Where is Col de Guéry?
France, europe
21.6 km
1,268 m
moderate
Year-round
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through the heart of France, in the Puy-de-Dôme area, ready to tackle the Col de Guéry. This isn't just any drive; you're heading up to 1,268 meters (that's 4,160 feet!), and trust me, the views are worth every meter.
You'll find this gem in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, right in the country's center. The summit has a huge parking area, perfect for soaking in the scenery. Oh, and did I mention Lac de Guéry? It's the highest lake in Auvergne, sitting pretty right above the pass.
The road, known as Route Départementale 983 (or D983 for short), is all paved, making for a smooth ride, but be ready for some steep climbs – we're talking gradients up to 8.8% in places! This road is iconic enough that the Tour de France has used it!
The whole stretch is about 21.6 km (13.42 miles), winding from Randanne (off the N-89) to the charming village of Mont-Dore. Get ready for a scenic drive with views that will take your breath away!
Road Details
- Country
- France
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 21.6 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,268 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
Related Roads in europe
moderateWhere is Faux Col de Restefond?
🇫🇷 France
Okay, adventure seekers, let's talk about the Faux Col de Restefond! Nestled high in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence department of France, this baby sits at a seriously lofty elevation, making it one of the highest roads you'll find in the country. You'll find it in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region, smack-dab in the gorgeous Mercantour National Park. Now, the road to the top is paved, BUT here's the deal. It's not *exactly* on the main route to the actual Col de Restefond. However, most people call it good after reaching this point. Be warned, there's a bit of extra gravel road to conquer if you want to claim the true summit. Keep in mind this pass has a mind of its own. Usually, it's closed between October and May, thanks to those pesky winter conditions. So, plan your trip accordingly!
extremeRoad Fv383
🇳🇴 Norway
# FV383: A Wild Adventure on Handnesøya Island Ready for an unforgettable mountain road experience? FV383 winds its way around the stunning island of Handnesøya in Nordland county, Norway – and it's absolutely not for the faint of heart. This 18-kilometer gravel track circles the entire island, offering incredible scenery at every turn. But here's the thing: Mother Nature doesn't always play nice. After rain, the surface transforms into a slippery, muddy nightmare that'll test your driving skills like nothing else. And that's just the beginning. Winter? Forget about it – unless you're prepared for some seriously gnarly conditions. Avalanches, heavy snowfall, and landslides are real threats here, and ice patches can appear without warning. The unpredictable snowstorms and blizzards that roll through are legendary for a reason. Visibility drops to nearly nothing, winds pick up strength, and suddenly you're questioning every decision that led you to this remote Norwegian island. The scenery is absolutely breathtaking, no question. But FV383 demands respect, preparation, and serious driving chops. This isn't a casual Sunday cruise – it's an adventure that'll stay with you long after you've made it back to solid ground.
moderateDriving the scenic Gerlos Alpine Road in Austria
🇦🇹 Austria
# Gerlos Alpenstraße: Austria's Alpine Thrill Ride Ready for an exhilarating Alpine adventure? The Gerlos Alpenstraße in Salzburg, Austria is absolutely worth the drive. This stunning toll road connects Krimml to Königsleiten and is one of those scenic mountain routes that'll have you gripping the wheel in the best way possible. Built back in 1962 according to Franz Wallack's ambitious plans, this 12-kilometer stretch of fully paved road packs serious Alpine charm into a short journey. Don't let the modest distance fool you though—eight hairpin turns and a punishing 9% gradient in places make this a proper mountain driving challenge that'll test your skills and nerves. The real magic happens as you climb to 1,628 meters above sea level, winding through the stunning High Tauern National Park. The payoff? Breathtaking panoramic views of the Alpine landscape and access to the jaw-dropping Krimml Waterfalls, which plunge an incredible 380 meters down the mountainside. The best part? This road stays open year-round, so you can experience this Alpine beauty no matter the season. Whether you're a serious mountain road enthusiast or just looking for an unforgettable drive, the Gerlos Alpenstraße delivers on every level. Just come prepared for those hairpins and steep grades—they're part of what makes this route so special.
hardWhere is Nota Pass?
🇮🇹 Italy
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! Nestled in the Italian province of , you'll find the Nota Pass, clocking in at a lofty 3,963 feet. Your journey begins near the , not far from the stunning region in northern Italy. So, heads up: the road up is a mix. The section from to the junction is closed and unpaved, while the stretch between and the junction is paved, but don't bring your ! Think , it's that kind of adventure. Expect super narrow passages and gradients hitting . Word on the street is, this pass is closed to cars and motorbikes , likely due to some tiny, slightly sketchy tunnels. Some say it's open, some say it's closed, so approach with caution! The scenery? Absolutely epic.