Where is Col du Parquetout?

Where is Col du Parquetout?

France, europe

Length

9.8 km

Elevation

1,448 m

Difficulty

extreme

Best Season

Year-round

Alright, road trip enthusiasts, let's talk Col du Parquétout! You'll find this beauty tucked away in the Isère department of France, part of the stunning Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region.

The D212F, as it's known, stretches for about 9.8 km (or 6.08 miles) from Villelonge to Les Angelas. Trust me, the views to the south are postcard-perfect – rolling hills and valleys that'll make you want to pull over and soak it all in. Luckily, there's a small parking area at the top just for that.

Now, a little heads-up: this isn't your Sunday afternoon drive. The road is paved, sure, but it's bumpy, narrow, and has some loose gravel sections that'll keep you on your toes. It’s all fun and games until you meet another car! Expect hairpin turns, some seriously steep gradients (up to 13.3%!), and absolutely no guardrails. I'd say it's more of a motorcycle road, but if you're up for a challenge and in decent shape, a car can definitely make it. Just be prepared for a wild ride!

Share this road

Road Details

Country
France
Continent
europe
Length
9.8 km
Max Elevation
1,448 m
Difficulty
extreme

Related Roads in europe

Lac de Bious-Artigueshard

Lac de Bious-Artigues

🇫🇷 France

# Lac de Bious-Artigues: A Stunning Alpine Adventure Nestled high in the French Pyrenees at 1,416 meters (4,646 feet), Lac de Bious-Artigues is a breathtaking mountain lake that rewards patient drivers with incredible scenery. Located in Pyrénées-Atlantiques in southwestern France, this alpine gem is definitely worth the drive. The route to the lake follows the D231, which climbs steadily from the charming town of Laruns. Fair warning: this isn't a highway—it's narrow and legitimately steep, so take your time. The 19.3-kilometer ascent gains a serious 897 meters of elevation, averaging around 4.6% gradient throughout. While the road is paved (thank goodness), you'll want to stay sharp around those tight mountain curves. The payoff? Absolutely worth it. As you wind your way up, the Pyrenean scenery unfolds in all its glory, and reaching this alpine lake feels like a genuine accomplishment. It's the kind of drive that combines just enough challenge to keep things interesting without requiring special equipment—just a steady hand on the wheel and respect for the mountain.

Sa Crabarissahard

Sa Crabarissa

🇮🇹 Italy

# Sa Crabarissa: The Woman in the Rocks Tucked away in Sardinia's Provincia di Nuoro lies Sa Crabarissa, a stunning natural landmark that actually looks like a woman carved into the landscape. If you're up for an adventure, this is definitely worth the trip. The route to reach her is about 7.6km of pure rugged beauty. You'll be cruising on gravel roads—definitely bring a proper 4WD vehicle for this one. Fair warning: the road is narrow and twisty, so if you're not comfortable with reversing, this might not be the drive for you. But if you've got the skills and the nerve, you're in for a treat. As you climb through the Mandrolisai mountains toward the 713m summit, prepare yourself for some seriously jaw-dropping scenery. The elevation gain is real, and the terrain is steep, but that's what makes it so spectacular. This is photographer's paradise—bring a camera with plenty of memory space, fully charged batteries, and be ready to snap some incredible shots. The vistas alone are worth every twist and turn of the journey. The best part? Once you reach the top, there's actually a large parking area where you can safely park and take your time soaking in the view. It's the perfect reward after conquering the mountain road.

Can you drive through Pillerhöhe in Austria?hard

Can you drive through Pillerhöhe in Austria?

🇦🇹 Austria

Okay, adventure-seekers, listen up! Let's talk about the Pillerhöhe, a mountain pass that'll take your breath away (literally and figuratively!). You'll find this gem nestled in the Austrian Tyrol, chilling at a cool 1,573m (5,160ft) above sea level. Yep, you can totally drive it! The Piller Landesstraße is all paved, winding through a gorgeous, natural park-esque landscape. But don't get too comfy! This road, squirreled away in western Austria, isn’t for the faint of heart. It gets pretty narrow and seriously steep, with gradients hitting a wild 19.1% in places. Hold on tight! The whole shebang stretches for 23.5 km (14.60 miles), connecting Fließ (near Landeck) to Arzl im Pitztal (near Imst). And pro tip: just south of the peak, make a pit stop at the "Gacher Blick" viewpoint. Trust me, the views of the Inn Valley are totally worth it!

Puerto de Malagostohard

Puerto de Malagosto

🇪🇸 Spain

# Puerto de Malagosto: A Thrilling High-Altitude Adventure Perched at a dramatic 1,931 meters (6,335 feet) in Spain's stunning Sierra de Guadarrama mountain range, Puerto de Malagosto straddles the border between Madrid and Segovia provinces in central Spain. This isn't your typical scenic drive—it's a genuine off-road adventure for those with serious driving chops. Fair warning: this gravel and rocky trail is definitely not for the faint-hearted. The road is steep, bumpy, and genuinely tippy in places, demanding a sturdy 4x4 vehicle and experienced hands at the wheel. If unpaved mountain roads aren't your comfort zone, or if heights make you nervous, this probably isn't your route. Winter? Forget about it—the pass becomes virtually impassable when snow hits. The real magic happens when conditions are right. You'll wind through the spectacular Congosto de Ventamillo, navigating narrow passages with jaw-dropping scenery all around. Just watch out for muddy sections after rain, which can turn the trail into a genuine test of skill. This pass connects a handful of charming mountain towns—Rascafría, Oteruelo del Valle, and Alameda del Valle on the Madrid side, with Torre Caballeros, Sotosalbos, and La Granaja de San Ildefonso on the Segovia side. It's a route that rewards adventurous drivers with unforgettable views and serious bragging rights.