
Where is Pic Blanc?
France, europe
8.1 km
3,305 m
extreme
Year-round
Okay, thrill-seekers, listen up! Deep in the Isère department of France, you'll find Pic Blanc, a beast of a mountain peaking at 3,305m (10,843ft)! Nestled in the Grandes Rousses massif, this is one of Europe's highest roads, offering seriously epic views... if you dare!
The road? Oh, it's unpaved, rough as anything, and brutally steep in sections – we're talking gradients averaging 20%! It's an 8.1 km (5.03 miles) climb from a turnoff on the road to Alpe d’Huez. This one's not for the faint of heart; it winds and climbs relentlessly to a chairlift, but is closed to public vehicles.
Word to the wise: even in summer, this road can be impassable. So, make sure you check conditions before attempting this ultimate alpine adventure.
Road Details
- Country
- France
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 8.1 km
- Max Elevation
- 3,305 m
- Difficulty
- extreme
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