Where is Col de la Pierre Carrée?
France, europe
15.3 km
1,849 m
moderate
Year-round
Okay, picture this: Col de la Pierre Carrée, a seriously stunning mountain pass hanging out in the Haute-Savoie region of France. At 1,849m (that's 6,066ft!), it's the highest pass in the northern French Alps that stays open year-round. You'll find it in the Rhône-Alpes region, way out east. Legend says it’s named after a soldier and alpine hunter named Pierre Carrée.
The road itself (the D106) is completely paved, making for a smooth (ish) ride. Get ready for a wild cul-de-sac adventure with a whopping 20 hairpin turns. Trust me, the views are worth it!
The pass stretches for 15.3 km (9.50 miles), connecting Les Carroz to Flaine. Since it's the main access to the Flaine ski station, it's usually open all year, but keep an eye out for winter closures due to bad weather.
Now, let's talk about the climb. It gets intense! Expect a maximum gradient of 11.8% in places. Think of it in three stages: The first few kilometers are brutal, with a peak of 8.4% on one kilometer. Then it mellows out for a bit until the halfway point. Finally, brace yourself for the second half – another 10 kilometers at around 6.5% average, with peaks hitting 9%. The good news is the slopes get easier as you near the top!
Road Details
- Country
- France
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 15.3 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,849 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
Related Roads in europe
hardHow to get to Arete de Sorebois in Valais?
🇨🇭 Switzerland
# Arête de Sorebois: A Swiss Alpine Adventure Want to experience one of Switzerland's most thrilling high-altitude drives? Head to Arête de Sorebois, a jaw-dropping peak sitting at 2,834 m (9,297 ft) in Valais canton. It's seriously one of the country's highest roads, and the views? Absolutely worth every white-knuckle moment. Tucked in the southern Swiss Pennine Alps just east of Lac de Moiry, this route has some serious personality. The name itself tells a story—Sorebois comes from the Latin "supra," meaning "above the forest," and you'll understand exactly why once you're up there. Starting from the charming village of Zinal, you're looking at roughly 10 km (6.2 miles) of pure mountain intensity. And we're not exaggerating about the intensity: expect a punishing 30% gradient at its steepest, with a surface that's totally unpaved and covered in loose stones. The higher you climb, the rockier and more technical it gets—this is a chairlift access trail that demands serious respect. Here's the catch: winters are completely off-limits. This road transforms into an impassable frozen gauntlet once the snow sets in, so you'll want to tackle it during the warmer months when conditions are manageable. If you're after an unforgettable Alpine experience that'll test your nerve and reward you with some of the most stunning scenery imaginable, this is it.
moderatePort d'Envalira (Pas de la Casa)
🌍 Andorra
# Port d'Envalira: Europe's Highest Drive Ready for a serious elevation achievement? The Port d'Envalira is calling—at 2,408 meters, it's officially the highest paved road in the Pyrenees and the highest through-road in all of Europe that's actually open to regular travelers like us. The journey kicks off in Andorra la Vella and winds its way through this pocket-sized principality on the CG-2 road, eventually hitting the French border at Pas de la Casa. It's a spectacular drive through some seriously dramatic mountain terrain. From Andorra la Vella, the route climbs alongside the Valira d'Orient valley, passing by the Soldeu ski resort before you hit the treeless summit plateau. Fair warning: this isn't some sketchy mountain pass. The road is genuinely well-maintained with modern surfaces and solid safety features—mostly because it's a major commercial artery for Andorra's busy duty-free trade. Still, don't underestimate winter conditions here. Heavy snow and brutal winds can shut things down without warning, though there's an alternative tunnel running beneath the summit if you need a backup plan. Once you crest the summit, you're treated to that classic high-altitude barrenness that suddenly explodes into panoramic views of endless Pyrenean peaks. Then comes the descent into France at Pas de la Casa, where the landscape does a complete 180. Absolutely worth the drive if conditions cooperate.
hardHow long is Road F337?
🇮🇸 Iceland
Okay, adventure-seekers, buckle up for the F337 (Hlöðuvallavegur) in Southern Iceland! This isn't your average Sunday drive. Nestled near Þingvellir National Park, this 28.9 km (17.95 miles) stretch is one of Iceland's steepest and most scenic. Forget the pavement; this is pure, unadulterated Icelandic wilderness. Think lunar landscapes and a totally rough track that demands a 4x4 with serious ground clearance. Seriously, leave the family sedan at home. We're talking big stones, sandy patches, and a relentless climb. Get ready to ascend a whopping 500 vertical meters in just 4 km, hitting an average gradient of 15%! You'll be soaring to 681m (2,234ft) above sea level, so get ready for those views! Keep in mind this road is typically closed from late October to late June/early July due to snow. This is a remote route; passing traffic is rare, and cell service can be spotty. Be prepared to be self-sufficient, and enjoy the raw, untamed beauty of Iceland!
hardPrato Nevoso
🇮🇹 Italy
# Prato Nevoso: A Mountain Adventure in Piedmont Nestled in Italy's Piedmont region, Prato Nevoso is a ski resort that sits pretty at 1,735 meters (5,692 feet) above sea level in the Province of Cuneo. But here's the fun part—getting there is half the adventure! The road up is called SP237, and let me tell you, it doesn't hold back. This narrow, asphalted climb starts from the charming village of Frabosa Sottana and stretches 13.2 kilometers of pure adrenaline. You'll gain a serious 953 meters of elevation along the way, with an average gradient of 7.2%—but watch out for those gnarly sections that hit 11.4%! It's steep enough to get your heart pumping and your palms sweating a little. The road has some serious cycling pedigree too. This route has been featured in both the Giro d'Italia and Tour de France, so you'll be climbing the same roads as the pros. Pretty cool, right? At the summit, you'll spot a communication tower standing sentinel over the landscape. Whether you're tackling this drive for the thrill, the views, or just to say you conquered one of Europe's iconic mountain passes, SP237 delivers an unforgettable experience.