Where is Punta Bagna?
France, europe
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moderate
Year-round
Okay, thrill-seekers, listen up! Let's talk Punta Bagna, a seriously high peak in the Savoie department of France, clocking in at a lung-busting elevation above sea level. You'll find this gem nestled near the famous Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region in southeast France.
So, what's waiting for you at the top? Picture this: you roll up to the chairlift—yes, you can drive most of the way! The road isn’t paved for the chairlift. Some of the ramps have and the road leads you right to the Fréjus cableway top station.
This road? It's a proper climb, and it's one of the highest roads in France! Word of warning: Mother Nature calls the shots here. Usually, from November to June, this road is a no-go zone, buried under snow, so plan your trip accordingly (weather permitting, of course!).
Related Roads in europe
hardPic de Cubil
🌍 Andorra
Alright, fellow adventurers, let me tell you about Pic de Cubil in Encamp, Andorra! This isn't just a drive, it's an *experience*. We're talking serious altitude here, with the peak clocking in at 2,499 meters (that's 8,198 feet!). It's easily one of the highest routes you'll find in Andorra. Now, fair warning: the road to the top is a rugged gravel track. Expect rocks, bumps, and some seriously tippy sections. You'll need a 4x4, and a good dose of confidence behind the wheel. Newbies to off-road driving should probably steer clear. And if heights aren't your thing? Maybe grab a postcard instead. This trail is STEEP. Oh, and if it's wet, things get real muddy, real fast. The road is usually closed from October to June due to snow. But trust me, the views? Totally worth it. Plus, there's even a restaurant at the summit – accessible by chairlift – where you can refuel after your epic climb. Get ready for incredible scenery and a serious adrenaline rush!
hardRoute de Presles is a balcony road in France
🇫🇷 France
# Route de Presles: France's Most Thrilling Alpine Drive Nestled in the heart of the French Alps in the Isère department, Route de Presles (D292) is an absolutely jaw-dropping mountain drive that'll make your palms sweat—in the best way possible. This 8.9 km stretch winds its way north from Pont-en-Royans up to the charming village of Presles, and it's nothing short of spectacular. What makes this road so wild? It's basically carved right into the mountainside. We're talking dramatic open tunnels, passages hewn directly from rock, and lanes so tight and low you'll feel like you're driving through a secret passage. Blind corners? Check. Hairpin bends? Absolutely. The real kicker: if you meet another car coming the other way, one of you is backing up. It's also off-limits to larger vehicles, so you'll be sharing the road with smaller cars and, importantly, plenty of hikers and cyclists snapping photos for their Instagram feeds. Fair warning—keep your eyes peeled for fallen rocks and fallen debris that could throw you off course. The road is also prone to landslides and occasional closures, so definitely check conditions before you head out. Use your horn liberally in tight spots to warn others of your presence, and take it slow. The sweet spot for visiting? Late May through September, when the weather cooperates. As you climb, you'll be surrounded by Scots pines, boxwood, and young oaks, with Mediterranean scents wafting up from the microclimate created by the towering cliffs. The road hugs the stunning Gorges de la Bourne before climbing through the gorgeous Nugues hamlet and reaching the Col de Toutes Aures—a legendary viewpoint that opens up to panoramic views of the south Vercors and the Isère plain. The finale? The breathtaking Gorges du Nan. This is genuinely one of the most scenic drives on the planet.
moderateThe historic trail to Septimer Pass in the Swiss Alps
🇨🇭 Switzerland
# Septimer Pass: Walk in the Footsteps of Ancient Rome Ready to experience how the Romans actually traveled through the Alps? Septimer Pass is your answer. Sitting pretty at 2,310 m (7,579 ft) above sea level in the Albula Region of Switzerland's Graubünden canton, this mountain pass is basically a time machine on a trail. Tucked away in the southeastern corner of the country between the Bregaglia and Oberhalbstein valleys, Septimer Pass (also called Passo del Settimo or Pass da Sett) was *the* Alpine crossing back in the day. The geography just made sense for it—merchants and traders loved this route because it was the logical way to get to and from Italy. But then the Julier Pass road opened in 1826, and honestly, Septimer never really bounced back. Here's the fun part: the entire route to the summit is unpaved, giving it that authentic old-world vibe. Starting from Sursés, you're looking at 6.5 km (4.03 miles) of climbing with 527 m of elevation gain—that's an 8.10% average gradient. Nothing too brutal, but definitely noticeable. Fair warning though—this is a bikes-only road. No private vehicles allowed. And it's only really doable during the warmer months (weather permitting), typically closing from October through June. But if you're up for a unique Alpine adventure that actually takes you back in history? Absolutely worth the visit.
moderateMount Etna: a remote road to Europe's largest and most active volcano
🇮🇹 Italy
# Mount Etna's Epic Black Ash Road Ready for one of Europe's most thrilling drives? Head to Sicily's east coast near Catania and Messina to tackle Mount Etna—or "Mongibello" as locals call it—Europe's biggest and most relentlessly active volcano. This isn't your typical scenic route. The 12.4 km (7.7 miles) black sandy track climbs from Rifugio Sapienza all the way up to 3,120 meters (10,236 feet), making it one of the continent's highest roads. Built back in 1977 to service the Osservatorio Etneo volcanic research station, this unpaved trail demands serious respect—you'll absolutely need a 4x4 to handle it. What makes this drive unforgettable? You're basically driving through a volcanic wonderland. The landscape is otherworldly: ancient lava flows, extinct craters, weathered churches and homes partially swallowed by past eruptions, gnarled century-old trees, and pine forests that seem to defy the harsh terrain. The panoramas stretch across the entire region, and if you listen closely, you'll hear Etna's constant rumbling—a humbling reminder that you're driving on one of the planet's most active volcanoes. Here's the catch: private vehicles aren't allowed. You'll need to go with an authorized guide or join a tour. Bikes are usually welcome, but closures happen regularly thanks to volcanic activity, brutal winds, or heavy snow. If you have respiratory issues or heart problems, skip this one—the altitude and volcanic conditions aren't forgiving. Check conditions before you go. Etna's always cooking something up.