Where is Col de l'Iseran?
France, europe
N/A
2,764 m
moderate
Year-round
Col de l'Iseran, sitting pretty at 2,764m (that's over 9,000 feet!) in the French Alps, is a total must-do. You'll find it in the Savoie department, snuggled close to the Italian border as part of the Route des Grandes Alpes.
This isn't just another road; it's an experience. Known as the "King of the Alps," it's a wild and epic ride that'll leave you breathless. Think desolate landscapes, rough terrain, and views that stretch forever.
The D902 road is fully paved, connecting Val d’Isère to Bonneval-sur-Arc. Keep in mind, though, that this beauty is a summer fling, typically open from May/June to October. Sometimes, they even shut it down to cars and let cyclists have the run of the place!
Believe it or not, this route was just a mule path until the 1920s! It took an incredible 34 years to build, finally opening in 1937. Be prepared for a challenging drive, especially on the north side with its tunnels and steep, 12% grades. You'll spot milestones along the way marking your progress (and reminding you just how high you're climbing). Get ready for an unforgettable Alpine adventure!
Road Details
- Country
- France
- Continent
- europe
- Max Elevation
- 2,764 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
Related Roads in europe
moderateCarretera Vieja (TF-28 Road)
🇪🇸 Spain
# TF-28: Tenerife's Legendary Twisty Mountain Road If you're looking for one of the most thrilling drives in Spain's Canary Islands, the TF-28—locals call it Carretera Vieja (the Old Road)—is absolutely worth the trip. This iconic route winds its way across Tenerife, connecting the bustling Santa Cruz de Tenerife in the north to the beachy resort town of Playa de las Américas in the south. Fair warning: this isn't your grandma's Sunday cruise. The asphalt is decent in most places, but you'll hit some rougher patches along the way. And here's the real deal—if your passengers are prone to motion sickness, maybe skip the heavy lunch beforehand. This road earned its nickname "the road with a thousand bends" for a reason, and it's not exaggerating. Spanning nearly 100 kilometers, the TF-28 hugs the mountainside like it was made for it, following every contour and curve nature threw its way. Before the newer TF-1 highway came along, this was *the* main route between north and south, and it's easy to see why drivers still love it. What makes it special isn't just the engineering—it's the constant adrenaline rush of ascents and descents, hairpin after hairpin. The scenery? Absolutely stunning. You're treated to panoramic views the entire way, with the road weaving through the island's dramatic landscape. For anyone who loves a proper driving challenge with jaw-dropping vistas, this is the real deal.
hardWhere is Cirque de Navacelles?
🇫🇷 France
Okay, picture this: you're in southern France, smack-dab in the Occitanie region, ready for an unforgettable drive! You're about to tackle the D713 and D130, a twisty ribbon of asphalt that plunges into the Cirque de Navacelles, a mind-blowing canyon carved by the River Vis (now mostly dried up). This isn't just any canyon; it's a massive amphitheater of limestone cliffs that'll leave you speechless. The road itself stretches for about 15 km (9.44 miles), connecting Blandas (a cool town known for its prehistoric standing stones) to Saint-Maurice-Navacelles. Now, fair warning: this road isn't for the faint of heart. It's paved, but not exactly in pristine condition, and in sections, it's barely wide enough for a single car. You'll be snaking down into the valley, then hugging the cliff face on the way back up. Rock slides are a real hazard, so keep your eyes peeled. Camper vans are generally advised to avoid this route. On the plus side, the views are spectacular! Just be aware that parking at the village entrance can get crazy crowded in the summer months.
moderateTravel guide to the top of Col des Annes
🇫🇷 France
# Col des Annes Perched at 1,721 meters (5,646 feet) above sea level in Haute-Savoie in south-eastern France, Col des Annes is one seriously impressive alpine pass. The entire route is paved, which is great news—though fair warning, you'll encounter plenty of gravel scattered across the asphalt, so take it easy through the curves. What makes this climb special is the scenery. The road winds through gorgeous alpine pastures as it climbs higher, delivering those classic French Alps views that'll make you want to stop every five minutes for photos. Starting from Le Grand Bornand, you're looking at an 11.96 km climb with 808 meters of elevation gain—that's an average gradient of 6.7%, but here's the kicker: the final stretch ramps up to a punishing 15% average. The good news? The road stays relatively mellow until you pass a golf course at 1,055 meters, where things suddenly get serious and the real climbing begins. You can typically access the pass year-round, which is convenient, though winter storms do occasionally force temporary closures during particularly nasty weather. It's one of the highest paved roads in the region, so the views and the challenge are definitely worth the effort.
moderateThe paved road to Sabaduri Pass in the Tbilisi NP
🇬🇪 Georgia
Okay, road trip lovers, buckle up for the Sabaduri Pass in Georgia's Mtskheta-Mtianeti region! Nestled inside the lush Sabaduri Forest of Tbilisi National Park, this baby climbs to a cool 1,423 meters (that's 4,668 feet!). The Tbilisi-Tianeti road will take you on a 60km (38-mile) adventure from Tbilisi heading north to Tianeti, all on surprisingly decent pavement. Don't get too comfy though, because this route throws some serious curves your way – we're talking over 40 hairpin turns! The Caucasus Mountains setting is stunning, but be warned: those steep sections can be intense, and winter brings ice and snow that cranks up the danger factor. This drive is a challenge, but the views? Totally worth it.