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

Where is Colletto Pramand?hard

Where is Colletto Pramand?

🇮🇹 Italy

Okay adventurers, listen up! Nestled in the Metropolitan City of Turin, Italy, you'll find Colletto Pramand, a peak reaching seriously high altitudes. Just a stone's throw from the nerve-wracking Galleria dei Saraceni, this spot offers views you won't forget. What awaits you at the summit? An old fort, accessible via a dirt road with hairpin turns that winds past fort ruins, leading to a grassy summit. Now, about that road... It's called Strada militare Fenil-Pramand-Föens-Jafferau – an old military route full of switchbacks. This unpaved path stretches for over 25km, almost entirely above 2000m. Just 4km are paved! Fair warning, this isn't a Sunday drive. Parts of the road are less than 2m wide, and there are rocky sections that most cars won't appreciate. If there's been recent rain, think twice. That said, it's doable in a 4x4, and transit is permitted. Keep an eye out for landslides, as they can make things interesting. The road is closed during the winter months. You'll wind your way past several old forts, soaking in the history and the views. Get ready for an unforgettable ride!

Cruz de Barreirosmoderate

Cruz de Barreiros

🇪🇸 Spain

# Cruz de Barreiros: Galicia's Chill Mountain Pass Tucked away in Lugo province in the heart of Galicia, Spain, sits Cruz de Barreiros—a mountain pass that hits a modest 889 meters (2,916 feet) above sea level. Don't let the elevation fool you though; this route is all about those gentle, scenic vibes. The drive itself is refreshingly straightforward. The LU-P-5404 road is fully paved and pleasantly flat, making it perfect for a relaxed cruise through the Spanish countryside. It's the kind of pass that doesn't demand white-knuckle driving—just smooth sailing between the towns of Lodos and Sadrarín. If you're exploring Galicia and want to check out a mountain crossing that won't stress you out, this one's a solid pick. No drama, just pretty Galician landscape and open road.

HI-500 is a paved road on an active volcanic areahard

HI-500 is a paved road on an active volcanic area

🇪🇸 Spain

# HI-500: El Hierro's Thrilling Coastal Ride Ready for a wild adventure? Head to El Hierro, the Canary Islands' remote southwestern gem sitting in the Atlantic off Africa's coast, and tackle HI-500—a stunning 18 km (11.18 miles) coastal road that'll get your adrenaline pumping. Starting from Sabinosa and winding toward HI-400, this beautifully paved route (albeit narrow!) rewards you with access to the stunning Verodal Beach and the historic Orchilla Lighthouse. Fair warning: this isn't your typical scenic cruise. The road is a legit rollercoaster that climbs from sea level to 677 meters, packed with hairpin turns and steep stretches that'll keep you gripping the wheel. And here's the kicker—there are cliff-side drops without guardrails, so this definitely isn't the road for beginners or anyone who gets nervous on heights. The good news? The road's in excellent shape and mercifully quiet, so you'll have plenty of room to focus on those curves. The bad news? Being situated in an active volcanic area means sections can close unexpectedly. Mother Nature runs the show here, so conditions can shift fast. This is seriously one for experienced drivers seeking that perfect blend of challenge and natural beauty. Just respect the road, respect the volcano, and you'll have an unforgettable experience.

Ranga László Way, a sensational roadmoderate

Ranga László Way, a sensational road

🌍 Hungary

Okay, picture this: you're cruising through southern Hungary, practically spitting distance from Croatia, on the Ranga László Way. This hidden gem, nestled in the Nyugat-Mecsek Tájvédelmi area, is a tribute to rally legend László Ranga – a local hero from Pécs. The road itself? Mostly smooth sailing, though keep an eye out for sections of white asphalt that can be a bit slick. This 12.1 km stretch winds its way from Pécs to the charming village of Abaliget in Baranya County. You'll climb to a modest 428m (1,404ft), soaking in the views along the way. Expect some company – weekdays see a decent amount of traffic, and holidays can get busy. Overtaking? Not really an option. But here's a tip: if you detour towards Orfű, you'll be rewarded with a stunning lake nestled in the valley and a lookout tower perched atop a hill. Trust me, the views are worth it!