Where is Vallon du Melezet?

Where is Vallon du Melezet?

France, europe

Length

11.5 km

Elevation

1,821 m

Difficulty

hard

Best Season

Year-round

Okay, picture this: you're cruising through the French Alps in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region, headed up the D60 to Vallon du Mélézet. This high mountain pass tops out at 1,821m (5,974ft) and trust me, the views are worth it! The road's in great shape, paved all the way to the Refuge de la Cime at the summit. Just be ready for some seriously steep bits – we're talking up to 13.3% grade!

Starting near Le Pont de Pierre où Maison du Roi, it's an 11.5km (7.14 mile) climb, gaining 770 meters. Get ready for a workout with an average gradient of 6.69%! And hold onto your hats through "Les 12 lacets de Ceillac" – twelve hairpin turns that will have you grinning from ear to ear. The pass is generally open year-round, but keep an eye on the weather, especially in winter when it might be temporarily closed. All in all, a must-do drive for any serious road tripper!

Share this road

Road Details

Country
France
Continent
europe
Length
11.5 km
Max Elevation
1,821 m
Difficulty
hard

Related Roads in europe

Things to Know Before Driving To Great Dun Fell in Cumbriahard

Things to Know Before Driving To Great Dun Fell in Cumbria

🇬🇧 England

Okay, picture this: you're in Cumbria, England, ready to tackle what they call the highest paved road in Britain – Great Dun Fell! You'll find it chilling at 848m (2,782ft) above sea level, smack-dab in the stunning North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Heads up, though: this area can get a bit military-ish, so keep an eye out for signs and respect any restricted zones. The road kicks off near Knock and stretches for about 7.29 km (4.52 miles) straight up to a seriously cool radar station. Seriously, these radar domes are HUGE, and you can spot them from miles away. Cyclists, listen up! This climb is legendary. Think of it as the "Mont Ventoux of the North Pennines." We're talking a lung-busting 593 meters of elevation gain, with an average gradient of 8.1%. Don't let that fool you – some sections crank up to a brutal 16%! It's split into sections, each one more intense than the last! Important note: technically, this paved road is marked as private from just above Knock, so cars aren't allowed. But walkers, cyclists, and horse riders, you're good to go... until you get super close to the radar station. As for the scenery? Epic, barren, and totally Pennines. Just a heads up: this summit loves to hoard snow in winter, so watch out for black ice when it gets chilly.

Adventure along the wild road to Furggen in Valaisextreme

Adventure along the wild road to Furggen in Valais

🇨🇭 Switzerland

Furggen is a stunning high-altitude meadow perched at 2,457 meters (8,061 feet) in the Raron district of Valais, Switzerland. This is seriously remote mountain territory—we're talking deep in the Pennine Alps, practically in the shadow of the Matterhorn and just a stone's throw from the Italian border. What makes Furggen really special is its history. The road itself is a relic from World War II, originally carved out by the Swiss military as a strategic route. It's completely unpaved, and honestly, it's not for the faint of heart. You'll need a proper 4x4 to tackle this beast—this road has earned a reputation as one of the gnarliest in the entire Alps. The 21.6-kilometer (13.4-mile) stretch runs from Grengiols to Heiligkreuz, and it's relentless. You're looking at 27 hairpin turns, sections so narrow you'll be holding your breath, and grades that hit a punishing 17%. It's the kind of drive that'll get your adrenaline pumping and test your off-road skills in serious ways. But the views? Absolutely worth it. And there's a charming detail at the top—a small chapel called Kapelle Maria zum Schnee Furggen, sitting pretty on a gentle rise overlooking the mountain huts. This little gem has been watching over the peaks since 1662, when it was originally built. It's the kind of place that makes you feel like you've stepped back in time while standing on top of the world.

Plöcken Pass-Passo di Monte Croce Carnico is an absolute must for road lovershard

Plöcken Pass-Passo di Monte Croce Carnico is an absolute must for road lovers

🇦🇹 Austria

# Plöckenpass-Passo di Monte Croce Carnico Tucked away in the stunning Carnic Alps, this 1,370-meter (4,494ft) pass straddles the Austria-Italy border like a natural gateway between worlds. It connects the Italian Province of Udine in Friuli-Venezia Giulia with the Austrian district of Spittal an der Drau in Carinthia—a route that's been bringing travelers together since medieval times, when merchants used it as part of the trade route between Aquileia and Salzburg. The 60-kilometer (37-mile) road stretching from Tolmezzo, Italy to Oberdrauburg, Austria is completely paved (Strada Statale 52bis on the Italian side, Bundesstraße 110 on the Austrian), but don't let that fool you—this isn't a leisurely cruise. Expect twelve hairpin turns and four tunnels that'll keep you on your toes, with grades hitting up to 13% in some places. The drive down toward Italy is absolutely thrilling, though watch out for narrow sections and the occasional rockfall risk. Most drivers tackle it in 1 to 1.5 hours, and the good news? It stays open year-round. The pass is basically an open-air history book. Remnants of WWI fortifications—bunkers, tunnels, and trenches—are scattered throughout, and there's even a museum at the summit showcasing restored structures. The name itself is a throwback to medieval times, when it was called Kreuzberg (Monte Crucis), which evolved into its current Italian name.

The Wild Road to Qafe Vranicemoderate

The Wild Road to Qafe Vranice

🇦🇱 Albania

Alright, adventure seekers, let's talk about Qafë Vranicë, a seriously epic mountain pass straddling the border between Albania and Montenegro! Tucked way up in the Albanian Alps, within the gorgeous Prokletije National Park, this isn't your average Sunday drive. We're talking a 12.5km (7.76 mile) unpaved stretch of pure off-road heaven (or maybe purgatory, depending on your driving skills!). Starting near Çerem in Albania and winding up in Hoti, Montenegro, the road hits a high point of 1,630m (5,347ft). Definitely bring your 4x4 because this route can get *seriously* muddy and slick after it rains. But the views? Totally worth the challenge. Prepare for stunning mountain vistas and bragging rights for days! Just remember to take it slow and steady, and you'll have a story to tell.