Where is Col de Mantet?
France, europe
17.3 km
N/A
extreme
Year-round
Okay, picture this: You're cruising through the French Pyrenees, near the border with Spain, and you stumble upon Col de Mantet. This isn't your average Sunday drive, folks! We're talking a seriously narrow, paved ribbon of road, D66, stretching for about 17.3 kilometers.
The views? Absolutely breathtaking! But hold on tight, because one side is often a sheer, unprotected drop of hundreds of feet. Talk about an adrenaline rush! The road climbs like crazy, hitting some seriously steep grades. To top it off, you might find sections covered in snow or ice, even in warmer months. L’Ubayette Bridge is spectacular as you pass by. So, if you're feeling adventurous and have a head for heights, Col de Mantet is an experience you won't soon forget!
Road Details
- Country
- France
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 17.3 km
- Difficulty
- extreme
Related Roads in europe
moderateWhere is Alto del 14%?
🇪🇸 Spain
Alright, thrill-seekers, listen up! Have you heard of Alto del 14%? This insane mountain pass sits 570 meters (1,870 ft) above sea level in Spain's Cordoba province. And trust me, that name is a *total* understatement! You'll find this beauty nestled in Andalusia, that sunny region in southern Spain, specifically inside Los Villares Park. So why the odd name? Well, it doesn't have an official one! Locals call it "Alto del 14%" because of a roadside sign warning of those crazy steep gradients—and believe me, they're not kidding! The road, officially known as CO-3408, stretches for about 13.5 km (8.38 miles) from Córdoba up to Cerro Muriano. The pavement's in good shape, but don't let that fool you. This climb is a BEAST! Prepare for sections hitting a ridiculous 16.3% incline, with an average of 5.6% overall. No wonder the big trucks are banned! Even the Vuelta, Spain's famous bike race, has taken on this beast. Get ready for some seriously stunning scenery, and an even more serious workout for your car (or your legs!).
moderatePas de l'Âne
🇫🇷 France
# Pas de l'Âne: A Wild Alpine Adventure Tucked away in the Savoie department of southeastern France's Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, Pas de l'Âne sits pretty at 2,091 meters (6,860 feet) above sea level. This mountain pass cuts through the stunning Beaufortain Massif, and let me tell you—it's not for the faint of heart. The road up to the summit is pure gravel and rocky terrain, with sections that'll test your nerve. Expect a bumpy, tippy ride that'll have you gripping the wheel tight. Winter? Forget about it—this pass becomes impassable when snow rolls in, making it a summer-only adventure. Here's the real talk: this is a trail for seasoned drivers who actually *know* how to handle unpaved mountain roads. If loose gravel and exposed mountain passes aren't in your wheelhouse, skip this one. But if you're an experienced wheeler looking for an exhilarating high-altitude challenge with some seriously dramatic Alpine scenery, Pas de l'Âne is calling your name.
hardThe breathtaking road to Forcella di Alleghe
🇮🇹 Italy
# Forcella di Alleghei: A High-Alpine Adventure Ready for some serious mountain driving? Forcella di Alleghei sits pretty at 1,823m (5,980ft) in Belluno, Veneto, and it's definitely not your average Sunday drive. The route follows Via Coi, a completely unpaved trail that'll test both your nerves and your vehicle's suspension. Here's the real talk: this one's only doable from roughly July to September, weather permitting. A 4x4 is basically mandatory—no exceptions. The trail climbs steeply and serves as access to a chairlift, so you're looking at serious gradient in places. Fair warning though—mountain weather in the Alps is moody and unpredictable. Thunderstorms can roll in without warning and transform a challenging but passable route into a full-blown four-wheel-drive nightmare (or worse, completely impassable). If you're thinking of tackling this in peak season with the right gear and respect for the elements, you're in for an absolutely unforgettable Alpine experience. Just don't underestimate what Mother Nature can throw at you up there.
hardWhere is Kotsifou Canyon?
🇬🇷 Greece
Okay, picture this: Crete, south coast, you. You're about to cruise through the Kotsifou Canyon, one of the island's most stunning gorges. The road itself stretches for about 4.2 km (2.6 miles), a north-south route connecting Agios Ioannis and Sellia. As you enter, the canyon walls close in, starting super narrow at around 10 meters, with cliffs soaring almost vertically to 600 meters! Trust me, it's breathtaking. The pavement's in good shape, but keep your eyes peeled for potential rockfalls – those cliffs are dramatic for a reason! And oh, the scenery? Totally Instagrammable. There's even a little parking area where you can safely stop and soak it all in. Summer's a great time to visit because the canyon offers a cool escape from the Cretan heat. In winter, a 20-meter waterfall can appear. Be warned: It can get pretty windy, so hold onto your hats (and maybe your car doors!). Seriously, though, this drive is an absolute must-do.