Where is Col de la Paré?
France, europe
4.8 km
2,412 m
hard
Year-round
Hey adventurers! Ever heard of Col de la Paré? Nestled way up in the Savoie department of France, this baby clocks in at a whopping 2,412 meters (that's 7,913 feet for my fellow Americans!). You'll find it hanging out in the Rhône-Alpes region, close to Valloire.
This isn't your average Sunday drive, folks. We're talking about the "Route Militaire des Rochilles," a mostly unpaved path carved out between 1902 and 1907. Translation? It's rugged. You’ll definitely want to bring your 4x4!
Starting from Parking de 3 lacs along the D902, this 4.8 km (or roughly 3 miles) journey is packed with thrills: think narrow roads, seriously steep inclines, and a wild collection of 16 hairpin turns to keep you on your toes.
But trust me, it's worth it. The views from the top are incredible, and you can explore historical spots like the Ouvrage Les Rochilles (part of the old Maginot Line) and the Refuge du camp des Rochilles mountain shelter. Keep in mind this route is typically snowed in during winter, so plan your trip accordingly!
Road Details
- Country
- France
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 4.8 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,412 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in europe
hardA scenic paved road to Puerto de Navafría
🇪🇸 Spain
# Puerto de Navafría Ready to tackle one of Spain's most thrilling mountain passes? Welcome to Puerto de Navafría, sitting pretty at 1,775 meters (5,823 feet) right on the border between Castile and Leon and Madrid. This 23-kilometer (14-mile) beauty winds through the heart of the country, connecting N110 near Navafría to M604 near Lozoya as it cuts north-south through the landscape. Fair warning though—while the M-637 and SG-612 routes are fully paved, they're narrow, bumpy, and seriously steep. We're talking maximum gradients hitting 10% in some sections, which is exactly why the Spanish Vuelta race decided it was the perfect place to challenge cyclists. The drive itself? Absolutely stunning. You'll climb through dense forests in the Sierra de Guadarrama, with panoramic views that just keep getting better as you gain elevation. Once you reach the summit, you'll find a ski station ready to welcome you—making this pass a year-round destination depending on conditions and season. So buckle up, take it slow on those winding curves, and prepare yourself for one seriously memorable Spanish mountain experience. This isn't just a drive; it's a test of nerve and a feast for the eyes.
extremeThe Road to Collado del Ampriu in the Pyrenees Has It All
🇪🇸 Spain
Collado del Ampriu is a seriously stunning mountain pass sitting pretty at 2,261m (7,417ft) in Huesca, Spain. Nestled in the Ribagorza region of Aragón and tucked deep within the Benasque Valley in the Pyrenees, this spot is an absolute gem for mountain enthusiasts. The paved road up is no joke—we're talking slopes that regularly exceed 12%. It's been a favorite challenge for the Vuelta a España riders, though they typically only tackle it up to the end of the paved section at 1,912m (6,272ft), where there's a handy parking lot. From there, a small gravel road (off-limits to regular cars) continues another kilometer or so to the actual summit. Starting from Cerler at 1,571m, you're looking at a 9.6 km climb that'll gain you 690 meters of elevation. The average gradient sits around 7.1%, so it's definitely challenging but doable. Once you reach the top, you'll find yourself at the gateway to a bunch of unpaved roads that branch off to nearby peaks—most of them maintained for ski lift operations. It's the kind of place where you feel like you're really conquering something special. The Pyrenees backdrop, the thin mountain air, those sweeping switchbacks—this pass delivers the goods for anyone brave enough to tackle it.
moderateA wild paved road to Sakaltutan Geçidi in Erzincan Province
🇹🇷 Turkey
Okay, road trip lovers, buckle up for Sakaltutan Geçidi! This high-altitude stunner sits way up in the Eastern Anatolia region of Turkey, chilling at 2,036 meters (that's 6,679 feet!). You'll find it nestled along the D100 (also known as the E80), connecting the cities of Erzincan and Refahiye. The good news? It's paved, so no need for a monster truck. The maybe-not-so-good news? It's a pretty steep climb, so keep your engine humming. And heads up – being up so high means you might run into some serious winter weather. But hey, think of the views! You'll be snaking through some seriously gorgeous scenery in Eastern Turkey.
hardWhere is Goderdzi Pass?
🇬🇪 Georgia
Okay, buckle up, adventurers, because Goderdzi Pass in Georgia is calling your name! This beauty sits way up high in the Lesser Caucasus Mountains, right on the border between Adjara and Samtskhe–Javakheti regions. Think you can just cruise on through? Think again! This isn't your average Sunday drive. The Batumi-Akhaltsikhe road, as it's called, is mostly unpaved. We're talking rugged terrain that practically screams for a high-clearance 4x4. Seriously, leave your low-rider at home, or you'll be in for a slow, bumpy ride with cows, potential landslides, and surprise waterfalls adding to the fun! This 79.4 km (49.33 miles) stretch of wild road connects Khulo in Adjara to Akhaltsikhe in Samtskhe–Javakheti, with the pass itself being the highest point at a cool 2,027m (6,650ft). Word to the wise: winters here are brutal, with snow often making the pass completely impassable. Plan your trip accordingly! But if you're prepared for an adventure, you'll be rewarded with stunning scenery and, at the summit, hotels, restaurants, and even a mosque. Goderdzi Pass is a true taste of Georgia's untamed beauty!