Where is Col de la Platriere?
France, europe
23.6 km
2,220 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, buckle up, because Col de la Platrière in the French Alps is a stunner! This paved road winds its way up to 2,220m (7,283ft) in the Hautes-Alpes department, offering insane views. You'll find it in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region, not far south of the well-known Casse Deserte.
The D902, as it's known, is a twisty thrill ride. Think narrow sections, hairpin turns galore, and a serious climb of 23.6 km (14.66 miles) from Arvieux to Cervières. Be prepared for some steep ramps, with gradients hitting up to 12%! And yes, those dramatic drop-offs are definitely a thing, so keep your eyes on the road.
Once you conquer the climb, there's a small parking lot waiting. Don't miss the short walk to the orientation boards at the top – the panoramic views are SO worth it! This legendary climb even makes appearances in the Tour de France, so you know it's epic.
Road Details
- Country
- France
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 23.6 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,220 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in europe
hardWhere is Col de Portet?
🇫🇷 France
Col de Portet is a seriously high mountain pass way up in the French Pyrenees, topping out at 2,215m (7,267ft). You'll find it nestled west of Saint-Lary-Soulan in the Occitanie region, practically kissing the Spanish border. The road? Oh, it's an experience! Fully paved as of 2018, it's still a twisty, turny adventure. This aerial road is carved right into the mountainside and the views start breathtaking and just keep getting better. Don't let the relatively short 8km (5 miles) distance fool you. This is one of the toughest climbs in the Pyrenees, with 14 hairpin turns, super narrow sections, and some seriously steep gradients hitting a max of 16.3%! You'll gain 655 meters in elevation, averaging over 8% — it's a grind! You can see almost the whole route from the bottom which is honestly intimidating in the best way. Heads up, this beauty is usually snowed in from November to May. The sweet spot is June to October. Also, during the summer, they sometimes restrict access to motorized vehicles between 8 a.m. and 3 p.m. (except for locals). But is it worth it? Absolutely! It's been featured in the Tour de France, and the 360-degree views from the summit are incredible, showing off all the surrounding peaks. The tough climb might make you want to stop driving for the day, but the view is worth it!
hardHere's How To Have The Ultimate Road Trip To Rarau Peak
🇷🇴 Romania
Okay, so picture this: you're in Romania, in the heart of Bukovina's stunning Suceava County. You're heading to Rarau Peak, and trust me, it's an adventure! This isn't your average Sunday drive, folks. We're talking a rough, unpaved road that winds its way up to a whopping 1,633 meters (5,357 feet) above sea level. Yeah, you'll definitely want a 4x4 for this one. The summit itself is home to a TV station, but the real draw is the view. Seriously, get ready to have your breath taken away. From the top, you'll be treated to a panorama of Campulung Moldovenesc and the Moldova River valley that's simply unforgettable. But be warned, the 1.8 km (1.11 miles) climb from the TransRarau ‘The Treasures’ Road is STEEP! We're talking gradients hitting 12% in places. You'll gain 136 meters in elevation, averaging a 7.55% incline, so buckle up and get ready for a thrilling ride!
moderateCan you drive up the Black Mountains?
🇬🇧 Wales
Black Mountain Road in Carmarthenshire, Wales? Oh, you HAVE to drive it! This legendary stretch of asphalt is a wild mix of twists, dips, and climbs that'll have you grinning from ear to ear. Nestled in the southwestern corner of Wales, snaking through the Black Mountains, the A4069 (that's its official name) is pure driving bliss. Think 23.81 km (14.8 miles) of paved perfection, running from Glanamman to Llangadog. Seriously, for a mountain road, it's surprisingly smooth, with those awesome sections of bends and straights where you can see for miles. Just keep an eye out for wandering sheep – they own the place! And a heads up, sneaky mobile speed cameras sometimes lurk disguised as horse boxes or trucks. Located in the western part of the Brecon Beacons National Park, there are some of the best corners here. Fast sections, tight corners, and views that'll make you weep with joy when you hit the hairpins. If you're in a low rider, watch out for bumps! And you'll top out at 495 m (1,624 ft) above sea level. It's no wonder it's called the best driving road in Wales! Those five most memorable miles you can drive in any country! Ever since Top Gear featured it back in 2011 (aka the 'Top Gear road’), it’s become a must-do for petrolheads. Car magazine test drivers are obsessed, but that means it can get busy, especially on weekends. Expect 35-45 minutes of pure driving heaven if you don't stop, but honestly, you'll want to. The scenery? Mind-blowing. Miles and miles of gorgeous countryside. Make use of the laybys to soak it all in. If you're a driving enthusiast, this road is worth every second!
hardErmita de la Virgen de Lomos de Orios
🇪🇸 Spain
Okay, road trip fans, let's head to northern Spain! Deep in La Rioja, you'll find the Ermita de la Virgen de Lomos de Orios, a sweet little chapel perched way up high at 1,433 meters. The road to get there? Picture this: twisty asphalt ribbon winding through the Sierra de Cebollera Natural Park. It's a bit narrow in places, so keep it chill at 30km/h. Good news: there's a big parking area at the top! The climb kicks off in Villoslada de Cameros and stretches for 8.5 km, gaining 393 meters in elevation. That's an average gradient of 4.62%, so nothing too crazy. FYI, this climb is so scenic it has even been featured in the Vuelta Ciclista a la Rioja! One thing to keep in mind: being so high up, expect some serious snow in the winter. The road can get closed if it's not cleared, so plan accordingly.