Where is Col de la Colombière?
France, europe
30 km
1,613 m
moderate
Year-round
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through the French Alps on the Route des Grandes Alpes, specifically tackling the Col de la Colombière. This beauty sits pretty high up in the Haute-Savoie department, at 1,613m (5,292ft). You'll find it in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, southeast France.
The road itself? Pure driving bliss on the D4 (Route de la Colombière), all paved and ready for you! It's about 30km (18.64 miles) of winding goodness, connecting Le Grand-Bornand and Scionzier. Keep in mind, this alpine pass is usually open from June to October, weather permitting.
If you drive straight through, you're looking at 45-60 minutes of pure joy. Once you're at the top, you’ll find a bar-restaurant, parking, a souvenir shop, and even a cute little church. Perfect for a pit stop!
Now, heads up, this climb isn't for the faint of heart. Some sections get seriously steep, hitting gradients of up to 13%! This col is a Tour de France regular, so you know it's got some challenging climbs.
If you're coming from Le Grand Bornand, get ready for an 11.7 km climb with a 690-meter elevation gain, averaging 5.9% with a max of 12%. Starting in Scionzier? Buckle up for a 16.3 km ascent, gaining 1,108 meters, averaging 6.8%, also with a max slope of 12%. Get ready for stunning views and bragging rights!
Road Details
- Country
- France
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 30 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,613 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
Related Roads in europe
moderate1. Decoding the Modern British Plate
🇬🇧 England
Alright, buckle up for a spin through the UK's number plate scene! Forget boring old ID tags – these plates are steeped in history and a surprisingly intricate system. **Decoding the Code:** Think of a license plate as a mini-biography of your car. It's got two letters that tell you where the vehicle was first registered. Then there's a two-digit age code that updates twice a year (March and September) so you can tell how old the ride is. Add three random letters at the end and BOOM – instant vehicle history. **The Thrill of the Hunt: Private Plates** Fancy something a little more special? The UK's got a buzzing market for personalized plates. We're talking everything from modern combos to vintage "dateless" plates from before 1963. These old-school plates are hot property 'cause they don't have an age identifier, so you can stick 'em on any car you want, no matter how old it is! Some of these unique plates, like "F 1" or ones with popular names, can fetch crazy prices at auction. **Play by the Rules (Or Pay the Price)** The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) doesn't mess around. They're super strict about keeping plates easy to read for those Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras. So, ditch the fancy fonts and wild backgrounds, and stick to the official reflective materials (white in front, yellow in back) and the British Standard (BS AU 145e). Using fake or illegal plates will land you with hefty fines and might even get your registration revoked! **Bagging Your Dream Plate** So, how do you snag that perfect plate? You've got three options: * **DVLA Auctions:** Go straight to the source for plates that have never been issued before. * **Dealers:** Let certified dealers handle the tricky paperwork and transfer fees for you. * **Private Sellers:** Buy directly from an individual but make sure to get the V750 or V778 retention document for a smooth transfer. Whether you're trying to make your vintage ride look younger with a dateless plate or just want to add a personal touch to your daily driver, the UK system gives you plenty of room to play… as long as you stay within the lines. Always buy from a trusted seller to avoid scams and keep your car legal!
moderateTravel guide to the top of Col du Chasseral in the Jura Mountains
🇨🇭 Switzerland
# Col du Chasseral Ever heard of Col du Chasseral? This 1,606-meter (5,269 ft) alpine gem sits pretty in Switzerland's Jura Mountains, nestled in the Bern canton near Neuchâtel. It's the kind of place that makes you understand why people fall in love with mountain driving. Here's what makes it special: the summit is home to a charming hotel-restaurant and a communication tower, and the views? Absolutely stunning. You get panoramic vistas over three beautiful lakes, with the massive Biel Lake dominating the landscape right below you. It's the kind of spot that makes you want to pull over and just breathe. The route from Nods is a solid 10.4 km (6.46 miles) of pure alpine driving, climbing 710 meters with an average gradient of 6.82%. The road itself is completely paved, but fair warning—it's narrow and seriously steep. You'll navigate some tight switchbacks that'll keep your hands firmly on the wheel. The asphalt is in decent shape overall, and the drainage systems are helpfully marked with white lines. The real challenge? Those speed bumps between the pass and the hotel are legitimately tall and demand your full attention and a slow approach. The road ends at a parking area at 1,548 meters, where cars have to call it quits. From there, adventurers can hike or bike the final stretch to the actual summit. **Pro tip:** Don't forget to check conditions before you go—this pass is notorious for winter closures, so timing is everything if you're planning a visit in the colder months.
moderateWhere is Coll de Pimés?
🇪🇸 Spain
Okay, adventure seekers, buckle up for Coll de Pimés! This epic international mountain pass straddles the border between Andorra and Spain, offering views that'll blow your mind. We're talking way up there, altitude-wise! You'll find this gem nestled near the famous Pic de Carroi, connecting Andorra's Sant Julià de Lòria parish with Spain's Lleida province in Catalonia. Keep an eye out for the Refugi de Roca de Pimes near the top – perfect for a breather. The road itself? Pure, unadulterated adventure! It's a rugged, unpaved path stretching about 5 kilometers from Borda de Conangle to the Pla de l’Estany. Heads up though, winter turns this place into an impassable wonderland. So, plan your trip for the warmer months and get ready for some seriously stunning Pyrenees scenery! Just remember, the road to Pic de Carroi has restrictions, and private vehicles can't access Pla de l’Estany, so plan accordingly.
moderateTake the Scenic Route and Discover Valdresflye
🇳🇴 Norway
# Valdresflye: Norway's Alpine Adventure Nestled in the easternmost reaches of Jotunheimen, Valdresflye stands as one of Norway's highest mountain passes at a breathtaking 1,393 meters (4,570 feet). This fully paved route, officially known as the National Tourist Route Valdresflye or Fylkesvei 51, stretches for an impressive 49 kilometers (30.44 miles) from Garli near Beitostølen all the way to Besstrondsæter in Vågå. What makes this mountain plateau drive so special? The journey itself is fairly straightforward—the road is mostly well-maintained, though you'll hit some narrow sections that keep things interesting. The real drama comes from the weather and timing. The pass typically opens in early May and stays accessible well into November, though winter can shut it down unexpectedly when snow decides to reclaim the mountain. Here's the thing about driving up here: conditions can shift faster than you can say "Norse mythology." The weather at the plateau is notoriously unpredictable, so come prepared and keep your wits about you. But if you're chasing that perfect combination of stunning alpine scenery, genuine mountain driving, and the satisfaction of conquering one of Scandinavia's highest roads, Valdresflye absolutely delivers. It's the kind of route that reminds you why Norway's landscapes capture hearts (and camera rolls) worldwide.