Where is Col de l'Arpettaz?
France, europe
27.4 km
1,581 m
moderate
Year-round
Okay, picture this: Col de l'Arpettaz, a hidden gem nestled in southeastern , clocking in at a cool 5,187 feet above sea level. If you're hunting for hairpin turns, you've hit the jackpot – this climb boasts a whole lotta 'em!
The entire route stretches for about 17 miles, beginning in Notre-Dame-de-Bellecombe, winding its way to the summit. It's a real feast for the eyes, as you pass through .
Just a heads-up, though, the road to the top isn't always smooth sailing. But trust me, it's all part of the adventure. And when you finally reach the top, you can reward yourself with a stop at Refuge Auberge du Col de l'Arpettaz!
Road Details
- Country
- France
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 27.4 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,581 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
Related Roads in europe
moderateDriving the Scenic Balcony Road through Gorges de Chouvigny
🇫🇷 France
# Gorges de Chouvigny: A Stunning Canyon Drive Through Central France Ready for one of France's most breathtaking balcony road experiences? Head to the Gorges de Chouvigny, a spectacular canyon that straddles the Allier and Puy-de-Dôme departments in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region. The La Sioule river carved this stunning landscape over millennia, and you get to drive right through it. The magic happens on D915, a 7.5 km (4.66 miles) route running west-east from Le Pont de Menat to Chouvigny. The entire road is paved, which is great—but here's where it gets interesting. This isn't your typical highway. Expect narrow sections that demand your full attention, countless twists and turns that keep you on your toes, and several unlit tunnels that'll add a bit of drama to your drive. The real challenge? Portions of this road run as a single-track path hugging the mountainside, which means passing another vehicle is basically impossible. So time your drive wisely, stay alert, and prepare for an unforgettable adventure through one of France's most scenic gorges. The views alone are absolutely worth the thrilling drive.
hardDriving the wild road to Capanna Adula
🇨🇭 Switzerland
# Road to Capanna Adula: A Swiss Alpine Adventure Nestled in Ticino's Blenio district, Capanna Adula sits pretty at 2,044m (6,706ft), cradled at the base of the canton's highest mountain. Getting there? That's half the fun—if you're ready for it. Starting from the charming village of Ghirone (1,252m), you've got a wild 13.1km (8.13 miles) journey ahead. Fair warning: you'll absolutely need a 4x4 for this one. The road kicks off with some pavement before diving into unpaved terrain, climbing a serious 792 meters with a hefty 6.04% average gradient. Those 13 hairpin turns? Yeah, they're tight. The route is pure mountain magic. First, you'll wind up to the stunning Lago di Luzzone (1,606m), a pristine alpine lake that's home to something wild—the world's tallest artificial climbing wall, right on the dam. Then things get seriously gnarly. The road narrows dramatically as it corkscrews upward through eye-watering hairpins before plunging into the Tunnel Carassina (also called Tunnel Luzzone). Brace yourself: this might be the tightest tunnel you'll ever drive through that's actually open to vehicles. After emerging from that claustrophobic thrill, a gentle 500m gravel stretch leads you to Passo Muazz (1,700m). From there, a final easy climb past a parking area takes you to Lago di Carassino and your destination—the welcoming Capanna Adula refuge. This drive delivers serious alpine scenery with an edge.
easyWhere is Bacino di Campo Moro?
🇮🇹 Italy
Okay, picture this: you're winding your way up to Bacino di Campo Moro, a gorgeous alpine lake nestled high in the Italian Alps, not far from the Swiss border. The road? Oh, it's a stunner! Think endless twists and turns, a crazy number of tunnels bored right into the rock face, all leading you higher and higher. This isn't a quick zip, either. You're looking at a climb that's roughly kilometers long, taking you up to an elevation of . That's a serious vertical gain! Is it worth the drive? Absolutely! You'll be treated to postcard-perfect scenery: happy cows munching in green meadows, towering granite mountains showing off every color imaginable, and glacial streams cascading down the slopes. It's an overload of Alpine beauty. Just a heads-up: this road is typically open in winter, but you might need snow chains or winter tires depending on conditions. Get ready for an unforgettable adventure!
hardWhere is Coll del Pal?
🇪🇸 Spain
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through Girona, in northern Spain, ready for an adventure. You're headed to Coll del Pal, a seriously awesome mountain pass chilling at 1,726m (5,662ft) above sea level, nestled in the Pyrenees. The road? Let's just say it's not for the faint of heart! It starts off paved, lulling you into a false sense of security, then BAM! Gravel time. It's super narrow and some sections are brutally steep, so 4x4 is pretty much a must to reach the top. Starting near Sant Martí de Surroca, it's about 4km (2.48 miles) of pure, unadulterated climbing. We're talking a whopping 447m elevation gain, which translates to some seriously intense gradients. Word to the wise: winter is a no-go. This road is located in Pyrenees mountain range and becomes completely impassable due to snow and ice. But hey, the views! Once you conquer those steep inclines and navigate the tricky terrain, you're rewarded with stunning panoramic vistas that'll make your jaw drop. Get ready for an unforgettable off-road experience!