Where is Sommet de Bellecote?
France, europe
11.5 km
3,071 m
hard
Year-round
Alright, adventure junkies, listen up! Let's talk about Sommet de Bellecote, a seriously stunning peak chilling at 3,071m (that's over 10,000ft!) in the Savoie region of France. You'll find it nestled in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, deep in the northern part of the Vanoise National Park.
Now, here's the deal: this isn't your average Sunday drive. Forget your sedan – we're talking 4x4 territory only. The "road" is actually an unpaved, seriously steep chairlift access trail, so leave the private vehicle at home. Starting from Belle Plagne, it's about 11.5 km (7.14 miles) to the top, climbing a whopping 1,148 meters with an average gradient of around 10%. Translation? It's a leg burner for your car!
But trust me, the views are worth it, especially the peek at the Glacier de la Chiaupe. Just a heads up, this beauty is usually only accessible between July and September. Tucked way up in the Graian Alps, inside the Vanoise Massif, it's definitely one of the highest roads in France!
Road Details
- Country
- France
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 11.5 km
- Max Elevation
- 3,071 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in europe
extremeWhat are the highest roads in Turkey?
🇹🇷 Turkey
# Discover Turkey's Epic Mountain Roads Turkey is an absolute beast when it comes to dramatic geography. Straddling Europe and Asia, this country is basically all mountains—seriously, one glance at the map and you'll see why. Sure, there are some gorgeous coastlines along the Black Sea and Mediterranean, but the real action happens inland on those towering peaks. The Anatolian Peninsula is sandwiched between two absolute giants: the Pontic Alps hugging the north and the Taurus Mountains dominating the south. Between them? Vast, sprawling high-altitude plateaus that'll take your breath away. This wild terrain means the roads here aren't your typical highway cruises—they're engineering marvels that twist and turn through some of the world's most stunning (and challenging) mountain passes. If you're a road-tripping adrenaline junkie, Turkey is calling your name. These routes will test your driving skills while rewarding you with some of the most incredible scenery on the planet. Ready to find out which stretches rank as the highest asphalted roads in the country? Explore our interactive map and dive into an adventure across some of the world's most spectacular drives. Got a killer road you think deserves the spotlight? We're always hunting for hidden gems. Share your suggestion with us—your next favorite drive might just make it onto our collection!
hardA wild road to Șaua Grădișteanu
🇷🇴 Romania
Okay, buckle up, adventure junkies! Șaua Grădișteanu Pass in Argeș County, Romania, is calling your name! Sitting pretty at 1,954 meters (6,410 feet), this gravel road is one of the highest in the country. Fair warning: this isn't your average Sunday drive. The road is bumpy and steep! You'll definitely want a 4x4 to tackle this bad boy, especially since it can get seriously snowy in winter and might even close. After a rain shower, expect slippery conditions. Watch out for loose gravel, too. But hey, if you're not scared of heights and love a good challenge, the views are totally worth it! Just make sure you're prepped and ready for anything. Trust me, the thrill of conquering this pass, with its stunning Romanian scenery, is unforgettable!
hardHow to get to the La Merica viewpoint?
🇪🇸 Spain
La Merica viewpoint, way up at 817m (2,680ft) on La Gomera's west coast in the Canary Islands, is seriously something else. You're hanging high above Valle Gran Rey, and the drive is pure coastal drama. The road itself, Camino el Santo, kicks off from the GM-1 highway and rambles towards El Berodal. Sure, the first bit near Plaza de la Ermita de El Santo is paved, but then it turns into a proper, rugged dirt track hugging the mountain ridge. Now, this drive isn't for the easily spooked. Think seriously steep drops straight into the ocean and valley – we're talking *massive*. There are basically no safety barriers, and the Atlantic winds can get pretty wild up there. You'll need your wits about you, especially when the cliff edge feels way too close for comfort. Dating back to the 17th century, this old track was a lifeline for the locals. These days, you get insane views of the Atlantic, and on a good day, you can even spot another island. Keep an eye out for wild goats chilling on the dry, volcanic hills – it's classic La Gomera scenery. For tackling Camino el Santo, a car with decent ground clearance is a good shout. The real challenge, though, is the height! Always check the wind forecast before you head up, because it can get unpredictable. Trust me, this is a drive you won't forget in a hurry – history meets some of the most epic landscapes in the Canary Islands.
hardCol des Garcinets
🇫🇷 France
# Col des Garcinets: A Scenic Alpine Climb Nestled in the Hautes-Alpes region of southeastern France, Col des Garcinets sits pretty at 1,185 meters (3,887 feet) above sea level. It's the kind of mountain pass that rewards you with incredible views—if you've got the legs for it. The drive up is via the D1 road, a well-maintained asphalt route that connects the small towns of Selonnet to the south and Turriers to the west. Starting from D900b, you're looking at a solid 15.6 km of climbing ahead of you. The elevation gain totals 512 meters, which averages out to a 3.3% gradient—steep enough to keep things interesting, but not so brutal that you'll be white-knuckling the steering wheel the whole way. It's a straightforward, scenic push through the alpine landscape that'll test your patience on the switchbacks but reward you with some serious French Alpine beauty once you crest the top.