Where is Col de Chérine?

Where is Col de Chérine?

France, europe

Length

13.9 km

Elevation

2,295 m

Difficulty

hard

Best Season

Year-round

Okay, picture this: you're in southeastern France, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur to be exact, ready to tackle the Col de Chérine. This isn't your average Sunday drive. We're talking a 13.9 km (8.63 miles) climb up to a whopping 2,295m (7,529ft) above sea level. Get ready for some steep sections topping out at 10.5%, hairpin turns galore, and a narrow track that mostly serves ski lift and lodge maintenance. Oh, and did I mention it gets seriously windy up there? In the winter, forget about it – this road is totally impassable. But the views! As you wind your way up through the passes, you'll be treated to some seriously breathtaking panoramas of Queyras, the Embrunais, and the Pelvoux Massif. D29 is a scenic balcony road in the Alpes-Maritimes. This drive is pure magic, if you're up for the challenge!

Share this road

Road Details

Country
France
Continent
europe
Length
13.9 km
Max Elevation
2,295 m
Difficulty
hard

Related Roads in europe

How long is the road to Mount Vitsi in Greece?moderate

How long is the road to Mount Vitsi in Greece?

🇬🇷 Greece

Okay, adventure junkies, let's talk about Mount Vitsi in Greece! This killer peak, clocking in at 2,113m (6,932ft), straddles Florina and Kastoria and boasts one of the highest roads in the country. Nestled in the Verno mountains, the road up Mount Vitsi (aka Mount Verno) is totally paved but be warned, it's steep! The real fun starts in Oxya, Kastoria, with a 12.6 km (7.82 miles) climb to the top. Prepare for a serious workout – you'll gain 920 meters in elevation, averaging a gradient of 7.30%. At the summit, you'll find a cute little chapel, some comms gear, and views for days. The drive itself is pure Greek magic, winding through charming villages and lush green landscapes. Usually, the road's open year-round, but winter can bring closures, so keep an eye on the weather. Trust me, this is one climb you won't forget!

How to get by car to the beautiful Kolokytha beach in Crete?hard

How to get by car to the beautiful Kolokytha beach in Crete?

🇬🇷 Greece

# Kolokytha Beach: Worth the Bumpy Ride If you're hunting for one of Greece's most stunning beaches, Kolokytha on the island of Spinalonga is calling your name. Picture this: pristine white sand, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and a remote vibe that feels like you've discovered your own slice of paradise. Located in the Gulf of Elounda in northeastern Crete, near the charming town of Elounda, this hidden gem is absolutely worth the effort to reach. Here's the thing though—getting there is half the adventure. The coastal road from Elounda stretches 2.8 km (1.73 miles) of pure unpaved, dirt-road charm. The final stretch gets seriously gnarly with big rocks and loose stones scattered everywhere, so you'll definitely want a 4x4 vehicle if you're thinking of driving all the way. Fair warning: the road is typically closed to private vehicles, so your best bet is to park at the small lot near the Church of St. Luke, roughly halfway down, and hoof it from there. Pro tip: arrive early. Like, really early. This place might be remote, but word's out about how gorgeous it is, so it can get surprisingly crowded. Grab your sunscreen, lace up your hiking boots, and prepare for one of the most rewarding beach days of your life.

1. Navigating the Algarve Road Networkmoderate

1. Navigating the Algarve Road Network

🇵🇹 Portugal

Okay, picture this: you're itching to explore the Serra da Estrela Natural Park in Portugal, right? Well, the N339 is your ticket to ride! This epic road clocks in at around 26 kilometers (about 16 miles), and get this – it's the highest road in Portugal! Starting near Piornos, you'll wind your way up to Torre, the highest point in mainland Portugal. The views? Absolutely insane. Think vast, open landscapes that stretch as far as the eye can see. Now, heads up! The N339 isn't always a smooth ride. It can get pretty dicey in the winter with snow and ice, and even in the summer, there can be some serious fog rolling in that can cut visibility. Plus, there are some tight curves and steep drop-offs along the way, so keep your eyes on the road! But trust me, the scenery is worth it. You'll pass stunning rock formations, unique mountain vegetation, and maybe even catch a glimpse of some local wildlife. Just take it slow, stay alert, and get ready for some seriously unforgettable views! This is the kind of drive that sticks with you.

A curvy scenic road to Col de la Couilloleextreme

A curvy scenic road to Col de la Couillole

🇫🇷 France

# Col de la Couillole Nestled in the Alpes-Maritimes region of southeastern France, Col de la Couillole sits at a whopping 1,678m elevation and serves as part of the legendary Route des Grandes Alpes. This fully paved route (D30, which becomes M30 after the pass) stretches 23.4km from Beuil to Saint-Sauveur-sur-Tinée and winds through the stunning Mercantour National Park. Fair warning: this road is seriously steep and curvy. You'll encounter hairpin turns, narrow sections, and charming tunnels that make for an exhilarating—but gorgeous—drive. The scenery? Absolutely breathtaking at every turn. Cyclists know this pass well; the Tour de France has tackled it multiple times. Starting from Saint-Sauveur-sur-Tinée at just 504m elevation, riders face 15.7km of climbing with 1,174 meters of elevation gain. The average gradient of 7.5% sounds reasonable until you realize there's barely a flat section below 6%, with several stretches hitting 8% and peaks reaching 11%. It's relentless in the best way possible. While you're in the area, don't miss the picturesque village of Roubion, perched near the road. It's truly a hidden gem—literally at the end of the road—with local hotels and stunning views. Fair note: if you're coming from the Beuil side, you won't see signs for it, so keep your eyes peeled.