Where is Col du Granon?

Where is Col du Granon?

France, europe

Length

10.5 km

Elevation

2,413 m

Difficulty

hard

Best Season

Year-round

Okay, picture this: you're cruising through the French Alps, headed for Col du Granon. This beast of a pass sits way up high in the Hautes-Alpes, near Briançon. We're talking serious altitude – 2,413 meters (that's 7,916 feet!).

The road, D234T, is paved, but don't think it's gonna be easy. It's narrow, super curvy, and seriously steep. Think switchbacks and signs every kilometer showing you just how much you're climbing. And get this – the south side is paved, but the other side turns into a dirt track! Gravel bike, anyone? It's way less crowded than other famous passes around here, which is a huge plus.

From Saint-Chaffrey, the climb is about 10.5 km (6.5 miles), gaining nearly a kilometer in elevation. The average gradient is around 9%, but hold on tight, because you'll hit ramps as steep as 16%! This climb is so epic, it's been featured in the Tour de France.

Is it worth it? Absolutely! At the top, you'll find a bar/restaurant (perfect for a celebratory drink!), some old military buildings, and a big parking area. Plus, it’s a launching point for some amazing hikes and views that will absolutely blow your mind. Get ready for some serious bragging rights after conquering this one!

Share this road

Road Details

Country
France
Continent
europe
Length
10.5 km
Max Elevation
2,413 m
Difficulty
hard

Related Roads in europe

Aspropirgos Roadhard

Aspropirgos Road

🇬🇷 Greece

# Journey to Aspropirgos: A Mountain Adventure Nestled high in the Evrytania region of central Greece, the charming mountain town of Aspropirgos sits at a breathtaking 880m (2,887ft) elevation. Getting there? Well, it's definitely an adventure. The road is paved, but don't let that fool you – this is serious mountain driving. We're talking about an average gradient of 9%, with some sections climbing a jaw-dropping 15%. Starting from the already-challenging Prousos-Karpenski road, this route winds its way up to 1,090m (3,576ft), putting your driving skills to the test with tight hairpin curves and some seriously exposed dropoffs. This isn't a casual Sunday drive. Expect dramatic elevation changes, heart-pounding switchbacks, and views that'll make you forget to breathe (in a good way). If heights make you queasy or you're traveling with passengers who get nervous around cliffsides, you might want to mentally prepare yourselves – or reconsider altogether. Honestly? This road demands respect. It separates the confident drivers from the nervous ones, and one wrong move can have real consequences. But if you've got the skills, the nerves of steel, and absolutely no fear of landslides or vertigo, you're in for an unforgettable alpine experience. The reward? A stunning mountain town perched high above the Greek countryside, with views that make every hairpin turn worthwhile.

The steep narrow road to Lac des Gloriettesmoderate

The steep narrow road to Lac des Gloriettes

🇫🇷 France

# Barrage des Gloriettes: A High-Alpine Adventure in the Pyrenees Nestled in the Hautes-Pyrénées of southwestern France, Barrage des Gloriettes is a stunning high mountain lake that's absolutely worth the drive—if you're ready for it. Perched at 1,673 meters (5,488 feet) above sea level, this reservoir sits right in the heart of the Pyrenees, that magnificent mountain range straddling the France-Spain border. The road to get there? It's a thrilling experience. The D922 is paved, but don't let that fool you—it's narrow enough to ban buses and trucks, which tells you something about what you're getting into. What awaits is a jaw-dropping 2.2-kilometer stretch of pure mountain magic, climbing 212 meters with an average gradient of 9.63%. Translation: hairpin turns galore, with virtually every bend offering new vistas of the Cirque d'Estaube unfolding beneath you. The surface is rough in places, and those hairpins are relentless—this isn't a leisurely cruise. But the payoff is spectacular scenery that'll have you itching to pull over at every turn. Just know that summer is peak season, so the parking lot gets packed with fellow adventure-seekers. Plan accordingly. One major caveat: this road is typically closed from November through June, so timing is everything. Hit it during the warmer months, and you've got yourself an unforgettable alpine experience.

Where is Les Marmotes located?extreme

Where is Les Marmotes located?

🇪🇸 Spain

Alright, adventure junkies, let's talk Les Marmotes! This isn't your average Sunday drive. We're talking about a high-altitude haven sitting pretty at 2,502 meters (that's over 8,200 feet!) in the Catalan Pyrenees, right in the stunning Camprodon Valley. Think heart-stopping views and bragging rights. This isn't exactly a "road" in the traditional sense. It's more of a gnarly service track snaking its way through the Vallter 2000 ski resort. We're talking Ripollès region, practically kissing the French border. Your reward? A tiny hut bar at the top – one of the highest in the Pyrenees – serving up basic grub with a side of seriously epic vistas. Plus, a stone's throw away you'll find the "Naixement del Río Ter" – the source of the Ter River itself! Now, about that "road"... This is a beast. It starts from the Vallter 2000 parking area at 2,180 meters and climbs for just 2.3 kilometers (a measly 1.4 miles). Sounds easy? Think again! You gain a whopping 322 meters in that short distance. That's an average gradient of nearly 14%, with sections hitting a ridiculous 25%! Expect a totally unpaved, rocky, and slick path that follows the ski slopes. Translation: You NEED a high-clearance 4x4 and some serious driving skills. Low-range gearing is your best friend on those loose stones and insane inclines. Heads up: Les Marmotes is a summer-only affair. The altitude means it's usually snowed in the rest of the year. Even in summer, sudden snowfalls or thunderstorms can shut things down. And remember, it's a service road, so access might be limited to maintenance vehicles. Always check local regulations before you attempt this one. Trust me, you'll thank me later.

Refugi Cap del Rechard

Refugi Cap del Rec

🇪🇸 Spain

# Refugi Cap del Rec Want to experience some seriously stunning mountain scenery? Head to Refugi Cap del Rec in Girona, Catalonia, where you'll find yourself at a crisp 1,986 meters (6,515 feet) above sea level in northern Spain. The good news? The road is fully paved and well-maintained. The catch? It's genuinely steep—we're talking sections that climb at up to 10% gradient. Don't let that intimidate you though; it just means you'll earn those incredible views of the Sierra del Cadí Mountains and the picturesque Cerdanya Valley below. As you approach the summit, you'll notice the nearby ski station, which gives you a sense of just how high you're climbing. It's a perfect destination if you're after that adrenaline rush combined with breathtaking landscapes. Pack some patience for those steep stretches and prepare yourself for scenery that'll make every hairpin turn worth it.