Col du Chaussy: Conquer 17 Breathtaking Alpine Hairpins on This Scenic French Pass
France, europe
3 km
1,533 m
hard
Year-round
# Col du Chaussy: A Hairpin Love Letter in the French Alps
If you're hunting for one of the most jaw-dropping drives in Europe, Col du Chaussy in the Savoie department should absolutely be on your radar. Sitting at 1,533m (5,029ft), this mountain pass isn't just another Alpine route—it's a masterclass in audacious road engineering.
The real magic happens right at the start with the legendary "Lacets de Montvernier." Picture this: 17 hairpins stacked so tightly together that you'll encounter a bend roughly every 150 meters over just 3km. The road literally clings to a 400-meter cliff face, making you feel like you're driving on the side of a vertical wall. Built between 1928 and 1934, this section is genuinely one of the most spectacular stretches of asphalt in the Alps.
But there's more after those initial hairpins! The climb continues winding through alpine meadows and charming villages like Le Noirey, Montbrunal, and Montpascal, eventually revealing panoramic views of the Belledonne Mountains. The upper sections get a bit rough around the edges—literally, with some patchy pavement—but the scenery makes up for it. You'll even spot ruins of an old castle if you glance away from the road.
Getting there? From La Chambre, expect a 14.4km ascent gaining 1,062 meters at a steady 7.4% average grade. From Pontamafrey, it's roughly the same challenge at 14km.
Fair warning: this isn't a drive for acrophobics. The southern route is narrow and carved right into the mountainside. Proper technique matters—think 3rd or 4th gear going up, engine braking on the way down. And before you go, absolutely check your brakes. This is the last place you want mechanical drama.
Ready to test your nerves on one of Europe's most thrilling roads?
Where is it?
Col du Chaussy: Conquer 17 Breathtaking Alpine Hairpins on This Scenic French Pass is located in France (europe). Coordinates: 46.1256, 1.9061
Road Details
- Country
- France
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 3 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,533 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 46.1256, 1.9061
Related Roads in europe
hardPradaccio Pass
🇮🇹 Italy
# Passo di Pradaccio: Italy's Steepest Alpine Challenge Ready for a heart-pounding ride? Passo di Pradaccio delivers serious thrills in the heart of Tuscany. This mountain pass sits at a breathtaking 1,617 meters (5,305 feet) above sea level, offering stunning views across central Italy's dramatic landscape. The route follows Strada Provinciale 71, a twisty asphalt road that'll test your driving skills. Fair warning: this isn't your typical leisurely mountain cruise. Some sections feature gradients steeper than 17%, making it one of Italy's most notoriously steep passes. You'll encounter narrow stretches that demand your full attention and respect, especially if you're white-knuckling your way up in a larger vehicle. But here's the payoff—the scenery is absolutely worth the adrenaline spike. As you climb higher, sweeping views of the Tuscan countryside unfold beneath you. Whether you're a car enthusiast chasing that perfect alpine drive or an adventurer looking to conquer one of Italy's most challenging passes, Passo di Pradaccio won't disappoint. Just make sure your brakes are in top condition and your nerve is even better.
hardIs the road to Jaun Pass paved?
🇨🇭 Switzerland
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through the Swiss Alps on the Jaun Pass, also known as Jaunpassstrasse or Col de Bellegarde. This baby’s paved, so no need for a monster truck! Winding between Im Fang (Fribourg) and Reidenbach (Bern), this 18.3 km stretch of road was built way back in 1878 and the views are seriously epic. But hold on tight, it’s not all smooth sailing. You’ll be tackling 11 hairpin turns, navigating tunnels, and squeezing through some narrow bits. Plus, there are some seriously steep sections, with gradients hitting up to 10.5%! From Im Fang, you'll climb 565 meters over 10 km, averaging a 5.7% gradient. If you're coming from Reidenbach, get ready for an even steeper climb: 664 meters over 8 km, with an average gradient of 8.3%. At the top, you'll be sitting pretty at 1,512m (4,960ft) above sea level. Get your camera ready—this drive is a total knockout!
hardWhere is Lake Kapetan?
🌍 Montenegro
Lake Kapetanovo, nestled in Montenegro's Morača region, sits pretty high up there! You'll find this beauty in the western part of the country, tucked into the Moracke Planine mountains. Bonus: there are restaurants and mountain huts around the lake. So, what's the road like? Well, it's got a split personality! A 4x4 is highly recommended, but a high-clearance 2WD SUV can make it if you're careful and the weather is dry. There are two tricky climbs to watch out for — one steep, rocky climb right after the pavement ends, and another up the slopes of Lukavica, also loose and rocky. Things are changing fast, though! More and more of the road is being paved because Kapetanovo is getting super popular. It's *technically* possible to get there mostly on pavement and easy gravel if you know the secret routes, but most maps will send you on the off-road adventures. From Nikšić, the second-biggest city, it's quite a journey. The road starts paved and marked along the Gračanica River. Once you head towards Dragovoljci, things get narrow and steep — barely wide enough for one car, with switchbacks galore. Then, after a small village, the pavement vanishes! That first off-road bit has loose rocks, deep ruts, and some technical climbs. High clearance and 4WD are your friend here, but a careful 2WD SUV with good clearance might manage. A few miles later, the trail smooths out. You'll cruise through shaded forest with the occasional rut and tight bend, which might be a challenge if you’re driving something over 16 feet long. After about 10-15 minutes, the trees open up, revealing wide meadows, and the climb gets easier along Lukavica. Keep an eye out for hidden ruts in the grass and some steeper, rockier patches. On a clear day, you can even spot distant mountains! That scenic stretch takes about 20 minutes. Eventually, you'll hit pavement again, and it’s smooth sailing (mostly) to the lake. The road's narrow and a bit potholed, but it's in pretty good shape. The final push to Kapetanovo is fairly steep. Heavier vehicles might need to gear down for a bit. The last little bit is too narrow for passing, so watch for oncoming traffic. But trust me, once you conquer that final climb, you're rewarded with views of the gorgeous plateau and the turquoise waters of Kapetanovo Lake. It's a wild and beautiful place, totally worth the drive!
hardDiscover Switzerland’s 7 Most Spectacular Mountain Passes for Drivers
🇨🇭 Switzerland
# Switzerland: A Driver's Paradise in the Heart of Europe Switzerland is calling, and if you're someone who lives for the open road, this country should be at the top of your bucket list. Picture this: snowcapped peaks, lush green valleys, and crystal-clear lakes all around you as you navigate some of Europe's most thrilling mountain passes. It's basically a dream road trip come to life. Driving through Switzerland's famous passes is genuinely unforgettable. The scenery alone—world-class mountains, dramatic valleys, and pristine alpine lakes—will have you pulling over constantly just to snap photos. You'll wind past iconic castles, discover hidden waterfalls, and encounter vistas that honestly can't be captured properly on camera. Plus, there's serious historical significance woven throughout these routes. **A few things to keep in mind:** Take it easy on those curves (seriously, no need to pretend you're a race car driver), and remember that many passes close when winter rolls around. Also, if you're bringing a trailer or mobile home, some of these roads are too narrow or steep for that setup. And here's a friendly heads-up about mountain road etiquette—vehicles heading downhill need to pull over and let uphill traffic through. If you're craving an adrenaline rush, Swiss Alpine driving delivers. We're talking hair-raising hairpin turns, steep climbs, and challenges that'll get your heart pumping. But it's not all white-knuckle driving—most passes have restaurants, hotels, charming churches, and hiking trails where you can stretch your legs and soak in the atmosphere.