Where is Tunnel du Mortier?
France, europe
1 km
1,370 m
extreme
Year-round
Nestled in the Isère department of France, you'll find the abandoned Tunnel du Mortier, a relic sitting pretty at 1,370m. This beauty is located in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, in the southeastern part of the country. Word on the street is it was first built way back in 1911, then upgraded for the 1968 Winter Olympics in Grenoble.
Sadly, this tunnel closed its doors in 1992 after a massive rockfall wiped out the access road. Picture this: around 20,000 m3 of rock giving way, leaving a seriously unstable zone. Because it wasn't a super critical route, the powers that be decided to let it be. Nowadays, hikers and mountain bikers are the only ones who dare venture through.
So, can you drive through? Technically, the tunnel itself, built wide enough for two lanes, is still there. But the road leading to it? Not so much. The first part is easy enough, but the middle gets seriously dark. Pro tip: avoid looking directly at the light at the other end; it'll mess with your vision. There's a rock slide that has cut off the road further down the climb, so you need to be very careful to cross.
Getting there involves taking the D218, a paved road with some narrow bits. The southeastern side is still drivable up to the tunnel, but the northwestern side? Forget about it—completely collapsed. Expect some steep sections, with gradients hitting up to 12%. Once inside, bring a flashlight, since it’s a long tunnel and completely dark in the middle.
Road Details
- Country
- France
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 1 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,370 m
- Difficulty
- extreme
Related Roads in europe
easyCorniche de l’Esterel is a classic coastal route in France
🇫🇷 France
# Corniche de l'Esterel: France's Golden Coastal Gem If you're dreaming of a Mediterranean drive that'll make your heart skip a beat, the Corniche de l'Esterel is your answer. This stunning 30 km coastal route winds through the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region, nestled between the glitzy vibes of St. Tropez and Cannes—basically, you're driving through the French Riviera's backyard. The road itself is a masterpiece of early 1900s engineering. Opening to traffic in April 1903, this paved beauty (made up of D559 and D6098) earned its nickname "Corniche d'Or"—the Golden Corniche—thanks to the jaw-dropping golden-hued rocks that rise majestically above the turquoise waters. Running from Saint Raphael to Théoule sur Mer, it's never boring; the road twists and turns constantly, with railway bridges appearing at regular intervals. Here's the real magic: stop at one of the many pullouts and you'll discover hidden coves with impossibly clear water and dramatic rock formations. Early morning or sunset drives are absolutely *chef's kiss*—the light transforms everything into pure magic. Fair warning though: this road is seriously popular, especially on weekends and holidays, so time your visit wisely. The scenery is so legendary it's been compared to Italy's Amalfi Coast and California's Pacific Coast Highway. A-list filmmakers have loved it too—several movies and even a Wheeler Dealers episode were shot right here. Open year-round, this coastal treasure rewards those who take it slow and savor every curve.
hardCol de la Biche
🇫🇷 France
Okay, buckle up for Col de la Biche, a crazy-steep mountain pass in eastern France's Ain department! This baby hits an elevation of 1,310m (that's 4,297ft for my American friends). You'll be cruising the D123, a narrow ribbon of asphalt winding through the stunning Massif du Jura. Watch out, though, because some sections of this climb are seriously steep, reaching up to 13.6%! Even the Tour de France has tackled this beast. You've got three ways to conquer Col de la Biche: * **From Talissieu:** A 19.17 km climb with 1,070 meters of elevation gain, averaging 5.5%. * **From Artemare:** A slightly longer 20.5 km ascent, gaining 1,065 meters at an average of 5.2%. * **From Gigniez:** The shortest but perhaps most intense route, stretching 13.8 km with 958 meters of climbing and a 6.9% average grade. No matter which way you go, get ready for some breathtaking scenery and a serious workout for your legs (or your car's engine!).
hardWhere is Mount Helmos?
🇬🇷 Greece
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! If you're craving a serious off-road challenge in Greece, you NEED to check out Mount Helmos. This peak, also called Mount Chelmos, soars to 2,340m (7,677ft) in the Peloponnese peninsula, about 130 km west of Athens and a stone's throw from Kalavryta. The views are epic, and you’ll find the Helmos Observatory perched right at the top – one of the best spots in Europe for stargazing because it’s so dark up there! Now, about that road… it's 8.3 km (5.15 miles) of pure, unadulterated, unpaved WILDNESS. You'll climb 635 meters with an average gradient of 7.65%, so be prepared. Forget your low-rider – you'll absolutely need a high-clearance vehicle, and a 4x4 is HIGHLY recommended. Expect super-narrow sections, seriously steep climbs, and edges that will have your knuckles white. Those little brick walls are NOT going to save you, trust me. Oh, and one more thing: between November and May, this place is usually buried in snow. So plan accordingly!
extremeHow to get to Glacier du Varet in Savoie?
🇫🇷 France
# Glacier du Varet: Alpine Adventure Awaits Nestled in the Savoie department of southeastern France, Glacier du Varet sits at a breathtaking 2,883 meters (9,458 feet) and ranks among the country's most impressive high-altitude drives. This gem lies within the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, protected within the Réserve Naturelle des Hauts de Villaroger—and for good reason. Picture this: a crystal-clear day where you can spin around 360 degrees and see nothing but the snow-capped Alps stretching endlessly in every direction. That's what awaits you here. Now, let's talk real talk about getting there. This isn't your typical scenic cruise. Starting from Col de la Chal, you're looking at 4.6 kilometers (2.85 miles) of pure unpaved road—think service track for the chairlift. It's relentlessly curvy, pinches narrow in places, and climbs at an average gradient of 8.47% while gaining 390 meters of elevation. Translation? You'll need a capable 4x4 to even attempt it. Here's the catch: this road is off-limits to regular vehicles and only opens seasonally from July through September. Even then, avalanches frequently close it without warning. It's not for the faint-hearted, but for those ready to conquer it, the rewards are absolutely unforgettable.