Where is Col de l’Hysope?

Where is Col de l’Hysope?

France, europe

Length

26.9 km

Elevation

1,236 m

Difficulty

hard

Best Season

Year-round

Okay, picture this: Col de l’Hysope, a seriously epic mountain pass nestled high in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence region of France! We're talking Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur vibes, in the southeastern corner of the country.

The D3 road? Paved, yes, but hold on tight. It's a twisty-turny adventure, super narrow in places, with some seriously steep sections cranking up to almost 15%! If you're not a fan of tight squeezes and hairpin heaven, maybe give this one a miss. Reversing skills are definitely a plus.

This scenic route stretches for about 27 kilometers (or 17 miles for you imperial folks) between Authon and Champtercier. And the reward? A breathtaking natural viewpoint at the summit with a cute, tiny parking spot. Trust me, the views of Lac de Cema and Gorges de la Blanche are totally worth the white-knuckle drive! You won't forget this one.

Share this road

Road Details

Country
France
Continent
europe
Length
26.9 km
Max Elevation
1,236 m
Difficulty
hard

Related Roads in europe

Travel guide to the top of Col du Grand Renardextreme

Travel guide to the top of Col du Grand Renard

🇫🇷 France

# Col du Grand Renard Tucked away in the Savoie department of France's Rhône-Alpes region, Col du Grand Renard sits at a breathtaking 2,455m (8,054ft) and is absolutely not for the faint of heart. This is serious mountain pass territory. Fair warning: the road here is intense. We're talking gravel all the way, following old unpaved ski-lift service roads with a rocky, loose surface that'll keep you on your toes. Plenty of slippery gravel to navigate, though thankfully the gradient never gets completely bonkers. Still, you'll want excellent vehicle control and nerves of steel. The real kicker? Being this high up means Mother Nature calls the shots—the pass can shut down without warning whenever snow decides to roll through. That's just part of the adventure at this elevation. The Alpine scenery is worth every white-knuckle moment, though. This is raw, rugged mountain beauty that'll stay with you long after you've conquered it.

Ultimate 4wd destination: Ushba Peak in the Caucasusextreme

Ultimate 4wd destination: Ushba Peak in the Caucasus

🇬🇪 Georgia

Okay, adventure seekers, picture this: Western Georgia, rugged mountains, and you in a 4x4, ready to tackle one of the highest roads in the country! We're talking about the road to Ushba plateau, clocking in at a staggering 10,291 feet above sea level. This isn't your average Sunday drive. The road's totally unpaved, a real off-road challenge near Mestia, crossing the stunning Koruldi Lakes. You'll need a seriously capable vehicle for this one. And heads up, this route is usually snowed in from late October until at least late June/early July – Mother Nature decides when it's open! Starting from Seti square, you'll climb a wild 1,700 meters in elevation, so be prepared for some seriously steep inclines. But trust me, the views are worth it. Imagine being surrounded by glaciers and towering peaks, the weather swirling dramatically around you (it can change in a heartbeat up there!). This drive, near Ughviri Pass, is absolutely unforgettable. Just remember, this Mount Kudebi drive is only for experienced off-roaders. Get ready for an epic adventure!

Tonale Pass: Driving on Italy's Scenic Road in the Dolomitesmoderate

Tonale Pass: Driving on Italy's Scenic Road in the Dolomites

🇮🇹 Italy

Passo del Tonale is a stunning high mountain pass sitting at 1,883m (6,178ft) on the border between Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol and Lombardy in northern Italy. This fully paved beauty, known as Strada Statale 42 (SS42), winds its way through the dramatic Rhaetian Alps with plenty of curves, hairpin turns, and narrow stretches to keep you engaged. The 56.1 km (34.85 miles) journey runs west to east, connecting the charming town of Edolo in Brescia (Lombardy) to Dimaro in Trentino. If you're into cycling, you might recognize this pass – it's famously featured in the legendary Giro d'Italia race, which tells you something about its iconic status. The views are absolutely breathtaking as you climb higher, with mountain scenery that'll have you reaching for your camera at every turn. Once you reach the summit, you'll find a proper little hub with hotels, restaurants, and shops to refuel and rest. There's also a poignant World War I memorial worth exploring if you're interested in the region's history. Come winter, this place transforms into a haven for skiers and snow sports enthusiasts, making it a year-round destination worth experiencing. Whether you're after a thrilling drive or a mountain adventure, Passo del Tonale delivers on all fronts.

Sikhote-Alin Pass: a remote roadmoderate

Sikhote-Alin Pass: a remote road

🌍 Russia

Alright, adventure junkies, buckle up for Perevale Sikhote-Alin'skom! This epic pass climbs to 853 meters (2,798 feet) in the Russian Far East, snaking through the wild Vaninsky District. The whole 321 kilometers (200 miles) are paved, but don't think it's a cruise. You're deep in the Sikhote-Alin Mountains, inside a biosphere reserve. The road winds between Vanino and Lidoga. Expect steep climbs! Winter brings heavy snow, turning the road into a real challenge. But trust me, the scenery is worth it. It's a proper remote road trip!