Where is the RD117 road?
France, europe
9.4 km
N/A
extreme
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!
Road Details
- Country
- France
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 9.4 km
- Difficulty
- extreme
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extremeHow long is the Assietta Road?
🇮🇹 Italy
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extremeWhere is Col du Gollet?
🇫🇷 France
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extremeA wild high-mountain road to Pic Blanc in the Alps
🇫🇷 France
# Pic Blanc: A Serious Alpine Challenge Nestled in the Isère department of southeastern France, Pic Blanc stands tall at 3,305 meters (10,843 feet), claiming its spot among Europe's highest mountain roads. This remote peak sits in the heart of the Grandes Rousses massif in the Central French Alps, within the Rhône-Alpes region. Fair warning: this isn't a casual Sunday drive. The 8.1-kilometer (5-mile) route starting from Chalet du Sela is completely unpaved and absolutely brutal—think 4x4 vehicles only. You're looking at relentless 20% gradients and 13 hairpin turns that'll test both your nerves and your suspension. Originally built as a service road for the chairlift, it remains closed to regular vehicles for good reason. Mother Nature adds her own obstacles. Winter makes this route essentially impassable, and even summer conditions can be sketchy—some years the road stays off-limits until late in the season or not at all. It's the kind of place where you need serious driving skills, serious equipment, and serious respect for the mountains. If you're an experienced off-roader seeking an ultimate Alpine challenge and you've timed your visit perfectly, Pic Blanc delivers stunning high-altitude scenery and bragging rights few can claim. Just don't take it lightly.