Why is it called Commerson Crater?
France, europe
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hard
Year-round
Okay, so you're heading to Réunion Island? Awesome! You absolutely HAVE to check out Cratère Commerson. This volcanic crater sits way up high – think serious altitude – on the island's volcanic slopes.
The road to get there, Route Forestière 5 du Volcan (also known as Volcano Road, fittingly!), is a real adventure. It’s unpaved, and a pretty steep climb that ends at Col des Ves, a mountain pass. The whole stretch is roughly a good few miles of winding road.
Word to the wise: the sun up there can be intense, so sunscreen is your best friend. But hey, this is a volcanic landscape! Be prepared for the weather to change on a dime. Rain is common, especially during storms, and fog can roll in fast, so keep an eye on the forecast, and pack accordingly.
Related Roads in europe
moderateA steep road to Crêt de l'Oeillon
🇫🇷 France
Okay, picture this: Crêt de l'Oeillon, a killer peak in central France's Loire department, chilling at 1,364 meters high. You'll find it smack-dab in the Pilat massif, part of the beautiful Pilat Natural Regional Park. The road up, known as D63.1, is paved, so no worries there. Just keep in mind, winter brings the snow, so plan accordingly. But trust me, the views from the top are SO worth it – on a clear day, you can see the Vercors, the Écrins, and even Mont Blanc! Oh, and the summit is home to this massive TV antenna, like 80 meters tall. It's been there since 1955 and is one of the biggest broadcasting spots in France. Park your car just below the transmitter, and get ready for a short, steep climb. Speaking of steep, the final 1.4 km stretch gains 127 meters, averaging about a 9% gradient. It's a leg burner, but hey, even the Tour de France riders have tackled it! Get ready for some seriously stunning scenery.
moderateUltimate 4wd destination: Orlovačko Lake
🌍 Bosnia
Okay, picture this: You're in Bosnia and Herzegovina, deep in the Sutjeska National Park, ready for an adventure. Forget paved roads; you're tackling the unpaved R434, a 4x4-required beast that'll take you to the stunning Orlovačko Jezero glacial lake, chilling at 1,452m (4,763ft). Seriously, the drive is unreal! Think jaw-dropping views of pristine lakes and rugged peaks, surrounded by complete wilderness. The Zelengora mountain range is part of the Dinaric Alps, and the lack of civilization makes it feel extra special. Just a heads up, this road's a no-go in winter. We're talking 49.8km (30.94 miles) from the R433 up to the M20 near Čemerno, snaking through the mountains. And the lake itself? A perfect little gem, roughly 250m long and 120m wide, with waters up to 4.5m deep. Trust me, it's worth the trek!
hardPic de Montferrat
🇫🇷 France
Alright, adventure seekers, listen up! Ever dreamt of conquering a seriously epic mountain pass? Then Pic de Montferrat in the French Pyrenees is calling your name! We're talking about reaching a dizzying 2,497 meters (that's over 8,000 feet!) above sea level. Now, fair warning: this isn't your Sunday drive kind of road. The path to the top is gravel and rock, making it a true off-road experience. Winter? Forget about it — this route's a no-go when the snow flies. If you're not comfortable on rugged, unpaved terrain, maybe sit this one out. A 4x4 is definitely your best friend here, and a healthy respect for heights is a must. Expect some seriously steep sections that will test your mettle! Oh, and did I mention it's near Hautacam, a famed climb in the Tour de France? So, you'll be rolling through some seriously legendary cycling territory. Get ready for breathtaking views and a real sense of accomplishment when you reach the top!
hardDriving the paved road to Puerto de Larrau
🇪🇸 Spain
# Puerto de Larrau: One of the Pyrenees' Most Epic Climbs Perched at 1,615 meters (5,298 feet) on the French-Spanish border in the western Pyrenees, Puerto de Larrau is absolutely not for the faint of heart. This is proper mountain pass territory—the kind that'll test your legs, your lungs, and your commitment to cycling. The pass sits between France's Pyrénées-Atlantiques department and Spain's Navarre region, and it's served up one seriously tough challenge. We're talking maximum gradients of 15% that'll have you questioning your life choices. The road itself is paved (thankfully), though it gets pretty narrow in spots—you're traveling on the NA-2011 on the Spanish side and the D26 over in France. Fair warning: the pass only stays open from May through November, so plan your visit accordingly. This beast has earned its stripes too. It's been featured in the Tour de France, which tells you everything you need to know about its pedigree. You've got three different ways to attack this summit. The shortest push is from Larrau at just over 14 km with 1,162 meters of climbing (8.2% average gradient). Coming from Auberge de Laugibar, you're looking at 15.3 km and 1,205 meters of elevation gain (7.9% average). And if you're feeling particularly ambitious, the Ochagavia route stretches 19.3 km with 815 meters of gain—a bit easier on paper, but longer in practice. This is the real deal, folks. Bring your A-game.