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
hardConquering the true summit of Mount Elbrus by car
🌍 Russia
Okay, so picture this: you're in the heart of the Kabardino-Balkarian Republic in Russia, surrounded by the towering peaks of the Caucasus Mountains. And there it is, Mount Elbrus, a dormant volcano that's also one of Europe's highest points! Now, this isn't your typical Sunday drive. We're talking about an ascent that adventurer Alexander Abramov decided to tackle in a Land Rover. The goal? To reach the summit at a staggering 5,642 meters (17,919 feet). The first stretch up to 3,883 meters (12,739 feet) wasn't too brutal, but then things got real. Think snow, ice, and conditions that tested both the vehicle and the ten-person team to their limits. The Land Rover, decked out with studded tires, chains, and a winch, faced constant repairs and setbacks. After an incredible 45 days, battling the elements and mechanical gremlins, Abramov and his crew finally made it! They reached the summit in their Land Rover, snagging a Guinness World Record in the process. The celebration was short-lived as they had to figure out how to get the car down! A rescue mission was launched, but disaster struck when the driver attempted to descend without reinforcements. The Land Rover ended up plummeting down the mountain, shattering against the rocks at around 5,400 meters. The wreck is still there to this day, a testament to an incredible, slightly crazy, adventure.
hardWhere is Strada Statale 18?
🇮🇹 Italy
Cruising along the Strada Statale 18, from Sapri to Acquafredda in Italy? Get ready for a treat! This coastal route hugs the Tyrrhenian Sea between Campania and Basilicata, offering views that have made it a star in movies (like Bond's "No Time to Die") and luxury car commercials. This stretch of the SS 18 is just under 5 miles of pure driving bliss, but don't let the short distance fool you. Carved right into the cliffs since 1928 (and revamped in '53), the road is a twisty, turny adventure. The road is a bit on the narrow side, so keep your eyes peeled for oncoming traffic, especially when passing. But the views? Absolutely insane. Think dramatic coastal scenery, with the iconic Torre dei Crivi – a 16th-century tower you might recognize from that Bond flick. Just maybe pack some motion sickness pills if your passengers are prone to feeling queasy, because those bends are no joke! But trust me, the combination of stunning views and impressive engineering makes this one of Italy's most unforgettable drives.
hardAdventure Along the Wild Road to Mirador de Piedra Lobera
🇪🇸 Spain
Okay, picture this: you're in Andalusia, Spain, ready for an adventure. Head towards the Sierra de Lúcar mountains in Almería province, because we're going to Mirador de Piedra Lobera, a viewpoint sitting pretty at 1,696m (5,564ft). Now, this isn't your average Sunday drive. Think steep, think winding, and definitely think unpaved! You'll need a 4x4 to tackle this baby, especially for the final 2km stretch where the average gradient hits almost 10%! There are even some concrete sections thrown in to keep you on your toes. The road is also known as Pico de Lúcar or Puerto de Lúcar. But trust me, the views from the top are SO worth it. You'll be gazing out over the provinces of Jaén, Granada, and Almeria. Keep an eye out for the geodesic vertex marking the summit. The area is known for being frosty, windy and sunny. Oh, and if you're feeling extra adventurous, there's a minor gravel road heading south to the Caseta del Puerto observation deck at 1,681m (5,515ft) – another 4x4 job, of course!
easyWhere is Col de l’Espaul?
🇫🇷 France
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through the Alpes-Maritimes in France, headed for a hidden gem called Col de l’Espaul. This mountain pass sits way up high at 1,752 meters (that's 5,748 feet!), offering killer views in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region. You'll take Route de la Colle, snaking up through the Mercantour Massif. Be warned, those ramps can hit a 10% gradient, so hold on tight! The road *is* paved (thankfully!), but let's just say it's seen better days – blame it on that golf course they built up there. Starting in Péone on Rue Saint-Jean, it's a short but sweet 2.9 kilometers (or 1.8 miles) to the top. The road ends right at the summit where there's a big parking lot, perfect for soaking in the views of the Mercantour National Park. Trust me, the scenery makes any bumps along the way totally worth it!