Col de Saint-Alexis: A Scenic Gateway to the Vercors Highlands
France, europe
7.7 km
1,222 m
moderate
Year-round
# Col de Saint-Alexis
Tucked away in the Drôme department of southeastern France, Col de Saint-Alexis sits at 1,222m (4,009ft) and offers a surprisingly chill escape through the heart of the Vercors Regional Natural Park. This limestone massif is famous for its dramatic cliffs and gorges, but this particular pass? It's the laid-back cousin of the region's more notorious white-knuckle climbs.
The 7.7km (4.78 miles) route runs straight south to north, connecting Col de Rousset with the charming village of Vassieux-en-Vercors. What makes it special is what it *doesn't* have — no hairpin turns, no cliff-hugging switchbacks, and a wonderfully gentle gradient. The D76 is fully paved and impressively straightforward, making it perfect for when you want to actually enjoy the ride instead of white-knuckling the steering wheel. Cyclists love it as a recovery route between the more brutal climbs nearby.
But here's where it gets interesting: Vassieux-en-Vercors isn't just another pretty mountain village. It's a symbol of French Resistance history, and the nearby Mémorial de la Résistance overlooks the plateau with stunning views and a sobering reminder of WWII's impact on this region.
Keep in mind that the Vercors doesn't mess around in winter — heavy snowfall is common despite the modest elevation. The D76 stays well-maintained since it's crucial for the cross-country skiing stations, but winter tires or chains are non-negotiable during the cold months if you're planning to tackle this alpine plateau safely.
Where is it?
Col de Saint-Alexis: A Scenic Gateway to the Vercors Highlands is located in France (europe). Coordinates: 45.2072, 0.8086
Road Details
- Country
- France
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 7.7 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,222 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- 45.2072, 0.8086
Related Roads in europe
moderateTake the Scenic Route and Discover Valdresflye
🇳🇴 Norway
# Valdresflye: Norway's Alpine Adventure Nestled in the easternmost reaches of Jotunheimen, Valdresflye stands as one of Norway's highest mountain passes at a breathtaking 1,393 meters (4,570 feet). This fully paved route, officially known as the National Tourist Route Valdresflye or Fylkesvei 51, stretches for an impressive 49 kilometers (30.44 miles) from Garli near Beitostølen all the way to Besstrondsæter in Vågå. What makes this mountain plateau drive so special? The journey itself is fairly straightforward—the road is mostly well-maintained, though you'll hit some narrow sections that keep things interesting. The real drama comes from the weather and timing. The pass typically opens in early May and stays accessible well into November, though winter can shut it down unexpectedly when snow decides to reclaim the mountain. Here's the thing about driving up here: conditions can shift faster than you can say "Norse mythology." The weather at the plateau is notoriously unpredictable, so come prepared and keep your wits about you. But if you're chasing that perfect combination of stunning alpine scenery, genuine mountain driving, and the satisfaction of conquering one of Scandinavia's highest roads, Valdresflye absolutely delivers. It's the kind of route that reminds you why Norway's landscapes capture hearts (and camera rolls) worldwide.
moderateWhere is Colle dell'Assietta?
🇮🇹 Italy
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! Let me tell you about Colle dell'Assietta, a seriously epic mountain pass chilling at 2,472m (that's 8,110ft!) in the Turin area of Italy. You'll find this gem nestled in the Piedmont region, up north, as one of the many passes on the SP173 between Susa and Sestriere in the western Italian Alps. Now, fair warning: the road to the top is all gravel, baby! It's an old military road hugging the ridge from Pian dell’Alpe to Sestriere. We're talking a 30 km/h speed limit, no passing, and parking only in designated spots. It can be a bit rocky and rough, especially on the turns, but totally doable! Important note: this beauty is only open from June 1st to October 31st, so plan your trip accordingly!
hardA82 Road is one of the most scenic drives of Scotland
🇬🇧 Scotland
Okay, picture this: you, behind the wheel, cruising the A82. This Scottish road trip is seriously epic! Think dramatic landscapes stretching from Glasgow all the way to Fort William and Inverness – a whopping 269km (167mi) of pure driving bliss alongside Loch Lomond, Loch Ness, and under the gaze of Ben Nevis. Word of warning though: this beauty has a bit of a wild side. It’s known as one of the country's more hazardous routes, especially that narrow stretch between Tarbet and Ardlui. Seriously, it can get tight with barely enough room for larger vehicles to squeeze by each other! Be prepared for slow going in those spots. But hey, don’t let that scare you off! The A82 is famous for its incredible scenery and it was featured in the Bond film *Skyfall*. We're talking summits, valleys, waterfalls, lakes...Glencoe, with Rannoch Moor Bridge, will absolutely blow your mind. The whole drive just feels mythical, winding through lush valleys, past towering peaks, and alongside crystal-clear rivers. Just remember to share the road, especially in the summer, because everyone wants a piece of this stunning route!
extremeA journey on the legendary Lena Highway
🌍 Russia
Get ready for an epic adventure on the A360 Lena Highway in the Sakha Republic (Yakutia), Russia! This isn't your average road trip – we're talking seriously remote and challenging conditions, deep in the heart of Russia, south of the Arctic Circle. Built between 1925 and 1964, this road, named after the mighty Lena River, stretches for 1,132 km (703 miles) from Never to Yakutsk. Good news, road warriors: it's mostly paved these days! It used to be notorious for transforming into a muddy swamp, swallowing vehicles whole after any decent rain. But now, since 2014, it's generally accessible year-round. However, don't let your guard down. The remote location and subarctic climate can still throw curveballs, especially during the brutal winter. Plus, there are still a few unpaved sections to keep things interesting. The final leg of the journey, from Nizhny Bestyakh to Yakutsk (on the west side of the Lena River), is super unique. In winter, you'll drive across the frozen Lena River Ice Road! In summer, a ferry will take you across. But beware the "season of isolation" in spring and autumn, when the ice is either too thin or too thick for either option! Yakutsk itself is a sight to behold – the largest city built on permafrost, with houses on concrete piles.