Where is Col du Pré?
France, europe
10.9 km
1,703 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through the French Alps in the Savoie region, and you stumble upon the Col du Pré. This high mountain pass sits at a cool 1,703m (5,587ft), with a sign calling out "Monte de Col du Pre" just a bit higher at 1,755m (5,757ft).
This road is totally paved, but don't think it's a breeze! It's narrow and quiet, packed with hairpin turns that'll keep you on your toes. Because it's sheltered, it can get super warm.
The Col du Pré stretches for about 10.9km (6.77 miles) from somewhere near Les Gérats, and let me tell you, it's steep! We're talking a max gradient of 13.0% in spots. Three sections hit around 11%, and the final stretch averages over 10%. Ouch! It even showed up in the Tour de France.
So, is it worth the effort? Absolutely! The views from the top are unreal – think deep blue Lac de Roselend and its dam surrounded by mountains. Plus, you get mind-blowing glimpses of Mont Blanc as you get closer to the summit. Seriously, this road is a feast for the eyes.
Road Details
- Country
- France
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 10.9 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,703 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in europe
hardWhere is Uzungol Lake?
🇹🇷 Turkey
Okay, picture this: you're heading to Uzungöl Lake, a stunning gem nestled high in the Turkish mountains south of Trabzon. We're talking Black Sea region beauty here! The road up? It's an adventure, let me tell you. Think unpaved, a bit rough, but totally doable in your average car. Get ready for about 25 miles of winding excitement, including 19 hairpin turns that'll have you gripping the wheel. Budget between 1.2 and 2 hours for the drive, but trust me, you'll want to stop! The views are incredible: lush mountain forests, and often, a mystical fog that rolls in, especially at night. The road climbs to a whopping 8,188 feet, so be prepared for some serious elevation. Oh, and did I mention the drop-offs? Keep your eyes on the road! Once you reach Uzungöl, you'll find a charming village with everything you need – hotels, restaurants, and, of course, plenty of souvenirs.
hardPordoi Pass is one of the highest roads of the Dolomites
🇮🇹 Italy
# Passo Pordoi Want to tackle one of the Dolomites' most iconic mountain passes? Passo Pordoi sits pretty at 2,242 meters (7,355 feet) above sea level, making it the second-highest paved pass in the entire range. Located right on the border between Trentino and Veneto in northern Italy, this legendary route cuts through some seriously stunning Alpine scenery. The 15.6-kilometer (9.69-mile) stretch runs east-west between Arabba and Canazei, snaking between the Sella group to the north and the dramatic Marmolada massif to the south. Built back in 1904 as part of the Dolomites Road project, it was designed to connect Bolzano with Cortina and open up tourism in the charming Ladin valleys. Fair warning: this isn't a leisurely cruise. You're looking at 33 hairpin turns and grades that max out at 9.7%, plus you'll be battling serious wind exposure the whole way. Most drivers tackle it in 30 to 40 minutes of pure concentration. The fully paved road stays open year-round, though winter can throw some curveballs—occasional closures happen when weather gets gnarly, and heavy vehicles are banned from November through April. Summer? Expect crowds, especially July and August. Your best bet? Get there before 10:00 AM or visit in June or September instead. This isn't just any mountain pass—it's cycling legend territory. The Giro d'Italia regularly finishes here as the Cima Coppi (the race's highest point), and a memorial to the legendary Fausto Coppi marks the summit. Add in its fascinating WWI history, and you've got a road with serious soul.
moderateVale Street is one of the steepest roads in England
🇬🇧 England
Okay, picture this: you're in Totterdown, a quirky suburb of Bristol in South West England, and you stumble upon Vale Street. This isn't your average residential street – it's a beast! They say it's the steepest residential road in England, and honestly, it feels almost vertical at the bottom. This fully paved climb is only 0.2km long, but packs in a punch with a 17m elevation gain. We're talking an average gradient of 22 percent, but get this – it maxes out at a crazy 25.6 percent! Seriously, cars park sideways to avoid rolling away, and when it's icy, locals chain their cars to lampposts. Lined with terraced houses and steps for pedestrians, this 427 ft stretch from Park Street to Balmain Street is a favorite with cyclists and anyone looking for a lung-busting challenge. With a slope comparable to an advanced intermediate ski run, Vale Street is an adventure you won't soon forget!
moderateAvoid the road to Öxi Pass in Iceland outside of summer
🇮🇸 Iceland
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! If you're cruising around the Eastern Region of Iceland and looking for a detour that’ll get your heart pumping, check out Öxi Pass! This mountain pass, sitting pretty at 539m (1,768ft), is a shortcut between Djúpivogur village and Egilsstaðir, chopping off a good 71 km (44 miles) from the Ring Road. But fair warning, this isn’t your average Sunday drive. Axarvegur (Road 939) is a gravel road, so expect a bumpy ride! It’s narrow, steep, and winds its way up the side of a mountain, taking you from sea level to over 500 meters! This 20.5 km (12.73 mile) stretch is usually closed in winter, and even in spring, it can be a muddy mess best left to 4x4s and mountain trucks. Expect a wild ride with inclines hitting a max gradient of 20%!! Blind corners, slippery conditions from cascading water, and fog can all make this an intense experience, so bring your nerves of steel! But, oh man, the views! Tucked away in the Eastfjords, Öxi Pass delivers stunning scenery, especially the incredible Folaldafoss waterfall, often called Iceland’s hidden gem. There's a tiny parking spot for a few cars, so you can hop out and take it all in! Just remember, this road isn't for the faint of heart. Only tackle it in good weather and with a vehicle that can handle the terrain. Happy (and safe) travels!