Where is Col de la Lezette?

Where is Col de la Lezette?

France, europe

Length

1.8 km

Elevation

1,786 m

Difficulty

hard

Best Season

Year-round

Okay, picture this: Col de la Lézette, a seriously awesome mountain pass chilling at 1,786m (that's 5,859ft!) in the Savoie department of France. We're talking Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, deep in the French Alps.

The road up? Mostly gravel, but don't let that scare you – most cars can totally handle it. It's called Route des Crêtes and trust me, the views are worth a little bumpiness.

Starting from Les Saisies on the D218B, it's a quick 1.8 km (just over a mile) to the top, but hold on tight – it's STEEP! We're talking a maximum gradient of 13.4% in places! You'll climb 126 meters, averaging a 7% grade.

So, is it worth the drive? YES! Epic views all the way up, and the summit has a huge parking lot and a restaurant called Le Benetton. Fuel up, soak in the scenery, and pat yourself on the back for conquering this alpine gem! And hey, if you're feeling adventurous, there's a smaller gravel road that keeps climbing past the pass...just sayin'!

Share this road

Road Details

Country
France
Continent
europe
Length
1.8 km
Max Elevation
1,786 m
Difficulty
hard

Related Roads in europe

The unpaved road to Col de la Bathie in Savoiehard

The unpaved road to Col de la Bathie in Savoie

🇫🇷 France

# Col de la Bâthie Tucked away in the Savoie department of southeastern France, Col de la Bâthie sits at a pretty impressive 1,884m (6,181ft) elevation. This mountain pass is nestled south of Mont Mirantin in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, and it's absolutely worth the detour. The real adventure here is getting to the top via the Route Forestière de la Ravoire—a gloriously rugged, unpaved forest road that stretches about 6km (3.7 miles) from Le Mondon. Fair warning: this isn't your typical smooth highway. Expect narrow passages and some seriously steep pitches that'll keep you on your toes (and your brakes sharp). Once you summit at 2,024m (6,640ft), you'll find Refuge Les Arolles, a cozy mountain hut built back in 1987, plus a traditional cross marking the pass. The views? Absolutely stellar—particularly if you're lucky enough to catch sight of Mont Blanc on a clear day. The refuge offers wonderful vistas down to Arêches as well. Just keep in mind that this road isn't maintained during winter months, so time your visit accordingly. The high-altitude Beaufortain Massif location means conditions can change fast, but that's part of what makes this such a rewarding backcountry experience.

Cherni Vrahhard

Cherni Vrah

🌍 Bulgaria

Okay, so you're heading to Bulgaria? Awesome! If you're feeling adventurous, you HAVE to check out Cherni Vrah, a.k.a. Black Peak! This beast of a mountain tops out at 2,274 meters (7,460 feet) in the Vitosha range, located in Pernik Province. Now, getting to the top? That's where things get interesting. Think gravel, rocks, bumps galore - it's a proper off-road challenge. It's essentially a service road for the chairlift, so be prepared for some serious uneven terrain. Heads up: this route is usually snowed in from October to June, so plan accordingly. You'll definitely want a 4x4 for this one. This isn't for the faint of heart, as it's seriously steep in sections. Also, mountain weather can change in a heartbeat, turning the road into a mud bath, so keep an eye on the sky. The views? Totally worth it! Plus, there's a mountain hut and a cool weather station built way back in 1935 waiting for you at the summit. Get ready for an unforgettable experience!

The breathtaking road through Serrai di Sottoguda in the Dolomitesextreme

The breathtaking road through Serrai di Sottoguda in the Dolomites

🇮🇹 Italy

# Serrai di Sottoguda: A Hidden Gem in Italy's Dolomites Tucked away in the heart of the Dolomites within Belluno province in northeastern Italy, the road through the Serrai di Sottoguda gorge is seriously something special – we're talking one of the world's narrowest stretches of asphalt. Here's the thing though: vehicles are actually forbidden here now. Only pedestrians and cyclists can experience this magical corridor through the rock. Welcome to the Veneto Alps, where nature does things on an epic scale. The gorge itself is absolutely stunning – towering walls of bare rock rise up to 50 meters on either side, while the passage between them narrows to just 8-10 meters wide. The whole canyon stretches roughly two kilometers, and the Pettorina river flows beneath you, its waters literally carved these dramatic cliffs over time. The current route you'll walk or cycle today is actually a First World War relic, complete with two old ammunition galleries and a small chapel honoring fallen soldiers from Malga Ciapela. If you venture along the abandoned original path, you'll spot a carved image of the Sacred Heart – a blessing carved into the rock face back when crossing this gorge was genuinely perilous. The paved walkway features twelve small bridges and winds alongside the river for roughly 1.7 kilometers. The atmosphere is genuinely otherworldly – so little light penetrates these narrow walls that you can't help but feel wonderfully tiny against nature's raw power. The air echoes with rushing water, creating an immersive experience that makes you feel like you've stepped into another world entirely. It's absolutely worth the detour.

Where is Collada de Carmenes?moderate

Where is Collada de Carmenes?

🇪🇸 Spain

Alright, adventure seekers, let's talk about Collada de Cármenes, a sweet mountain pass nestled in the province of León, Spain! You'll find this beauty in the Castile and León region, chilling in the northwest. It's a totally paved road (they call it LE-312) in great shape, so no need to worry about your tires. It's got some fun curves, but nothing too crazy steep – we're talking about a gentle 5-6% average incline, with a few spots that might hit 10%. Just a heads up, winter can bring some snow, so plan accordingly! This little gem stretches for about 8.5 kilometers (5.28 miles) between Carmenes and Villamanín, going east to west. Once you reach the top, you'll find a small parking area. If you're feeling extra adventurous and have a 4x4, there's a rugged gravel road heading north to Mina La Profunda, an old copper mine. Just be warned, it's strictly 4x4 territory!