A memorable road trip to Collet du Plan Nicolas

A memorable road trip to Collet du Plan Nicolas

France, europe

Length

N/A

Elevation

2,406 m

Difficulty

moderate

Best Season

Year-round

# Collet du Plan Nicolas: A High Alpine Adventure

Perched at a breathtaking 2,406 meters (7,893 feet) above sea level, Collet du Plan Nicolas is a stunning mountain pass tucked away in the Savoie department of the Rhône-Alpes region in southeastern France. This is seriously high-altitude territory, and the views are absolutely worth the drive.

The good news? The entire route up to the summit is beautifully paved, making it accessible for most drivers. You'll be cruising up the D902, which winds its way through some spectacular alpine scenery. Just keep in mind that this pass is strictly a summer-season destination—it shuts down completely during winter months when snow and ice make the roads impassable.

The easiest approach is from Saint Michel de Maurienne, where you can begin your ascent into the mountains. As you climb higher, you'll experience that magical transition from lower valleys into proper alpine terrain, with increasingly dramatic views the further you go. Whether you're a keen driver looking for a scenic challenge or simply want to experience the majesty of the French Alps, this mountain pass delivers the goods.

Where is it?

A memorable road trip to Collet du Plan Nicolas is located in France (europe). Coordinates: 46.6287, 2.6886

Share this road

Road Details

Country
France
Continent
europe
Max Elevation
2,406 m
Difficulty
moderate
Coordinates
46.6287, 2.6886

Related Roads in europe

Travel guide to the top of Gara-Bashi station (Mount Elbrus)extreme

Travel guide to the top of Gara-Bashi station (Mount Elbrus)

🌍 Russia

# Gara-Bashi: Europe's Wildest Mountain Adventure Perched at a jaw-dropping 3,883 meters (12,739 feet) on the southeast slope of Mount Elbrus, Gara-Bashi is the highest ski lift station in all of Europe. This isn't your typical alpine resort—it's a serious mountaineer's playground tucked between the Black and Caspian Seas, just 20 km from the Georgian border, deep in Russia's Kabardino-Balkarian Republic. The journey starts in Terskol, a small mountain town at the base of the Baksan Valley, and climbs 10.5 km (6.52 miles) to reach the lift station. Buckle up: you're gaining 1,695 meters in elevation with an average gradient of 16.14%, and some sections hit a brutal 33% incline. This isn't a road for your regular sedan—4x4 vehicles only, and even then, it's rough going. Along the way, you'll spot the quirky Garabashi (Botchki) huts—barrel-shaped structures lying on their sides that serve as base camps for climbers. Push a bit further and you'll find 11 more barrel huts near the ski lift station, offering cozy (if sparse) accommodations for six climbers each. The Terskol Observatory sits nearby at 3,092 meters, while ambitious snowmobilers have ventured even higher to 4,486 meters. Access is limited to certain summer days only, and the entire route is unpaved. Here's the kicker: in 1997, Russian adventurer Alexander Abramov drove a Land Rover Defender to Mount Elbrus's 5,642-meter summit—the highest peak in Europe. After 45 grueling days battling glaciers, ice, and mechanical failures, he made it. The vehicle stayed at the top; his team made it back safely with a Guinness World Record in hand.

A road in Goli Otok: the abandoned prison in the Croatian seahard

A road in Goli Otok: the abandoned prison in the Croatian sea

🇭🇷 Croatia

Ever heard of Goli Otok? This wild, rocky island sits in the northern Adriatic, nestled between the mainland and the islands of Rab and Krk. Once home to a chilling prison during Yugoslavia's reign, it's now a hauntingly beautiful, uninhabited spot whipped by fierce Adriatic winds. Forget paradise – this island is barren, raw, and steeped in history. A narrow, paved road snakes its way across the island, connecting the west to the east. It's a short but sweet 5.22 km (3.25 mi) ride, with a few steep sections and five hairpin turns to keep things interesting! Don't expect luxury – but you'll find a visitor's reception, an old admin building, and a Konoba (restaurant) serving up local flavors from late May to the end of September. Prepare for incredible, desolate scenery and a journey back in time on this unforgettable island.

How is the drive from Col de Portet to the summit?hard

How is the drive from Col de Portet to the summit?

🇫🇷 France

Okay, picture this: You're in the French Pyrenees, Hautes-Pyrénées to be exact, standing near the commune of , ready for a ridiculously scenic drive. You're about to tackle the Crête de la Soumaye. This isn't your average Sunday cruise. We're talking about a short, sharp climb right from the end of the asphalt at the famous Col de Portet. Clocking in at just , this "road" is a punchy climb, gaining 128 meters super fast. That's an average gradient of 11.6%! Think of it like this: it's a classic, high-altitude service road twisting through ski resort infrastructure. They use it for chairlift maintenance, so you know it's gonna be rugged. It’s narrow and full of loose stones just waiting to make your tires spin. Forget guardrails; you've got some serious drop-offs, so keep your eyes on the prize. A 4x4 is a MUST. Trust me, you don't want to get caught up here if a storm rolls in and turns the dirt into something slippery. But oh, the views! You crest that crazy steep climb and BAM! You're at 2,348 meters, and it's a 360-degree panorama of the whole freakin' Pyrenees range! You can see all the major peaks, and you're towering above the valley below. It’s exposed, wild, and the air is definitely thin. If you've just conquered Col de Portet and want to keep pushing, this is the detour for you.

A scenic mountain road to Ofen Pass in Switzerlandmoderate

A scenic mountain road to Ofen Pass in Switzerland

🇨🇭 Switzerland

# Ofen Pass: A Hidden Alpine Gem in Switzerland's Far East Tucked away in the remote eastern corner of Switzerland, Ofen Pass sits at a breathtaking 2,156 meters (7,073 feet) above sea level. This mountain pass—also known as Ofenpass, Fuorn Pass, Passo del Forno, or Passo del Fuorn—connects the Engiadina Bassa region with Val Müstair in the Swiss canton of Graubünden. The pass's name tells a fascinating story: it comes from the old iron foundry ovens that once dotted this region. If you're curious about local history, you can actually spot remnants of these structures from hiking trails nearby—a cool piece of industrial heritage! The 31.3-kilometer (19.44-mile) Route 28 stretches west to east from Zernez to Val Müstair, and the good news is it's completely paved. The road has been connecting these valleys since 1864, when the first route was carved through. Traffic here is surprisingly moderate—you'd think more trucks would use it as a through route, but most heavy vehicles opt for the Reschen Pass instead. Fair warning: this pass is seriously steep. Prepare yourself for gradients hitting 14.3% on some sections—definitely not a drive you can zone out on. The road stays open year-round in theory, but winter closures happen whenever conditions require it, so always check ahead. One more heads-up: local police love lurking behind houses with radar guns, and Swiss speeding tickets will absolutely hurt your wallet. Stick to the speed limits!