
Where is Mont Coucouluche?
France, europe
11 km
932 m
extreme
Year-round
Okay, so you're itching for a wild ride in the French Alps? Let me tell you about Mont Coucouluche. Picture this: you're cruising (or maybe *crawling* is more accurate!) along the M59, a sliver of a road that snakes its way up to 932 meters (that's over 3,000 feet!). This baby's nestled in the Alpes-Maritimes department, part of the stunning Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region of southeastern France.
The views? Epic. The road? Let's just say it keeps you on your toes. We're talking seriously steep climbs, hitting gradients that will make your engine work. Expect hairpin turns galore, a few claustrophobic tunnels carved straight into the rock, and narrow bridges that'll test your nerves. Definitely not for the faint of heart (or beginner drivers!), and forget about bringing your RV – this road is strictly for smaller vehicles.
The whole adventure stretches for about 11 kilometers (almost 7 miles), connecting the area near Marie to the charming town of Ilonse. Get ready for an unforgettable alpine experience!
Road Details
- Country
- France
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 11 km
- Max Elevation
- 932 m
- Difficulty
- extreme
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