Where is the RD117 road?

Where is the RD117 road?

France, europe

Length

9.4 km

Elevation

N/A

Difficulty

extreme

Best Season

Year-round

Okay, buckle up, adventure-seekers, because RD117 in the Alpes-Maritimes of France is not for the faint of heart! This road is a real test of your driving skills.

Picture this: you're winding through the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region of southeastern France on a tiny, incredibly narrow strip of asphalt. We're talking 9.4 km (5.84 miles) of pure adrenaline, connecting Toudon on the D27 to Pierrefeu on the D17 in a north-south dance.

The challenge? This road is *tight*. Seriously, pray you don't meet another car, because reversing is practically a requirement. And forget bringing your RV; anything over 15 tons or 7 meters long is a no-go. It's paved, sure, but watch out for loose gravel and the ever-present danger of rock slides. Oh, and did I mention the 12 hairpin turns? Get ready to test your reflexes and your nerves! But hey, think of the views!

Share this road

Road Details

Country
France
Continent
europe
Length
9.4 km
Difficulty
extreme

Related Roads in europe

If you love to drive, you will love the road to Puerto del Cubillomoderate

If you love to drive, you will love the road to Puerto del Cubillo

🇪🇸 Spain

Okay, picture this: you're cruising through the heart of Spain, in the province of Cuenca. You're climbing into the Serranía de Cuenca mountains, headed for Puerto del Cubillo. This mountain pass tops out at a cool 1,617 meters (5,305 feet). The road, CU-V-9161, is a smooth, paved dream thanks to a recent resurfacing. You can usually hit it year-round, but be mindful of winter conditions, as they can sometimes shut things down. Trust me, it's worth the trip; it's a super fun drive and you won't be fighting any crowds. The whole shebang stretches for 10.3 kilometers (6.4 miles), winding from the CM-2106 road, east to a junction with the A-1704 and TE-V-9113. If you're feeling adventurous, there's a gravel road north of the pass that takes you up to the abandoned ski resort, La Mogorrita, peaking at 1,688m. Heads up: this climb is no joke! It's been featured in the Vuelta a España, so you know it's got some bite. Some sections hit a 10% gradient. If you're starting from the CM2106 road, the ascent is almost 9 kilometers, gaining 383 meters in elevation, for an average gradient of nearly 4%. Keep an eye out for the Cerrada de la Magdalena and Mirador de Sierra Alta for some seriously stunning views.

Where is Col de Joux Plane?hard

Where is Col de Joux Plane?

🇫🇷 France

Col de Joux Plane, sitting pretty at a lofty elevation in the Haute-Savoie department of France, is a cycling legend. Seriously, this climb is up there with the toughest in the French Alps! You'll find it nestled in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, close to the Swiss border and chilling at the southern end of the Chablais Alps. What awaits at the summit? A welcome sight: Le Relais des Vallées bar! Keep going north, and you can actually climb a bit higher to the true summit. The views overlooking Mont Blanc are totally worth it. Heads up: the road is paved, but it's narrow—sometimes just a single lane—and seriously steep. Some sections hit a brutal gradient! If you're tackling this climb in summer, start early. The whole slope faces south, making it a scorcher. The road stretches for 23.7 km (14.72 miles), connecting Morzine and Samoëns. From Morzine, it's 12.2 km with a 825m elevation gain and 6.7% average gradient. Samoëns gives you 11.7km, a 851m gain, and a slightly steeper 7.3% average. Considered a Tour de France beast, expect some seriously tough climbing, especially from Samoëns. It might not be super long, but it is relentless. Forget the famous climbs, this one's just a brutal challenge.

A scenic paved road to Wolfgang Pass in the Swiss Alpsmoderate

A scenic paved road to Wolfgang Pass in the Swiss Alps

🇨🇭 Switzerland

Wolfgang Pass is a stunning high mountain pass sitting pretty at 1,631 m (5,351 ft) in Switzerland's Graubünden canton. This is a dream drive for road-trippers! Road 28 is fully paved and beautifully maintained, stretching just 8.6 km (5.34 miles) as it winds south-north between the charming Alpine towns of Davos and Klosters-Serneus. The road climbs with a maximum gradient of 12 percent, so it's challenging but totally manageable. Nestled in the eastern Swiss Alps, you can tackle this pass year-round, though winter can throw the occasional curveball with temporary closures during rough weather. But honestly? That's part of the adventure. The scenery here is absolutely breathtaking—think dramatic Alpine peaks, pristine mountain air, and those picture-perfect Swiss vistas that'll have your camera working overtime. Whether you're a seasoned mountain driver or looking for an accessible Alpine experience, Wolfgang Pass delivers the goods without the extreme technicality of some other passes in the region. It's that sweet spot where adventure meets accessibility.

Where is Val Thorens Ski Resort?hard

Where is Val Thorens Ski Resort?

🇫🇷 France

Okay, thrill-seekers, listen up! Val Thorens, nestled high in the French Alps, specifically in the Savoie department, is calling your name! This ain't your average ski resort; it's the highest in Europe! Getting there is half the adventure. Picture this: you're in the Rhône-Alpes region, cruising towards the Vanoise massif, ready to tackle the legendary climb to Val Thorens. This isn't just any road trip; it's a leg of the iconic Tour de France! Starting in Moûtiers, get ready for roughly 37 km of winding, paved road that'll take you all the way up to a staggering 3,007 meters (9,865 feet) above sea level. The average gradient is around 7%, so get ready for a good workout! Now, a word of warning: this road is narrow with hairpin turns and bumps, with some sections lacking guardrails. But don't let that scare you away! The views are absolutely breathtaking, making every twist and turn worth it. Just take it slow, embrace the thrill, and get ready for an unforgettable ride!