any drive; it's a scenic adventure connecting the historic regions of Maramureş and Bukovina over the Rodna Mountains. Trust me, the views are incredible, especially when the landscape bursts to life in late spring or early summer. The road is paved, stretching about 43.7km (27.15 miles) from Borșa to Fluturica. Now, a heads-up: you might encounter some potholes on the eastern side, and things get a little steep in places, with gradients hitting up to 6.6%. But hey, a little challenge makes the journey even more memorable, right?
hardColl de Pradelles
🇫🇷 France
Okay, thrill-seekers, listen up! I've found a real gem tucked away in the French Pyrénées, right near the Spanish border: Coll de Pradelles. This bad boy climbs to a cool 1,995 meters (that's 6,545 feet!), so you know the views are going to be epic. The road, known as the D89, is paved, but hold onto your hats – it gets seriously narrow in places. We're talking "squeeze-by-another-car-with-inches-to-spare" narrow! It’s also a bit of a climb, with an average gradient of 4.6%. The pass is usually open year-round, but keep an eye on the weather forecast in winter, because snow can shut it down for a bit. And no matter when you go, be ready for some serious wind and potentially chilly temps up top. Trust me, the incredible scenery is worth it!
extremeWhere is Testa Grigia?
🇮🇹 Italy
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! Ever dreamt of touching the sky? Then you NEED to experience Testa Grigia, a mind-blowing peak straddling Switzerland and Italy at a staggering 3,471 meters (11,387 feet)! Seriously, this is one of Europe's highest roads, and it's calling your name. You'll find this beauty nestled in the eastern Pennine Alps, marking the border between Switzerland's Valais canton and Italy's Valle d'Aosta. At the top, reward yourself with a visit to the Rifugio Guide del Cervino, a mountain refuge offering insane views. Now, let's be real: getting there is no walk in the park. The "road" is actually an unpaved chairlift access trail, and it's STEEP. We're talking a maximum gradient of 30% on some ramps! Think loose stones that turn into full-on rocks as you climb. It's only open for a short window in summer, usually around late August. Brace yourself for strong winds – they're a constant companion up here. And even in summer, snow is a possibility. Oh, and winter? Let's just say it's not for the faint of heart. But the epic scenery? Totally worth it.
extremeWhere is Menador?
🇮🇹 Italy
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through the Italian Alps in Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol, heading for the Menador Pass. This baby sits at a cool 1,269m (4,163ft) above sea level, and trust me, it's not for the faint of heart! This old military road, built way back in 1911, winds its paved way for 6.4km (4 miles) from Lochere to Malga Laghetto. They call it Strada Provinciale SP 133 di Monterovere, or Strada dell’Alpini, or even Kaiserjägerstrasse-Monterovere road! The views are killer – think sparkling Lake Caldonazzo, Levico Lake, and majestic Monte Panarotta. But don't get too distracted, because the road is seriously steep in sections, super narrow, and those hairpin turns come at you fast! Plus, there are a couple of small tunnels thrown in for good measure. Definitely not a beginner's drive, and knowing how to reverse is a must. Speed limit's 30 km/h, so take it slow and enjoy the ride. Usually open year-round, but keep an eye on the weather – snow can close it down. Also, big rigs beware: vehicles over 2.50m height and width aren't allowed.