Where is Mont du Chat?
France, europe
14.4 km
1,504 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, picture this: you're in the Savoie department of France, ready to tackle Mont du Chat, aka Cat's Mountain. Trust me, this climb is NO joke! We're talking serious bragging rights here.
This beast of a road is tucked away in the Rhône-Alpes region, and the D42 road is your paved path to glory. And the road is in great shape! You'll be cruising (or struggling!) on smooth asphalt with hardly any other cars around.
So, how steep is it REALLY? Let's just say the Tour de France riders know this climb intimately. It averages around 9% for a whopping 14.4 km, and once you're 2 km in, there's no mercy. Expect ramps hitting a brutal 15%! You'll be starting near the stunning Lac du Bourget at a measly 250 meters, only to finish up around 1,500 meters. Prepare your legs (and your lungs).
The total length is 22.2 km (13.79 miles), winding east to west from Le Bourget-du-Lac to Cremaire. Keep in mind this road is closed from November to March due to snow.
The reward for your pain? A parking lot, a bar-restaurant, and the Belvédère du Mont du Chat at the summit. Get ready for insane panoramic views of Lac du Bourget! Seriously, the views are worth every ounce of effort.
Road Details
- Country
- France
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 14.4 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,504 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in europe
hardIbón de Truchas: Driving the 4x4 chairlift road in Astún
🇪🇸 Spain
# Hidden Lake in the High Pyrenees: Ibón de Truchas Tucked into the heart of the Spanish Pyrenees near the French border, Ibón de Truchas is this absolutely breathtaking alpine lake sitting pretty at 2,146 meters (7,040 feet) above sea level. We're talking serious altitude in the Huesca province of Aragon—the kind of place that makes you feel like you've left civilization behind. The adventure kicks off at the legendary Somport Pass, that historic crossing point between Spain and France. From there, you're looking at an 8.2 km (5.1 mile) climb through the gnarly terrain surrounding the Astún ski resort. You'll gain 471 meters of elevation along the way, and honestly, the payoff is massive. The limestone peaks and rolling alpine meadows give way to absolutely killer views over the Aragon valley and into the French Pyrenees as you climb higher. Now, fair warning: this isn't a paved road. It's basically a ski resort maintenance track—crushed rock, gravel, and dirt that gets loose and slippery on the steeper bits. You'll need a solid 4x4 with decent ground clearance, no exceptions. The average gradient hangs around 5.74%, but there are some seriously technical sections that'll keep you on your toes. Oh, and you'll literally be driving under chairlift cables, which is pretty surreal. The lake itself sits in a glacial cirque and maxes out at about 4.7 meters deep. Even in early summer, snow patches still cling around the shores. The window to attempt this drive is narrow—late June through September is your sweet spot. Winter? Forget about it; snow completely covers the track. Summer thunderstorms can transform that gravel into a muddy nightmare within minutes, so always check the weather before you go. And trust us, it gets cold fast at the top, even on gorgeous days.
hardB873 is a scenic narrow road along Loch Naver
🇬🇧 Scotland
Okay, picture this: you're in the Scottish Highlands, Sutherland to be exact, and you stumble upon the B873. This isn't just any road; it hugs the northern shore of the stunning Loch Naver, a freshwater beauty stretching 6 miles long and hidden away in the Flow Country. Think dramatic hills, vast moorlands, and seriously breathtaking views. Now, for the adventurous part: this road is NARROW. We're talking single-track narrow, the kind where two cars meeting is a puzzle you might not want to solve. Reversing skills? Essential. Don't expect a traffic jam, though. This is a pretty desolate stretch. It's mostly flat and paved, but keep an eye out for potential flooding right by the loch! The whole shebang is about 11.4 miles, connecting Syre (off the B871) to Altnaharra (where you'll find the A836). It's an east-to-west trek that will leave you speechless – if you dare to take it!
extremeSkinakas Mountain is the highest paved road of Crete
🇬🇷 Greece
# Skinakas Mountain: Crete's Sky-High Observatory Drive Perched at a breathtaking 1,752 meters (5,748 feet) above sea level, Skinakas Mountain is home to Crete's highest paved road—a wild mountain adventure nestled in the stunning Psiloritis range within the Ida mountains. The summit rewards drivers with the incredible Skinakas Observatory, complete with two telescopes and top-notch research and educational facilities dedicated to astronomy. Starting from the charming village of Anogia, you're looking at a 16.8 km (10.43 miles) white-knuckle climb that gains 950 meters of elevation. Fair warning: this isn't your average Sunday drive. Sections of this road hit gradients up to 16.4%, complete with endless hairpin turns that demand serious respect and concentration. Built back in 1984, the asphalt is holding up, but only just—it's deteriorating year after year with some sections showing serious wear and soft edges. Frankly, parts of it are downright sketchy, so stay well clear of those sides. The views? Absolutely worth it. On clear days, you can see both seas stretching out below you. Even in summer, be prepared for bone-chilling winds and unpredictable weather—bring a jacket. Winter transforms the road into a snow-covered challenge, so timing your visit matters. Pro tip: Skip the bus and rent a car for maximum control and flexibility on this technical route. Parking at the observatory is tight, and during busy periods, expect waits over an hour. But for mountain road enthusiasts and astronomy lovers, this epic Cretan drive delivers scenery and thrills in equal measure.
hardWhere is Rugova Gorge?
🌍 Kosovo
Just past Peja, Kosovo, prepare to be wowed! The M9 road carves its way through the Rugova Gorge, a 22km (13 mile) stretch of pure Balkan beauty nestled in the Rugova Mountains near the Montenegro border. Built in 1925, this route isn't just a road, it's an experience. Expect tight hairpin turns, hand-hewn tunnels, and mind-blowing views of granite cliffs towering 609 meters (2,000 feet) above the Drini River. Be warned: this isn't a Sunday drive. The road is narrow in spots, making passing tricky, especially with lumber trucks. Winter brings ice and snow, adding another layer of challenge. Some sections are literally carved into the rock face, with a wall on one side and a sheer drop on the other. Single-lane tunnels add to the fun! Also, stick to the road – there are still minefields off the path, remnants of past conflicts. Allow 45-60 minutes to drive straight through, but trust me, you'll want to stop! The area is an outdoor paradise, perfect for hiking, climbing, and exploring caves. The views are epic, especially during rain, when waterfalls cascade down the cliffs. Prepare to be amazed by the soaring granite walls, the river far below, and the short, rugged tunnels. This is a drive you won't soon forget!