
Where is Col des Montets?
France, europe
N/A
N/A
extreme
Year-round
Col des Montets is a seriously scenic mountain pass, sitting pretty in the French Alps. You'll find it in the Haute-Savoie department, right in the southeastern corner of France.
Think stunning views! At the summit, you're greeted by the peaceful Chalet de la Reserve, perfect for spotting classic Alpine flora and fauna.
The road itself, known as the D1506, is fully paved and easy to drive. No crazy steep sections here, with a max gradient of just 8.3% on the steeper bits, and the road surface is generally pretty good.
Stretching for roughly 12 kilometers, this route cruises from Les Houches (at the foot of Mont Blanc) up to Vallorcine, near the Swiss border.
Now, about winter... Col des Montets is usually open, but things can get dicey! Snow and avalanches can cause closures, so winter tires or chains are a must. Always check road conditions before you go. If the pass is closed, don't worry, there's a tunnel alternative on the French side. This tunnel does double duty, used by both trains and vehicles!
Related Roads in europe
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🇩🇪 Germany
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hardWhy is it Called Pančić's Peak?
🌍 Serbia
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hardDriving one of the highest roads of Europe to Sommet de Bellecote in the Graian Alp
🇫🇷 France
# Sommet de Bellecote: One of Europe's Most Extreme Alpine Drives Want to experience one of the highest roads in Europe? Sommet de Bellecote awaits in the Savoie department of southeastern France, sitting at a jaw-dropping 3,071m (10,075ft) above sea level. This peak is tucked into the northern reaches of Vanoise National Park, right in the heart of the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region. Here's the thing—this isn't your typical scenic drive. Starting from Belle Plagne, you're looking at 11.5 km (7.14 miles) of pure adrenaline. The elevation gain hits 1,148m with an average gradient around 10%, which translates to brutally steep terrain that demands respect. And we mean *demands* it: the road is completely unpaved, so a proper 4x4 is absolutely essential. The payoff? Stunning views of Glacier de la Chiaupe and vistas that'll make your heart skip a beat. But there's a catch—this road only opens from July through September, when the Alpine weather finally cooperates. Outside that window, it's impassable. This isn't for the faint of heart or the underprepared. You'll need serious vehicle capability, nerves of steel, and respect for the mountain. But if you've got what it takes, this drive through the Graian Alps within the Vanoise Massif is unforgettable.
hardCarl-von-Stahl-Haus
🇩🇪 Germany
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