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

Mont Agneletextreme

Mont Agnelet

🇫🇷 France

Alright, adventure seekers, let's talk about Mont Agnelet, a seriously epic pass tucked way up in the French Maritime Alps! We're talking a lung-busting 2,201 meters (7,221 feet) of pure, unadulterated mountain majesty in the Mercantour massif. Now, this isn't your Sunday drive kind of road. This is a gravel track, folks. Think hairpin turns that'll make your head spin, and gradients pushing over 18%! Oh, and did I mention the potential for avalanches, heavy snow, landslides, and surprise ice patches? Yeah, this baby demands respect. It's narrow, it's steep, and guardrails? Forget about it. The views, though? Absolutely breathtaking! Once you conquer the road, you'll find some cool old military structures at the summit. Just be warned: the road can be pretty rough, washed out in spots, and a bit slippery with grass. Definitely a journey for the adventurous spirit!

How To Have The Ultimate Road Trip To Bogovatchosgele Passhard

How To Have The Ultimate Road Trip To Bogovatchosgele Pass

🇬🇪 Georgia

Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! Let's talk about the Bogovatchosgele Pass, a real hidden gem nestled high in Georgia's Mtskheta-Mtianeti region. We're talking serious altitude here – 2,972 meters (that's 9,750 feet!) – making it one of the highest roads you'll find in Georgia. Also known as Roshka Pass, it's tucked away in the Caucasus Mountains, not far from Tbilisi and the Russian border. It basically carves a path between the remote Arkhoti Valley and the rest of Georgia. This road is an off-road enthusiast's dream. Built in 2018, it links the villages of Akhieli and Amgha in the Arkhoti valley with Roshka. Forget smooth asphalt; this is a 33.1 km (20.56 miles) stretch of pure, unadulterated dirt track running from Ghelisvake (near Roshka) up to Akhieli and Amgha. You'll definitely need a 4x4 to tackle this one. Be warned: this isn't for the faint of heart. Expect narrow sections where passing is impossible, and hold-on-tight drop-offs. Landslides and avalanches are a real possibility. The road might look okay at first, but the higher you climb, the more you'll notice some serious cracks in the surface caused by rainwater. But for those stunning views and bragging rights? Totally worth it!

Where is Menador?extreme

Where is Menador?

🇮🇹 Italy

Okay, picture this: you're cruising through the Italian Alps in Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol, heading for the Menador Pass. This baby sits at a cool 1,269m (4,163ft) above sea level, and trust me, it's not for the faint of heart! This old military road, built way back in 1911, winds its paved way for 6.4km (4 miles) from Lochere to Malga Laghetto. They call it Strada Provinciale SP 133 di Monterovere, or Strada dell’Alpini, or even Kaiserjägerstrasse-Monterovere road! The views are killer – think sparkling Lake Caldonazzo, Levico Lake, and majestic Monte Panarotta. But don't get too distracted, because the road is seriously steep in sections, super narrow, and those hairpin turns come at you fast! Plus, there are a couple of small tunnels thrown in for good measure. Definitely not a beginner's drive, and knowing how to reverse is a must. Speed limit's 30 km/h, so take it slow and enjoy the ride. Usually open year-round, but keep an eye on the weather – snow can close it down. Also, big rigs beware: vehicles over 2.50m height and width aren't allowed.

A wild narrow road to Santuari de la Mare de Déu del Monthard

A wild narrow road to Santuari de la Mare de Déu del Mont

🇪🇸 Spain

# Santuari de la Mare de Déu del Mont If you're after a serious mountain driving challenge, the road to Santuari de la Mare de Déu del Mont in Girona's Alta Garrotxa region is calling your name. This beast climbs to 1,123 meters and, trust me, it earns every bit of that elevation. Starting from the GIV-5235 road at 634m, you're looking at a 6.8 km push uphill with a solid 7.19% average gradient. But here's where it gets spicy—the final 2.5 km ramps up to a punishing 9.2% average, with some switchbacks hitting a brutal 14%. This is legitimately one of the toughest climbs in the area. The asphalt is in decent shape, but fair warning: it gets genuinely narrow as you climb, and there are NO guard rails keeping you company on those edge sections. If you've got passengers who get queasy about heights, maybe give them a heads up. The road loves to twist and turn relentlessly—it's switchback central all the way up. The Serra del Mont mountain range provides the backdrop, and the scenery is absolutely worth the stress. The payoff? Unreal 360-degree views from the summit. On a clear day, you're looking at the Pyrenees on one side and the Mediterranean on the other. There's a bar and restaurant up top to celebrate your victory. Winter can occasionally throw closures your way, but they rarely stick around longer than a few days. Just avoid tackling this in the dark or poor visibility unless you really know what you're doing. This road demands respect, but conquer it and you'll have an experience you won't forget.