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
moderateIs the Trummelsbergsvägen unpaved?
🌍 Sweden
Okay, adventure seekers, let's talk Trummelsbergsvägen in Västmanland County, Sweden! This isn't just a road, it's an experience, stretching from the paved highway near Bockhammar to Bodarne, a.k.a. Lockholm, through Trummelsberg. Now, heads up: this isn't your typical Sunday drive. We're talking unpaved, folks! A 4x4 is practically mandatory. The Trummelsbergsvägen winds its way over Trummelsberg, a petite mountain, climbing to a modest 1,066 feet above sea level. Clocking in at just under 4 miles, the road offers a nice little off-road escape. Fair warning: this route sees very little maintenance and is definitely not kept open during the winter. But with the right off-road rig, it's totally doable and makes for an unforgettable adventure in south-central Sweden!
hardHoadl Haus
🇦🇹 Austria
# Road to Hoadl Haus Nestled in the Austrian Tyrol at a breathtaking 2,338 meters (7,670 feet), Hoadl Haus is one of those epic mountain bar destinations that'll make for incredible stories. Getting there? That's half the adventure. The route to the summit is basically a chairlift access trail that's equal parts scenic and serious. You're dealing with a rocky, gravel surface that gets progressively gnarlier as you climb—loose stones dominate, and the upper sections turn into a steep, rocky gauntlet. The ski-station service road itself is no joke, with some stretches hitting 30% grades that'll test both your vehicle and your nerves. Here's the catch: this one's strictly a summer mission, and even then, you're looking at a narrow window—basically late August is your sweet spot. Mother Nature doesn't make it easy though. Wind is pretty much a constant companion up here, with strong gusts blowing year-round. And don't be fooled by the summer season either; snowfall can surprise you even in August, and winter temps here are absolutely brutal. If you're thinking of tackling this one, go in with eyes wide open. The payoff? Unbeatable Alpine views and that mountain bar experience you won't forget.
moderateAn Old Military Unpaved Road to Gardetta Pass in the Cottian Alps
🇮🇹 Italy
# Passo della Gardetta Ready for an adventure off the beaten path? Passo della Gardetta sits at a dramatic 2,442m (8,011ft) in Italy's Province of Cuneo, and it's honestly one of the most unique drives you'll encounter in the Piedmont region. Starting from Marmora, this 15.1 km (9.38 miles) journey takes you up a completely unpaved old military road that's straight out of a history book. Fair warning though—you'll need a proper 4x4 to tackle it, and private vehicles aren't allowed. Plus, the road is typically blocked from October through June thanks to heavy snow. What makes this drive truly special is the incredible scenery. You're traversing the Altopiano della Gardetta, a wild plateau that opens up to stunning views of the Oronaje mountains and the Acceglio Valley below. But here's what really gives this route its soul: everywhere you look, you'll spot remnants of history. Ruined military barracks dot the landscape, along with a moving memorial to soldiers who died clearing the area after World War I. Further down, four preserved World War II bunkers stand as silent witnesses to the past. And if you're curious about where climbers rest, there's a beautifully restored WWII barrack that's served as the Gardetta shelter since 1989, perched at 2,335m. This isn't your typical scenic drive—it's a raw, rugged journey through mountain history.
extremeIs the F821 (Eyjafjarðarleið) unpaved?
🇮🇸 Iceland
Okay, adventure-seekers, listen up! Road F821, also known as Eyjafjarðarleið, is waiting for you in the rugged Northeastern Region of Iceland. Picture this: you, your trusty 4x4, and 41 kilometers (25.47 miles) of pure, unadulterated Icelandic wilderness. Starting from Hólsgerði farm nestled deep in the Eyjafjarðadalur valley, this isn't your average Sunday drive. We're talking seriously unpaved, rough terrain with potholes and rocks galore. You'll climb to a breathtaking 944m (3,097ft), making it one of the highest roads in the country! The views? Absolutely epic. Think arctic desert landscapes stretching as far as the eye can see as you enter the Sprengisandur area. Heads-up: this road demands respect. It's steep and narrow in sections, and only accessible during the summer months (usually July to September). Even then, be prepared for anything – snow is possible, and landslides can happen after heavy rain. Make sure you're stocked with food, water, and plenty of fuel. But trust me, if you're craving an off-the-beaten-path experience, this wild ride is worth every bump and jolt!