Where is Col du Lautaret?
France, europe
96.5 km
2,060 m
moderate
Year-round
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through the French Alps on the D1091, smack-dab in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region. You're headed for Col du Lautaret, a mountain pass sitting pretty at 2,060m (6,758ft). This baby's part of the famous Route des Grandes Alpes, so you *know* it's gonna be epic.
Nestled in the Dauphiné Alps, it divides the Romanche and Guisane valleys, offering killer views of La Meije, Grand Galibier, and the Massif des Ecrins. The road itself is completely paved, stretching 96.5 km (almost 60 miles) from Vizille to Briançon. Heads up, the western side has a bunch of tunnels, some crazy long at 800 meters!
Now, Col du Lautaret's close neighbor, Col du Galibier, often steals the spotlight, sitting only 8km north via the D902. But trust me, Lautaret is a climb in its own right. If you're coming from Briançon, you're looking at a 27.75km climb with an 853-meter elevation gain, averaging about 3.1%. Starting near Le Bourg-d'Oisans? Get ready for a 34.16km haul, climbing 1,312 meters with a 3.8% average grade. No wonder it's a Tour de France regular!
Good news: this pass is usually open year-round – they started building the road in 1880 and finished with a tunnel in 1891, so it's been well-traveled! Just keep an eye out for winter weather. They say it’s the highest pass in France that stays open all year, so pile on the layers and hit the road! And don't forget to stop at the top for food, drinks, and a well-deserved rest.
Road Details
- Country
- France
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 96.5 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,060 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
Related Roads in europe
hardWhen was Fort St. Andrija built?
🌍 Montenegro
Okay, buckle up, adventure seekers! We're heading to Fort St. Andrija, a fortress perched high in the mountains. This isn't your average Sunday drive, folks. Think narrow roads, seriously steep climbs, and zero guardrails as you hug the edge. Yeah, it's intense! Originally carved out as a military access road, this isn't for the faint of heart. But here's the deal: it's one of the most challenging roads around, with a view that will absolutely blow your mind. Think panoramic vistas every inch of the way. The fortress itself? Situated high overlooking the bay. It's an unforgettable experience. Plus, you can head to Pesica Lake.
moderateAn old military road to the summit of Monte Grai
🇫🇷 France
# Monte Grai: A High-Alpine Adventure on the French-Italian Border Ready for a wild ride? Monte Grai sits pretty at 1,920m (6,299ft) right where France and Italy shake hands—specifically between Liguria's Province of Imperia and the Alpes-Maritimes. You'll find it nestled within the stunning Parco Naturale Regionale delle Alpi Liguri, and trust me, the views from the summit are absolutely worth the journey. From up there, you're gazing out at the gorgeous Valle Argentina and the shimmering artificial lake of Tenarda. At the peak, you'll spot a military barrack that's been converted into a rustic mountain refuge (Rifugio Monte Grai)—a relic from the interwar period that's still serving adventurers today. Head north of this summit and watch as Mediterranean vibes fade away, replaced by breathtaking coniferous forests stretching out in every direction. Now, here's the real deal: this is no smooth cruise. Starting from the SP65 road, you're looking at a 10.8 km (6.71 miles) haul of pure adventure. The problem? The asphalt gives up the ghost around 1,550m, leaving you with a rough gravel track that demands respect. We're talking 20 km/h speeds max, and sorry, heavy vehicles over 3.5 tons aren't invited to the party. You'll absolutely need a 4x4 to tackle this beast. The good news? The road technically stays open year-round, though Mother Nature might have other plans during gnarly winter weather and could shut things down without warning.
hardClue de Saint Auban is a scenic balcony road in France
🇫🇷 France
# Clue de Saint Auban: A Thrilling Alpine Adventure If you're craving one of France's most iconic balcony roads, the Clue de Saint Auban delivers pure adrenaline and jaw-dropping views. This spectacular gorge, carved by the Esteron River, sits tucked between the Alpes de Haute-Provence and Alpes Maritimes departments in the southeastern corner of the PACA region, right where the Verdon meets the Estéron valley. The fully paved D2211 winds its way through the gorge like a ribbon clinging to the mountainside—and we mean *clinging*. This isn't your average scenic drive. The road hugs the cliff edge on a narrow ledge with dramatic rock overhangs that'll make you feel like you're driving through a cathedral. Keep an eye out for a chapel carved directly into the rock face—locals still hold services here every September, and it's legitimately awe-inspiring. The real showstopper? The 7.3 km stretch between Saint-Auban and Briançonnet. This section is where things get serious. You're navigating a single-lane ribbon of pavement that contours impossibly high along sheer ravine walls, with overhanging rock creating a tunnel-like effect. It's one of the deepest and steepest clues in all of Provence, and rock slides are a genuine concern here. Rally Monte-Carlo drivers have tackled this section for years—if that tells you anything about the challenge level. Nestled at the foot of Mont Teillon, this balcony road is famous for good reason. The scenery is absolutely stunning as you snake through forests and mountains, but stay sharp on those hairpin turns. Use those parking spots thoughtfully, and you'll have an unforgettable Alpine adventure.
moderateIs Fylkesvei 50 (Fv50) Road Paved?
🇳🇴 Norway
Okay, picture this: you're in Norway, Vestland County to be exact, and you're about to embark on an epic road trip on Fylkesvei 50. Trust me, you'll want your camera for this one because the views are absolutely breathtaking! The entire 94 km (58.40 miles) route is paved, so no need to worry about gravel. Just keep in mind that it gets a little narrow and steep in places, with some sections hitting a 10% gradient. Oh, and did I mention the 12 tunnels? The Berdal Tunnelen is the longest, stretching for 4.2 km! This road officially opened in '74, and used to be a summer-only adventure. Starting in Aurlandsvangen, on the east side of the Aurlandsfjorden, you'll wind your way east to Hagafoss, a tiny village in Buskerud. The drive itself is nestled inside Hallingskarvet National Park, so expect stunning views of Strandavatnet lake. Plus, you'll basically be driving into the gateway of Aurlandsdalen valley, which was carved out by glaciers. Seriously, is this road worth it? 100% yes!