Where is Col de Chavière?
France, europe
7.4 km
108 m
moderate
Year-round
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! Col de Chavière is calling your name! Tucked way up in the French Alps, within the stunning Vanoise National Park, this peak hits a dizzying 2,477 meters (that's over 8,000 feet!).
Forget battling traffic; you'll start your trek from a parking lot where the paved D124 ends. From there, it's a 7.4 km (4.6-mile) climb to the top, and believe me, you'll feel every one of those 703 meters of elevation gain. That’s an average gradient that will definitely test your legs!
At the summit, you'll find the Refuge de Peclet Polset, a perfect spot to catch your breath and soak in the views of Lac Blanc, a glacial lake.
Important note: this route is usually snowed in from October to June. And, since it's closed to private vehicles, get ready to hike, bike, or horseback ride! The scenery is totally worth it, though – think pristine alpine meadows, jagged peaks, and that crystal-clear lake. Just be prepared for a challenging climb.
Road Details
- Country
- France
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 7.4 km
- Max Elevation
- 108 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
Related Roads in europe
hardWhere is Port de Rat?
🌍 Andorra
Okay, picture this: you're straddling the border between France and Andorra, high up in the Pyrenees Mountains at 2,372 meters (7,782 feet). That's Port de Rat, one of Andorra's highest drives! You’ll find it connecting Ordino in Andorra with the Ariège department in France. The road itself? Mostly gravel, but don't let that scare you! Most cars can handle it when it's dry, though a 4x4 is always a good idea. Just keep in mind this adventure is best saved for summer. Heads up: on the French side, the road doesn’t quite make it to the top. From the Andorran side it’s known as CS-380 road. Plus, if you're feeling extra adventurous at the summit, a rugged 4x4 track climbs even higher to Refugi de Cabús, a mountain restaurant at 2,568m (8,425ft). The climb is short but punchy. Starting from the Arcalis parking lot, it's only 2.7 km (1.67 miles) to the top, but you'll be gaining 148 meters in elevation with some sections hitting a steep 9% grade. The scenery is absolutely stunning, making every bump and turn worthwhile.
hardRoad D71
🇫🇷 France
# The Corniche Sublime: France's Most Thrilling Mountain Drive If you're up for an adrenaline rush, the D71 in southeastern France's Var department is calling your name. This 37.2 km stretch linking the villages of Comps-sur-Artuby and Aiguines is nicknamed the Corniche Sublime for good reason—it's an absolutely breathtaking ride that'll test your driving skills. Fair warning: this isn't your typical leisurely Sunday cruise. You're looking at steep cliffsides, relentless hairpin turns, and some genuinely nerve-wracking moments. The road was specifically engineered back in 1950 (took them five years to build it!) to maximize those jaw-dropping canyon views. We're talking about 250-400 meter drops overlooking a stunning 3 km-long gorge, with the turquoise waters of Lake de Saint Croix glistening below. Here's the real challenge: you've got a couple of incredibly narrow tunnels—the Tunnels de Fayet—that are way too tight for two vehicles to pass through simultaneously. Add to that plenty of tight hairpins that'll have you gripping the wheel, and long vehicles basically crawling through these sections. The whole route is a constant dance of twists, turns, and elevation changes that'll keep even experienced drivers on their toes. The scenery is genuinely spectacular—soaring mountain walls, dramatic canyon views, and some stunning overlooks like the Balcons de la Mescla. But here's the catch: pullout spots are scarce and tiny. You'll spot photo opportunities constantly but struggle to find a safe place to actually stop for that perfect shot. Skip summer if you can—tourists pack this road like sardines. Visit in shoulder seasons for a less chaotic experience. And definitely avoid nighttime driving or poor visibility unless you know this road intimately. If heights aren't your thing, maybe save this one for another day. But if you're ready for it? This drive delivers pure exhilaration.
moderateA memorable road trip to Collet du Plan Nicolas
🇫🇷 France
# Collet du Plan Nicolas: A High Alpine Adventure Perched at a breathtaking 2,406 meters (7,893 feet) above sea level, Collet du Plan Nicolas is a stunning mountain pass tucked away in the Savoie department of the Rhône-Alpes region in southeastern France. This is seriously high-altitude territory, and the views are absolutely worth the drive. The good news? The entire route up to the summit is beautifully paved, making it accessible for most drivers. You'll be cruising up the D902, which winds its way through some spectacular alpine scenery. Just keep in mind that this pass is strictly a summer-season destination—it shuts down completely during winter months when snow and ice make the roads impassable. The easiest approach is from Saint Michel de Maurienne, where you can begin your ascent into the mountains. As you climb higher, you'll experience that magical transition from lower valleys into proper alpine terrain, with increasingly dramatic views the further you go. Whether you're a keen driver looking for a scenic challenge or simply want to experience the majesty of the French Alps, this mountain pass delivers the goods.
moderateWhere is Misurina Pass?
🇮🇹 Italy
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through the stunning Province of Belluno in Italy, in the northern part of the country, heading towards Misurina Pass. This isn't just any drive, folks. This is where the Dolomites really show off! You'll be rolling along Strada Provinciale 49 di Misurina (or SP49 if you're feeling local), a paved road that winds its way up for about 8.7 km (5.4 miles). You can reach it easily from the SR48 road near Carbonin. Keep your eyes peeled for those iconic crystal clear waters of Lake Misurina — seriously Instagrammable! And, yep, this spot is a tourist magnet, so you'll find plenty of hotels and restaurants. The road is generally open year-round, but be warned: Mother Nature sometimes has other plans. Winter can bring closures thanks to severe weather. Just something to keep in mind. Get ready for a climb!