Where is Col de Méraillet?
France, europe
39.7 km
1,612 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through the French Alps, specifically in the Savoie region. You're on the D925, part of the legendary Route des Grandes Alpes, heading for the Col de Méraillet. This bad boy sits at 1,612m (5,288ft) above sea level, so get ready for some serious views!
The road? All smooth asphalt, baby! Think hairpin turns and long, sweeping curves that’ll make you feel like a pro driver. The whole 39.7 km (24.66 miles) stretches from Beaufort to Bourg-Saint-Maurice. For much of it, you're winding through forests, so it's super scenic. Speaking of scenic, keep your eyes peeled for the stunning Lac de Roselend – it’s a deep blue gem with a massive dam that's seriously impressive.
Word to the wise: this climb is no joke. Some sections get as steep as 13%, so be prepared for a bit of a workout for your engine. Also, while most of the road is pretty wide, there are some narrow bits where you'll want to take it slow. Oh, and did I mention this climb has been featured in the Tour de France? So you know it's legit.
Road Details
- Country
- France
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 39.7 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,612 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in europe
moderateWhere is Puerto de las Señales?
🇪🇸 Spain
Las Señales Pass in León, Spain, sits way up high at 1,629m (5,344ft)! This epic route, snaking through the Cantabrian Mountains, connects Asturias and Castilla y León. The road, known as LE-333, is totally paved, although the weather can take its toll in places. The pass runs for 14.4 km (8.94 miles) from Puebla de Lillo up to Puerto de Tarna, throwing in some serious climbs with gradients hitting almost 8%. It’s even been featured in the Vuelta a España! Typically, you can drive it year-round, but keep an eye on winter weather – closures aren't uncommon. Trust me, though, this drive is worth it! The scenery is unreal, especially near Picos de Europa National Park. Think lush flora, abundant fauna, and natural viewpoints for days. From the top, you can soak in the whole Cantabrian range. There are trails leading off into the forests and up to even higher viewpoints, including one that overlooks the Picos de Europa. Seriously stunning!
extremeMali i Koritnikut
🇦🇱 Albania
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! Mali i Koritnikut, a peak straddling the border between northeastern Albania and southwest Kosovo, is calling your name! Reaching the 1,533m (5,032ft) summit within the Korab-Koritnik Nature Park is no walk in the park. Picture this: a gravel track, often rocky, always a bit tippy and bumpy – pure off-road bliss! Be warned, though – this route is usually snowed in from October to June. This isn't a road to take lightly. Scout ahead and don't commit if you're unsure. We're talking extreme driving here, folks. High-clearance 4x4s are essential, and experience is non-negotiable. You'll need serious skill, patience, and a head for heights. The last few meters? Forget about driving – you'll be hiking! But the views? Oh, the views are SO worth it!
moderateWhere is Kepa-Mittagskogel?
🌍 Slovenia
Okay, picture this: you're straddling the border between Slovenia and Austria, way up in the Western Karawanks, on a mountain called Kepa-Mittagskogel. This rocky pyramid of a peak hits an altitude of about 2,145m (7,037ft), and getting there is half the fun. There's this incredible 7.8km (4.84 miles) dirt road winding its way up from the Slovenian village of Belca, dating back to the pre-WWII era. It climbs to a saddle right on the border, topping out around 1,600m. Heads up, though – that's where the driving ends. Now, on the Austrian side in Carinthia, a road *used* to lead to Bertahuette, a cozy mountain hut not far from the peak. But it's been closed since 2006, with a parking spot at 1,180m being your final destination by car. So, lace up those hiking boots and get ready for some killer views!
extremeGrande Motte
🇫🇷 France
# Grande Motte: Alpine Adventure at 3,030 Meters Looking for a seriously epic drive? Grande Motte, perched at a breathtaking 3,030m (9,940ft) in France's Savoie department, ranks among Europe's highest mountain roads. Nestled in the Massif de la Vanoise range of the Northern French Alps, this isn't your typical scenic cruise. The route to the summit is a gravel and rocky beast—think bumpy, uneven terrain that'll have you gripping the wheel. It's technically a chairlift access trail, which tells you something about the landscape you're tackling. Fair warning: the road typically stays snowbound from September through July, so plan accordingly (weather gods permitting). Steep doesn't even begin to describe the ascent, and the exposure means you're constantly battling intense winds and wildly unpredictable weather. This place is no joke when it comes to conditions. Summer? Bring layers—snowy days happen. Winter? Brutally, teeth-chatteringly cold. Strong winds are basically a year-round feature here, and ice or snow can accumulate even when you'd least expect it. Adverse weather regularly forces closures, so stay flexible and cautious as you climb. The real reward? A restaurant near the summit with spectacular 360-degree views stretching across an endless sea of alpine peaks. Worth every white-knuckle moment of the drive.