Where is Pas du Paradis?
Italy, europe
60 km
1,731 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, picture this: you're straddling the Italian-French border, breathing in crisp Alpine air at 1,731 meters (that's 5,679 feet for my American friends!). You're at Pas du Paradis, and the name doesn't lie – it's pretty heavenly.
This isn't just a quick jaunt; you're in for about 60km (37 miles) of winding road connecting Modane, France, to Susa, Italy. The road itself is paved, so no need for a monster truck. However, you'll want to keep your wits about you, as it gets pretty narrow in spots, so leave your RV at home. Plus, those hairpin turns, especially on the French side, will keep you on your toes! But trust me, the jaw-dropping views? Totally worth it. Get ready for some seriously stunning scenery as you cruise between France and Italy!
Road Details
- Country
- Italy
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 60 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,731 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in europe
extremeWhere is Colle Lazzara?
🇮🇹 Italy
Okay, picture this: You're in Italy's Piedmont region, near Torino, ready to tackle Colle Lazzara, a seriously cool mountain pass. It's also known as Colle Laz Ara, Colle l’Azzara, or Colle La Zará, so you have options! This isn't your average Sunday drive, though. We're talking about an old military road from the early 1700s, stretching about 8.3 km (5.15 miles) from Rivoira to Ruata. The road is unpaved and super narrow, so if you meet another car, someone's backing up. It can get pretty rough, steep, and rocky, especially after it rains, so be prepared. But here's the payoff: The views! You're in the Conca Cialancia Natural Park, and the summit has a small parking area. The pass is at 1,595 m (5,232 ft) above sea level. Plus, it's a historic spot from the early 18th century, so you'll find some cool old military buildings along the way. If you're up for a bit of an adventure and some incredible scenery, Colle Lazzara is definitely worth the trip!
hardHow to get by car to Mont Faron in Toulon?
🇫🇷 France
# Mont Faron: A Mediterranean Gem Above Toulon Perched at 584 meters (1,916 feet) above the glittering Mediterranean, Mont Faron is Toulon's most iconic landmark. This peak dominates the landscape of southern France's Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region and comes crowned with a WWII memorial honoring Operation Dragoon and the 1944 liberation of Toulon. The road up? It's legendary among cyclists. Known by several names—Chemin du Fort Rouge, Chemin de la Baume, and Route du Faron—this narrow, one-way ribbon of asphalt is genuinely challenging. Fair warning: the tarmac's a bit weathered in places, and the pavement gets rough, but that's all part of the authentic experience. Starting from Toulon's western side, you're looking at 5.5 kilometers (3.41 miles) of pure climbing with a punishing 494-meter elevation gain. The average gradient sits at 9%, but some sections crank up to a brutal 11.4%—brutal enough to make this route a favorite stage in the grueling Paris–Nice and Tour Méditerranéen races. Trust us, your legs will feel this one. But here's the magic: those sweeping views across Toulon's naval harbor and the Mediterranean beyond make every pedal stroke worthwhile. The bay stretches out like a sparkling jewel, one of Europe's most gorgeous stretches of coastline. Hit it at sunrise or sunset, and you'll see why people rave about this place—the azure waters and verdant cliffs glow with an almost unreal beauty. From the summit, gazing down at France's bustling military port and the city sprawling below? Absolutely splendid.
hardAn iconic paved road to Llac d'Engolasters
🌍 Andorra
Okay, so you're heading to Andorra? Make sure you check out Llac d'Engolasters, a stunning mountain lake nestled high up in the Encamp parish. Getting there is half the fun! The road, CS-200, is a smooth asphalt ribbon that winds its way up from the CG-2. It's only 6.5 km long, but don't let that fool you. You'll be grinding up some seriously steep sections – we're talking gradients of up to 12.3%! Get ready for 13 hairpin turns as you climb 482 meters. That’s an average incline of 7.41%, so be prepared to drop a gear or two! The road itself is usually in great shape, and you won't find too much traffic, except maybe on weekends or during peak season. It's generally open year-round, but be aware that winter weather can sometimes cause temporary closures. The climb is a popular (and very challenging!) cycling route, with incredible views awaiting you at the top.
moderateA memorable road trip to Collet du Plan Nicolas
🇫🇷 France
# Collet du Plan Nicolas: A High Alpine Adventure Perched at a breathtaking 2,406 meters (7,893 feet) above sea level, Collet du Plan Nicolas is a stunning mountain pass tucked away in the Savoie department of the Rhône-Alpes region in southeastern France. This is seriously high-altitude territory, and the views are absolutely worth the drive. The good news? The entire route up to the summit is beautifully paved, making it accessible for most drivers. You'll be cruising up the D902, which winds its way through some spectacular alpine scenery. Just keep in mind that this pass is strictly a summer-season destination—it shuts down completely during winter months when snow and ice make the roads impassable. The easiest approach is from Saint Michel de Maurienne, where you can begin your ascent into the mountains. As you climb higher, you'll experience that magical transition from lower valleys into proper alpine terrain, with increasingly dramatic views the further you go. Whether you're a keen driver looking for a scenic challenge or simply want to experience the majesty of the French Alps, this mountain pass delivers the goods.