Where is the Ancien Fort de La Turra?
France, europe
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moderate
Year-round
Okay, picture this: you're off the beaten path in southeastern France, practically spitting distance from Italy, headed towards Ancien Fort de la Turra. This abandoned high-mountain fort sits way up high, so high in fact that I can't tell you exactly! You'll find the fort, with its cool old military buildings, in the shadow of the Écrins Mountains, nestled in the Hautes-Alpes region.
Now, the road up? It's a bit of an adventure, clocking in at maybe around two kilometers. You'll start on smooth pavement, but don't get too comfortable! The road is narrow and steep. But trust me, it's worth it for the panoramic views.
Related Roads in europe
moderateDriving the paved road to Wurzen Pass in the Limestone Alps
🇦🇹 Austria
Wurzenpass-Korensko Sedlo sits pretty at 1,073 meters (3,520 feet) right on the Austrian-Slovenian border, connecting Carinthia with Slovenia's Upper Carniola region. This mountain pass has serious history—traders were already using it back in the 15th century, and the first proper road rolled through in 1734. Today, you'll find this fully paved route carved through the stunning Karawanks mountains in the Southern Limestone Alps. Known as B109 Wurzenpass Straße on the Austrian side and Slovenian highway No. 201 across the border, it's an 11.2-kilometer drive linking the Austrian town of Radendorf to the Slovenian village of Kranjska Gora (sitting on the Sava Dolinka River). Fair warning: this isn't your straightforward mountain drive. The road is seriously twisty with some intense grades hitting 18 percent—your brakes will definitely get a workout. Summer is peak season here since it's one of the most popular crossings between the two countries, so expect plenty of company on the pavement, especially in warm months. But if you're after gorgeous Alpine scenery mixed with a bit of driving challenge, this pass delivers.
hardHow to drive the iconic road to Godi Pass in the Abruzzo
🇮🇹 Italy
# Passo Godi: A Thrilling Alpine Adventure Ready for a mountain road experience? Passo Godi sits pretty at 1,588 meters (5,209 feet) in the heart of Italy's Abruzzo region, nestled in L'Aquila province. The summit is basically a little hub of civilization—complete with a parking lot, a cozy bar, and a hotel where you can refuel after the drive. The 44-kilometer (27-mile) route, known as Strada Regionale 479, stretches from Anversa degli Abruzzi up to Villetta Barrea and totally delivers on the dramatic mountain pass experience. The road is fully paved, but don't let that fool you—it's loaded with tight, winding sections and over 20 hairpin turns that'll keep you engaged the entire time. You'll also tackle some seriously steep grades, maxing out at 9.0%, so bring your A-game behind the wheel. One of the coolest perks? The Monti Marsicani setting means you might spot deer grazing on the valley slopes below. Stunning scenery included with your drive. Fair warning though: while the road stays open most of the year, winter can be unforgiving. Heavy snowfall regularly forces closures during the colder months, so plan accordingly if you're making the trip between November and March. Spring through fall? That's your sweet spot for tackling this unforgettable alpine climb.
extremeWhere is the Devil's Staircase in Wales?
🇬🇧 Wales
Okay, buckle up, road trip lovers! We're heading to the heart of Wales to tackle the infamous Devil's Staircase! This beast of a road winds through the Cambrian Mountains, stretching about 16.5 miles between the tiny hamlet of Abergwesyn and the town of Tregaron. Seriously, you'll feel like you've reached the edge of the earth out here. The road itself, officially known as Abergwesyn Road, is a single-track adventure. Prepare for ridiculously narrow sections, hairpin turns that’ll make your head spin, and a surface that can get a bit… rustic, let’s say. Gravel patches? Oh yeah. Not for the faint of heart, especially if squeezing past another car on a mountain road gives you the jitters. The "Devil's Staircase" part? That’s the real challenge: a series of hairpin turns with ramps hitting a max gradient of 20.1%! Seriously steep! This climb leads to the Abergwesyn Pass, taking you through conifer forests and opening up to these incredible, wide-open valleys dotted with sheep. Just remember, what goes up must come down, so be ready to test those brakes! A word of warning: keep an eye out for two bridges just before the Devil's Staircase itself. After heavy rain, they can disappear underwater! Usually, this epic drive is pretty peaceful during the week, but it can get buzzing on weekends.
moderateHow Often Does the Causeway Flood?
🇬🇧 England
Ever heard of a road that vanishes twice a day? Head to Osea Island in the Blackwater estuary of Essex, East England, and you'll find one! This isn't your typical commute; it's an unpaved causeway, Osea Road, that's only accessible for about four hours during low tide. This quirky road, believed to have Roman origins, is only a couple hours from London, but feels like a world away. Imagine driving across to a privately owned island, surrounded by the sea, and teeming with wildlife. Word to the wise: check the tide times before you go! This road floods, so timing is everything. Forget relying on your GPS entirely, it might lead you astray. Once the tide rolls in, you're stranded (in a good way!) until the next low tide, unless you have a boat. Osea Island: Essex's best-kept secret, accessible by a disappearing road!