Where is Col du Coq?
France, europe
N/A
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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
extreme1. The Snake Pass (A57), Peak District
🇬🇧 England
Alright, buckle up, road trip lovers! Ditch the motorway and dive into the real UK with these five routes that'll test your driving skills and reward you with epic scenery. Forget cruise control; these roads demand your full attention! **UK's Wildest Drives: Get Ready for Adventure!** * **Peak District Pennine Crossing (1,680ft altitude):** Think you can handle hairpin turns and dramatic climbs? * **Causeway Coastal Route:** Cliffs, ocean spray, and views that'll take your breath away. * **Atlantic Highway (A39):** Includes the infamous 25% gradient of Porlock Hill * **Yorkshire Moors Passages:** Get lost (in a good way!) amidst forests and wide open moorland. **1. Snake Pass (A57), Peak District:** This one's a classic for a reason! Winding its way through the Peak District, reaching a dizzying 1,680 feet, the Snake Pass is all about tight corners and challenging cambers. The views of Ladybower Reservoir are a treat, but watch out – this road can be treacherous, often closed by landslides or ice. A true test of your car's handling! **2. Causeway Coastal Route, Northern Ireland:** Prepare to be blown away – literally! This route hugs the northern coast, throwing you right into the face of the Atlantic. Expect narrow roads clinging to cliffs, steep climbs through the Glens of Antrim, and wild coastal winds. The salty air adds an extra layer of challenge. **3. Atlantic Highway (A39), South West:** Stretching across Devon and Cornwall, the Atlantic Highway is a feast for the senses. Skip the crowded resorts and focus on the thrilling descent between Barnstaple and the Cornish border. The notorious Porlock Hill with its insane 25% gradient, will have your brakes begging for mercy! **4. North York Moors Traverse:** Venture into the heart of the North York Moors and get ready for a secluded adventure. The roads here are narrow and winding, weaving through dense forests and climbing steep hills. Watch out for farm machinery and wandering sheep – these roads demand your full attention. **5. Norfolk Coastal Ridge:** Swap mountains for marshes on this unique coastal drive. The Norfolk coastline is a fragile beauty, with roads skirting the edge of the Broads. Expect tidal flooding, soft verges, and a tranquil, yet deceptive drive that requires a sharp eye. **The Verdict:** These roads aren't just about getting from A to B; they're about the journey. Prepare your car, sharpen your skills, and get ready to experience the UK's most unforgettable drives! These routes aren't mere scenic drives, but immersive experiences that'll test your limits and leave you with memories to last a lifetime.
hardFuorcla Spadla
🇨🇭 Switzerland
# Fuorcla Spadla: A Summer Alpine Adventure in the Silvretta Alps Ready for a serious mountain challenge? Fuorcla Spadla sits pretty at 2,796 meters (9,173 feet) in the Swiss canton of Grisons, making it one of Switzerland's highest accessible peaks. Located in the stunning Silvretta Alps, this isn't your typical scenic drive—it's a chairlift access trail that'll test your nerve and your vehicle. Here's the reality: the road is rocky and gravelly, with a relentless steep gradient that only gets gnarlier as you climb. The upper sections turn into a proper rocky scramble, with loose stones making every meter count. This is a ski-station service road, and some sections hit a brain-melting 30% grade. We're talking serious alpine terrain here. The real kicker? You've got maybe a narrow window in late August to attempt this. That's it. Even during summer, don't be shocked if you encounter snow, and the wind up here is no joke—it rips year-round with enough force to make you grip the wheel tight. Winter? Absolutely brutal cold that'll make you reconsider your life choices. This is definitely one for the hardcore mountain enthusiasts willing to tackle extreme conditions. Come prepared, come in peak season, and bring your A-game. The views from the top are worth every white-knuckle moment of the drive.
moderateDriving the scenic Gerlos Alpine Road in Austria
🇦🇹 Austria
# Gerlos Alpenstraße: Austria's Alpine Thrill Ride Ready for an exhilarating Alpine adventure? The Gerlos Alpenstraße in Salzburg, Austria is absolutely worth the drive. This stunning toll road connects Krimml to Königsleiten and is one of those scenic mountain routes that'll have you gripping the wheel in the best way possible. Built back in 1962 according to Franz Wallack's ambitious plans, this 12-kilometer stretch of fully paved road packs serious Alpine charm into a short journey. Don't let the modest distance fool you though—eight hairpin turns and a punishing 9% gradient in places make this a proper mountain driving challenge that'll test your skills and nerves. The real magic happens as you climb to 1,628 meters above sea level, winding through the stunning High Tauern National Park. The payoff? Breathtaking panoramic views of the Alpine landscape and access to the jaw-dropping Krimml Waterfalls, which plunge an incredible 380 meters down the mountainside. The best part? This road stays open year-round, so you can experience this Alpine beauty no matter the season. Whether you're a serious mountain road enthusiast or just looking for an unforgettable drive, the Gerlos Alpenstraße delivers on every level. Just come prepared for those hairpins and steep grades—they're part of what makes this route so special.
hardWhere is Okraj Pass?
🌍 Czech Republic
Alright, adventure seekers, listen up! The Okraj Pass is calling your name. This border-crossing beauty straddles Poland and the Czech Republic, sitting pretty at 1,054 meters high. Think epic views connecting Lower Silesia in Poland to the Hradec Králové Region in the Czech Republic. Built way back in '37, the road is totally paved, but don't let that fool you – it's got some tricks up its sleeve. We're talking narrow squeezes and seriously steep sections that climb up to a 10% gradient! You'll find it marked as Road 368 on the Polish side and Road 252 once you cross into the Czech Republic. Clocking in at 56.4 km, this north-to-south route runs from Jelenia Góra in Poland to Trutnov in the Czech Republic. Get ready for an unforgettable drive! Just keep your eyes peeled and your hands steady on the wheel, and you'll be rewarded with some seriously stunning scenery.