Where is Col du Coq?
France, europe
N/A
N/A
hard
Year-round
Okay, buckle up for the Col du Coq, a mountain pass sitting pretty in the Isère department of France! We're talking serious elevation. This climb? Totally unforgettable. You'll find it nestled in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, that southeastern slice of France, clinging to the northwest-facing slopes.
Back in the day, skiers had to tackle a rough and tumble 1,400-meter unpaved road to get to the station, before swooping down. Now, this beauty runs about from Saint-Pierre-de-Chartreuse to Saint-Nazaire-les-Eymes, and yes, it's paved (thank goodness!). You'll be cruising on the . Keep an eye out, because about halfway up, you'll hit some hairpin turns.
Think this sounds familiar? This climb has been featured in the Tour de France! Some say it's a dead ringer for the Faux Col de Restefond, sharing almost the same length, steepness, difficulty, and even the same number of hairpin turns. Forget a "thrilling (scary) off-road experience to Col de Chérine". This is a truly amazing drive.
Related Roads in europe
hardVillach Alpine Road is a scenic drive with 116 turns
🇦🇹 Austria
# Villacher Alpenstraße: A Thrilling Alpine Adventure Want to experience one of Austria's most stunning Alpine drives? The Villacher Alpenstraße in Carinthia is calling your name. Nestled near the Italian and Slovenian borders, this scenic toll road has been wowing drivers since 1965. Here's what you're getting into: a thrilling 16.5 km (10.25 miles) climb toward Dobratsch, sitting pretty just below Carinthia's highest peak. The road gains a serious 1,200 meters in elevation, topping out at 1,732 meters above sea level. With seven hairpin turns and 116 curves total, you'll definitely get your adrenaline pumping—and those steep 10% grades aren't for the faint of heart. Mother Nature keeps things interesting up here too. Expect strong winds and rapidly shifting weather conditions, but the good news is the road stays open year-round, so you can tackle it whenever you're ready. The real magic? The views are absolutely incredible. Multiple parking spots and viewing platforms dot the route, giving you plenty of chances to snap photos and soak in the scenery—from the Karawanken mountains all the way to the Julian Alps spanning across into Italy and Slovenia. Starting at the pay desk in Villach-Möltschach and finishing at the Rosstratte View Point, this isn't your typical Sunday drive. The constant twists and narrow sections will keep even experienced drivers on their toes. But every hairpin turn rewards you with fresh vistas of Villach, the majestic Julian Alps, and the Dobratsch. Whether you hit the official lookouts or find your own secret spots, this road delivers pure scenic magic around every corner.
moderateThe steep Honister Pass in Cumbria is a must for road lovers
🇬🇧 England
Okay, buckle up, road trip fans, because Honister Pass in the Lake District is calling your name! This isn't just any drive; it's a 3.7-mile rollercoaster (B5289, if you're mapping it) that climbs to a dizzying 1,194 feet. Starting near Seatoller or heading from Gatesgarth near Buttermere lake, you're in for a treat... and a challenge! We're talking seriously steep gradients – nearly 20% in places. Translation? Low gear is your best friend. And speaking of friends, leave your wide vehicles at home; there's a 6ft 6ins width restriction. The climb itself is around 1.86 miles long from either side, gaining you roughly 240 meters in elevation. Give yourself 15-20 minutes to soak it all in. Honister Pass is famed as one of the best driving roads in Britain. Expect breathtaking views of the surrounding fells, waterfalls, and photo ops galore. Up top, you'll find a historic slate works. Be warned, the summit can be wet, windy, and often snowy in winter, so dress accordingly. Get ready for an unforgettable journey.
moderateDriving the demanding Road F35 in the Highlands of Iceland
🇮🇸 Iceland
Get ready for an epic Icelandic adventure on the F35! This gravel road snakes through the highlands of Kjölur, a plateau sitting pretty high at 600–700 meters. Clocking in at 168km (104mi), the Kjalvegur Road (as it's also known) cuts right through the heart of Iceland, running north to south. You'll start south of Iceland near Haukadalur, behind the iconic Gullfoss waterfall, and wind your way up to the north near Blönduós. The road surface is corrugated tuff gravel and this is the second-longest highland route. This path has some serious history, once serving as a crucial horse trail for traders back in the day! Remember, this is an F Road, which means it's only open during the summer months – roughly June to the end of August/September. These roads are mountainous, unpaved, and the weather can change in a heartbeat. A 4WD is a must, and your standard rental car insurance probably won't cover you here. The road can be pretty rough, and maintenance isn't always top-notch, but any river crossings are bridged. While most cars *can* handle it in summer, low-riding vehicles should probably sit this one out. While there aren't any official river crossings on the F35, it's always smart to check the weather forecast. Be warned if you detour to other F roads. Glacial rivers can swell quickly, so watch other cars cross first and, if possible, drive slowly downstream with the current. The first section near Blöndulón is decent, but after that, expect gravel and rocks – drop your speed to around 40km/h. Traffic is usually light, but keep an eye out for other vehicles to gauge conditions. Some sections might even require first gear at under 10km/h! The F35 tops out at 672m (2,204ft), making it one of Iceland's highest roads. Winter brings snow and closures, so plan your trip between late June and mid-September. Pack for cold weather and expect things to change quickly. Allow 5-6 hours for the drive without stops. The views are incredible: glaciers, mountains, and highland lakes stretch as far as the eye can see. You'll be driving between the Langjökull and Hofsjökull glaciers. There are cool places to stop along the way. Hveravellir, about a third of the way along, is a tiny spot with a restaurant, camping houses, a swimming pool, and hiking trails. Check out the Langjökull glaciers, Kerlingarfjöll, and the Kjalhraun lava field. Don't miss the natural hot springs, where you can experience Iceland's famous "fire and ice." Kerlingarfjöll, about halfway along the route (10km off the F35 via the F347), boasts 100 km2 of mountains reaching over 1.5km high, hot springs, and vibrant vegetation. You might even see snow on the peaks. There are plenty of campsites, or you can embrace Iceland's wild camping freedom. Take a dip in geothermal pools and admire the Gýgjarfoss waterfall. Just remember to drive carefully and enjoy the ride!
moderateGorges du Guil is a scenic balcony road in France
🇫🇷 France
# Gorges du Guil: A Thrilling Alpine Adventure Tucked in the Hautes-Alpes department of southeastern France, the Gorges du Guil (also called Gorges du Queyras) is one of those jaw-dropping French canyon roads that'll make your heart race in the best way possible. This stunning stretch winds through the Parc Naturel Régional du Queyras in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region. Built between 1905 and 1911, the D902 is a fully paved 19.7 km route that runs north from Guillestre to Arvieux, hugging the dramatic landscape carved out by the Guil River. The road is narrow in sections with short rock tunnels punctuating stretches of exposed passages—many with only a low wall between you and some seriously stunning (and slightly nerve-wracking) views. Rock slides are a real concern here, so stay sharp. You'll pass through four tunnels along the way, including the impressively long Tunnel de Roches Violettes at 320 meters. Two of these tunnels, Montgauvie and Roches Brunes, were rebuilt in 1949 after devastating 1948 floods wiped out the original road structure—a testament to nature's power in these mountains. Most drivers tackle the route in 25-30 minutes if they're pushing through, but honestly? You'll want to stop and soak it in. The gorge is genuinely spectacular, and below you flows the Guil River—one of the Alps' premier white-water sports destinations. This is the kind of drive that reminds you why alpine roads are unforgettable.