A hairpinned paved road to the summit of Col de la Chaudiere
France, europe
22.5 km
1,047 m
hard
Year-round
# Col de la Chaudière
Tucked away in the Drôme department of southeastern France, Col de la Chaudière sits at a respectable 1,047 meters (3,435 feet) above sea level. This 22.5-kilometer mountain pass runs north-south between the charming villages of Saillans and Bourdeaux, offering exactly the kind of twisty, scenic drive that makes your heart race.
Here's what you're getting into: The D156 is fully paved, though it's seen better days. The road is narrow, steep, and blessedly quiet—you won't be battling tour buses here. Instead, prepare yourself for relentless hairpins and seriously stunning panoramic views that'll make you want to pull over constantly (and you probably will).
From Bourdeaux, the 11.6-kilometer climb gains 637 meters at an average grade of 5.5%, with some corners hitting a punishing 10%. Coming from Saillans? That's an 11.5-kilometer push that climbs 773 meters at 6.7% average—a bit steeper, so choose your side accordingly.
The scenery alone makes this climb worthwhile. Just keep your wits about you on the narrow sections, take those switchbacks respectfully, and enjoy one of France's lesser-known alpine gems. This is proper mountain driving without the crowds.
Where is it?
A hairpinned paved road to the summit of Col de la Chaudiere is located in France (europe). Coordinates: 45.4531, 2.6714
Road Details
- Country
- France
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 22.5 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,047 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 45.4531, 2.6714
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