Where is Col des Ruillans?

Where is Col des Ruillans?

France, europe

Length

8.3 km

Elevation

3,231 m

Difficulty

hard

Best Season

Year-round

Okay, adventure junkies, buckle up for Col des Ruillans! Nestled in the Hautes-Alpes department of France, inside Écrins National Park, this isn't your average Sunday drive. We're talking about a climb to a whopping 3,231 meters (that's 10,600 feet!) where a bar awaits.

Forget your pavement princess; this route demands a beast of a modified vehicle. Starting from La Grave, it's only 8.3 km (5.15 miles) to the top, but those kilometers pack a serious punch. Get ready for an elevation gain of 1,742 meters and an insane average gradient of nearly 21%! This is one of the highest roads in France, so prepare for breathtaking views and bragging rights.

Word to the wise: this beauty is only accessible for a tiny window in late summer (think late August) due to heavy snow. So, time your trip right for an unforgettable Alpine experience!

Share this road

Road Details

Country
France
Continent
europe
Length
8.3 km
Max Elevation
3,231 m
Difficulty
hard

Related Roads in europe

Col de Foursextreme

Col de Fours

🇫🇷 France

Okay, adventurers, buckle up for Col de Fours! This stunner sits way up in the French Alps, practically winking at Italy from its perch at 2,318 meters (7,604 feet). You'll find it nestled in the Ubaye valley, in the northern reaches of Alpes-de-Haute-Provence. Now, this isn't your average Sunday drive. We're talking rocky, gravelly terrain—basically a chairlift access trail. As you climb, the landscape gets wilder and the slope gets seriously steep. Think loose stones giving way to an even steeper, rockier upper section. Starting from Le Super-Sauze, you've got 3.6 km to conquer, packed with a whopping 607 meters of climbing. That's an average gradient of nearly 17%! This trek is only doable during a tiny window in summer. Be warned: the wind here is no joke—it’s pretty much a permanent fixture. But keep your eyes peeled! You might just spot marmots, chamois, and ibex hanging out along the way. Oh, and did I mention there's an old chairlift from 1971? This place is epic!

Where is Estany de les Abelletes?hard

Where is Estany de les Abelletes?

🌍 Andorra

Alright, picture this: you're straddling the French-Andorran border, high up in the Pyrenees at the breathtaking Estany de les Abelletes (or Lac des Abelletes, if you're feeling French). This lake is nestled way up high. This isn't just a scenic drive; it's a proper adventure! The lake straddles the border between France (Occitania region) and Andorra (Encamp parish). The Pas de la Casa River flows from here, eventually feeding into the Garonne. This river also marks the border so you're literally seeing two countries at once. The road to get there is definitely an experience. A high-clearance vehicle is practically mandatory. Starting from a parking area where the public road ends, it's a steep, rocky climb. Keep in mind that the final section, especially the ascent to Coll Blanc, is seriously hardcore. Once you get there, you'll be rewarded with stunning scenery and maybe even a glimpse of some local wildlife. Keep an eye out for that mountain wind, though – it can get fierce!

Where is Orcières Merlette?hard

Where is Orcières Merlette?

🇫🇷 France

Cruising through the Hautes-Alpes in France? You HAVE to check out Orcières Merlette, a killer ski resort perched at almost 6,000 feet! Nestled in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region, getting there is half the fun. The D76, your path to the peak, is a smooth ride, but hold on tight—it's a climb! From Orcières, it's a 3.6-mile shot straight up, gaining over 1,300 feet in elevation. That's an average gradient of almost 7%! Right on the edge of the Ecrins National Park, this road is no joke. It’s even been a Tour de France finish a few times. Expect some consistent climbing, hitting 9% in spots, and eight sweet hairpin turns to navigate. The views? Totally worth it!

Guide to the Mines de Bentaillouhard

Guide to the Mines de Bentaillou

🇫🇷 France

Anciennes mines du Bentaillou is a zinc and silver-bearing abandoned mine at an elevation of 1.875m (6,151ft) above the sea level, located in the Ariège department in southwestern France, near the Spanish border. Located in the heart of the Pyrenees, within the Biros valley, the road to the summit is unpaved and very steep, with narrow parts and 35 sharp hairpin turns. 4x4 vehicle required. The final part is totally closed to private vehicles. It’s an old mine trail following numerous remnants of France's mining heritage. Accessibility is largely limited to the summer season. Starting from Parking du Bocard d'Eylie, the ascent is 10 km long. Over this distance the elevation gain is 930 meters. The average gradient is 9.3%. Pic: thierry llansades Puy de Dome is an iconic Tour de France climb An iconic road to Col du Grand Ballon in the Vosges Mountains Embark on a journey like never before! Navigate through our to discover the most spectacular roads of the world Drive Us to Your Road! With over 13,000 roads cataloged, we're always on the lookout for unique routes. Know of a road that deserves to be featured? Click  to share your suggestion, and we may add it to dangerousroads.org.