Where is Col du Noyer?

Where is Col du Noyer?

France, europe

Length

14.9 km

Elevation

1,664 m

Difficulty

hard

Best Season

Year-round

Okay, buckle up for Col du Noyer, a seriously scenic mountain pass chilling at 1,664m (that's 5,459ft) in the Hautes-Alpes department of France.

You'll find this gem in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region, way down in southeastern France. Fun fact: there's a mountain refuge right at the top, built way back in 1858!

The road, known as D17T, is smooth as butter, all nicely paved. They carved it out of an old mule path back in 1850, which used to be the main drag into Le Dévoluy. Trust me, the views are unreal – think rugged, dry ridges of Le Dévoluy on one side and the super green Drac Valley on the other.

Word of warning, though: winter shuts this beauty down completely.

Clocking in at 14.9 km (or 9.25 miles) from Le Dévoluy to Le Noyer, heading west to east, this pass is all about the twists and turns. Seriously, hairpin heaven! It’s a bit narrow, definitely remote, and has even starred in the Tour de France. So, you know it's legit.

Share this road

Road Details

Country
France
Continent
europe
Length
14.9 km
Max Elevation
1,664 m
Difficulty
hard

Related Roads in europe

Orcieres Merlette is an iconic Tour de France climbhard

Orcieres Merlette is an iconic Tour de France climb

🇫🇷 France

# Station de Orcières Merlette Tucked away in the Hautes-Alpes department of southeastern France, Orcières Merlette is a ski resort perched at 1,823 meters (5,980 feet) in the stunning Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region. The drive up to the station is a proper alpine adventure. The D76 road climbs steeply from the village of Orcières for just 5.8 km (3.60 miles), gaining 405 meters of elevation along the way. You're looking at an average gradient of about 7%, though it ramps up to 9% in the trickier sections. The whole route is paved, which is a relief, but don't let that fool you into thinking it's a casual drive—there are 8 hairpin turns keeping things interesting as you snake your way upward. What makes this climb truly special is its Tour de France pedigree. The pros have tackled this road multiple times as a summit finish, which tells you everything you need to know about its character. Plus, the location is absolutely stunning: you're practically on the doorstep of Ecrins National Park, so the scenery is genuinely world-class as you climb. It's the kind of road that offers both challenge and beauty in equal measure.

Pointe du Dzonfiémoderate

Pointe du Dzonfié

🇫🇷 France

Pointe du Dzonfié is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 2.185m (7,168ft) above the sea level, located in the Savoie department in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region in south-eastern France. The road to the summit is gravel, rocky, tippy and bumpy at times. The road is impassable in winters. Great trail for experienced wheelers. Avoid driving in this area if unpaved mountain roads aren't your strong point. Wet conditions may make for tough driving along the muddy road. Near the summit is a mountain hut known as Refuge du Nant du Beurre. 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.

Stubnerkogelhard

Stubnerkogel

🇦🇹 Austria

# Stubnerkogel: A High-Alpine Adventure in Austria Ready for some serious mountain driving? Stubnerkogel is a beast of a peak sitting pretty at 2,232 meters (7,322 feet) in Salzburg's High Tauern range, just south of the city. This isn't your typical Sunday cruise—it's a chairlift access road that'll test your skills and nerves in equal measure. Fair warning: this route is only passable from July through September (Mother Nature permitting), so timing is everything. The road itself is a rocky, bumpy rollercoaster of gravel and unpaved terrain that demands serious respect. We're talking steep grades, sketchy wet conditions that turn the muddy surface into a slippery nightmare, and the kind of exposure that'll make anyone with a fear of heights think twice. This one's strictly for experienced off-road drivers who know their way around challenging mountain terrain. If you're not comfortable tackling gnarly unpaved roads or you get queasy looking down from dizzying heights, this adventure definitely isn't for you. But here's the payoff: summit views of Bad Gastein and the surrounding alpine peaks that'll absolutely blow your mind. If you've got the skills, the guts, and the right vehicle, Stubnerkogel delivers an unforgettable high-altitude experience.

Punta de Estaca de Baresmoderate

Punta de Estaca de Bares

🇪🇸 Spain

Okay, picture this: you're in Galicia, Spain, heading to Punta de Estaca de Bares, the absolute northernmost tip of the Iberian Peninsula! This isn't just any drive; it's a pilgrimage to where the Cantabrian Sea crashes into the Atlantic Ocean. The road? Let's just say it's intimate. Paved, yes, but seriously narrow – think one car at a time. Hope you like using your mirrors! And hold onto your hat! This cape is legendary for its winds – a real year-round blow. Plus, you're in one of Europe's rainiest spots, so pack accordingly. The payoff? Stunning views and a cool, almost otherworldly vibe. At the cape itself, you'll find a lighthouse, a spot to grab a bite, and some eerie abandoned military buildings. The 8.8 km route kicks off from the charming town of O Barqueiro. Trust me, the whole drive is pure scenic gold.