Where is Col de Rousset?
France, europe
28.5 km
N/A
moderate
Year-round
Cruising through the Col de Rousset is like stepping into a postcard from Provence, only you’re in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region within the Vercors Regional Natural Park! This beauty sits in the Drôme department of France, high above sea level.
The real story here? The epic tunnel, carved out between 1861 and 1866, connecting Die and Vercors. You'll be rolling along the D518, usually in tip-top shape with clear markings. Expect switchbacks, they're part of the fun, but nothing too crazy with gradients peaking around 7-8%. You'll share the road with cyclists aplenty.
This 28.5 km (17.70 miles) ride, runs north-south, starting from Saint-Agnan-en-Vercors where the Tour de France frequently ascends. The climb from Saint-Agnan-en-Vercors gains 464 meters, with an average of 3.3% to the summit. From La Chapelle-en-Vercors the climb adds 530 meters, averaging 4.7% gradient.
Once you hit the curves, get ready for views! Expect an explosion of colours and landscapes as you wind your way up. The summit? Pure magic. Panoramic vistas over the Diois valley and the foothills of Drôme await. And don't miss the chance to cross the ridge into the ski resort where more turns lead you down to the hamlet of Les Roussets. Whether you're on two wheels or four, this is a must-do!
Road Details
- Country
- France
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 28.5 km
- Difficulty
- moderate
Related Roads in europe
easyA defiant narrow road through Foz de Biniés
🇪🇸 Spain
# Foz de Biniés: Spain's Hidden Canyon Drive Ever heard of Foz de Biniés? If you haven't, you're missing out on one of Spain's most breathtaking canyon roads. Nestled in the La Jacetania region of Huesca, deep in the Pyrenees of northern Spain, this 21.1 km (13.11 miles) stretch is an absolute must-do for road trippers, cyclists, and motorcycle enthusiasts. Running from Canal de Berdún to Ansó along the A-1602, this route carves straight through a dramatic landscape shaped by the Veral river. We're talking towering vertical walls that soar over 200 meters high—seriously jaw-dropping scenery. The entire road is nicely paved, so you can focus on soaking in those incredible views rather than wrestling with rough terrain. Fair warning though: this isn't a leisurely cruise. You'll encounter several primitive stone tunnels along the way, and the canyon is prone to rockslides, so staying alert is essential. But that's part of what makes it such a thrilling experience. Whether you're riding a bike, cruising on two wheels, or hiking the surrounding trails, Foz de Biniés delivers an unforgettable adventure through some of northern Spain's most spectacular mountain scenery.
extremeWhat is at the summit of Seminsky Pass?
🌍 Russia
Seminsky Pass in the Altai Republic of Russia is a total must-see! This high mountain pass sits at 1,894m (6,213ft) and is the highest point on the highway, winding through the Seminsky ridge. Locals also call it Dyal-Menku or Dyal-Menka, which means "The timeless mountain." At the summit, you'll find a huge sculpture, a bustling little market with souvenir shops, and a monument commemorating Gorny Altai's incorporation into Russia. There's also a big parking lot, a bar, and more souvenir shops – perfect for a pit stop! The pass marks a key natural boundary between the Northern and Central Altay regions. The road itself is fully paved – it’s the P56, or Chuiskyi trakt road, the main artery connecting Siberia with Mongolia and China. What's now a smooth ride was once a crazy dangerous horse path! It evolved over the years, from a single-lane crushed stone road in the early 20th century where drivers had to honk to warn oncoming traffic, to the dual highway we have today (built in 1984). The pass stretches 176km (109 miles) from Tuyekta to Mayma, with a 9 km climb up and an 11 km descent. Expect miles of incredible views, twisty hairpin turns, and steep grades. It can get crowded with trucks heading between Russia and Mongolia, so be aware. Seminsky Pass has been a sacred place for centuries, with a "cult of mountains" influencing local traditions, like the "obo" monuments where people leave offerings.
hardA narrow unpaved road to Covas do Monte in Portugal
🇵🇹 Portugal
# Covas do Monte: A Mountain Drive Worth the Challenge Nestled in the Serra da Gralheira mountains of central Portugal, Covas do Monte is a charming little town sitting pretty at 536 meters (1,758 feet) above sea level. You'll find it tucked away in the São Pedro do Sul municipality, right in the heart of the Viseu district. Here's where it gets interesting: the road up to town is gloriously unpaved and genuinely steep. Think narrow switchbacks and legitimate elevation challenges—this isn't your average leisurely drive. The route maxes out at 554 meters (1,817 feet), so you're basically climbing as you go. The main event starts from the M559-1 road and stretches for 3.8 kilometers (2.36 miles) of pure ascent. You're gaining 241 meters of elevation over that distance, which translates to an average gradient of about 6.34%. Don't be fooled by "average" though—some sections crank up to a punishing 10% gradient that'll test both your vehicle and your nerve. If you're after authentic mountain driving through spectacular Portuguese terrain, this serpentine route delivers exactly that. Just come prepared: take it slow, mind those hairpins, and enjoy the stunning views this corner of the Serra da Gralheira has to offer.
easyHow long is the Lofoten National Tourist Route?
🇳🇴 Norway
Okay, picture this: the Lofoten Islands in Norway, a string of islands practically dangling in the Arctic Circle. That's where you'll find the Lofoten National Tourist Route, and let me tell you, it's a coastal drive like no other. We're talking a route that winds from the bridge over Raftsundet in the north all the way to Å in the northwest. Basically, you're cruising along the edge of the world! Yup, it's paved, so no need for a monster truck. But is it worth it? Absolutely! Get ready for jaw-dropping views of the ocean, the kind that'll stick with you forever. It's a road trip for anyone who loves to drive, with photo ops galore. You'll hug the edges of mountains, weave through charming fishing villages, and suddenly, the landscape just explodes into these huge, wide-open vistas. You'll be hopping between Euroroute 10, Road 807, Road 811, Road 825, Road 992, Road 994, and back to Road 807. The best part? It's open year-round. Just a heads-up, though: winter weather can get wild, so expect possible short closures.