Colle Puazzo
Italy, europe
N/A
1,112 m
hard
Year-round
# Colle Puazzo: A Wild Ride Through the Piedmont
Ready for a proper adventure? Colle Puazzo is this stunning mountain pass sitting pretty at 1,112 meters (3,648 feet) up in Italy's Piedmont region.
The climb up via Strada Provinciale 213 is definitely not for the faint of heart—we're talking relentless switchbacks and some seriously steep gradients that'll have your palms sweating and your knuckles white on the steering wheel. Fair warning: the asphalt's there, but it's rough and unforgiving, testing both your car and your nerve with every twist and turn.
This road connects the charming towns of Garessio on the western side to Callizano over to the east, threading through some absolutely breathtaking Alpine scenery. If you're looking to push your driving skills and soak in some world-class mountain views at the same time, this is the kind of road that sticks with you long after you've conquered it.
Where is it?
Colle Puazzo is located in Italy (europe). Coordinates: 41.5886, 14.5473
Road Details
- Country
- Italy
- Continent
- europe
- Max Elevation
- 1,112 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 41.5886, 14.5473
Related Roads in europe
hardWhere is Col des Glières?
🇫🇷 France
Okay, adventure seekers, let's talk about Col des Glières, a seriously cool mountain pass nestled in the Haute-Savoie region of France. We're talking Rhône-Alpes beauty here! This beauty clocks in at 24.3 km (around 15 miles) from Fillière to Glières-Val-de-Borne and tops out at a lofty 1,440m (that's 4,724ft!). Most of the D55 road is smooth tarmac, BUT, hold onto your hats folks, there's a 2 km gravel section on the eastern side to keep things interesting! The road itself? Let's just say it's not for the faint of heart. Prepare for about a dozen hairpin turns as it hugs the cliffside. It gets seriously steep in places, peaking at a 15% gradient! But trust me, the views of waterfalls and mountains are worth every ounce of effort. This climb is so epic that the Tour de France has even featured it! Once you reach the summit, you'll find a large parking area and a poignant monument to the French Resistance (Monument National de la Résistance). This area played a vital role during WW2, acting as a base for the Maquis. It saw intense conflict, with 149 members of the Resistance losing their lives in March 1944. A moving and historic place, topping off a fantastic drive.
hardGeorgian Military Road: a major route from Georgia to Russia
🌍 Russia
Get ready for an epic adventure on the Georgian Military Road! This isn't just a road; it's a legendary route carved through the heart of the South Caucasus, linking Georgia and Russia. For centuries, traders and armies have traversed this path, leaving behind tales of war, commerce, and sheer grit. Originally just a rough horse trail, the Russians transformed it into a proper carriage road back in 1783 – a real feat of engineering back in the day! Think iron bridges and multiple lanes designed for both military might and civilian traffic. Spanning 212km (131 miles), this incredible highway winds from Tbilisi, Georgia's vibrant capital, to Vladikavkaz in Russia, tackling the mighty Great Caucasus Range head-on. While mostly paved, some sections can get a bit rough, especially after snow or bad weather. You might find yourself navigating gravelly patches, and be prepared to share the road with plenty of trucks. The road peaks at a breathtaking 2,395m (7,857ft) at Jvari Pass (also known as Cross Pass), where avalanches can be a real concern. Thankfully, they've built galleries to keep things moving in winter, and the pass usually stays open. While altitude sickness isn't usually a problem *on* the road, be mindful if you venture off into the surrounding mountains. Check the forecast before you go – conditions can change quickly! Though occasional closures do happen in the winter due to snow, blizzards, and limited visibility, the road is usually open year-round. Expect views that will knock your socks off, including the majestic Mt. Kazbek. Don't miss the thrill of driving through the Kazbegi Tunnel. The dramatic scenery, crisp mountain air, and sheer grandeur of the Caucasus are simply unforgettable. Keep an eye out for viewpoints along the way, including natural mineral water springs favored by locals. This landscape is the real deal, inspiring literary giants like Tolstoy, Dumas, and Gorky.
hardClue de Saint Auban is a scenic balcony road in France
🇫🇷 France
# Clue de Saint Auban: A Thrilling Alpine Adventure If you're craving one of France's most iconic balcony roads, the Clue de Saint Auban delivers pure adrenaline and jaw-dropping views. This spectacular gorge, carved by the Esteron River, sits tucked between the Alpes de Haute-Provence and Alpes Maritimes departments in the southeastern corner of the PACA region, right where the Verdon meets the Estéron valley. The fully paved D2211 winds its way through the gorge like a ribbon clinging to the mountainside—and we mean *clinging*. This isn't your average scenic drive. The road hugs the cliff edge on a narrow ledge with dramatic rock overhangs that'll make you feel like you're driving through a cathedral. Keep an eye out for a chapel carved directly into the rock face—locals still hold services here every September, and it's legitimately awe-inspiring. The real showstopper? The 7.3 km stretch between Saint-Auban and Briançonnet. This section is where things get serious. You're navigating a single-lane ribbon of pavement that contours impossibly high along sheer ravine walls, with overhanging rock creating a tunnel-like effect. It's one of the deepest and steepest clues in all of Provence, and rock slides are a genuine concern here. Rally Monte-Carlo drivers have tackled this section for years—if that tells you anything about the challenge level. Nestled at the foot of Mont Teillon, this balcony road is famous for good reason. The scenery is absolutely stunning as you snake through forests and mountains, but stay sharp on those hairpin turns. Use those parking spots thoughtfully, and you'll have an unforgettable Alpine adventure.
moderateRiksvegen Old Road is a unique piece of engineering along Eidfjord Lake
🇳🇴 Norway
# Riksvegen Old Road: A Hidden Gem in Norway's Fjord Country Nestled in Vestland county's Eidfjord municipality, the Riksvegen Old Road is a nostalgic slice of Norwegian engineering history that's perfect for those who prefer a slower pace. This charming 2.3 km (1.42 miles) stretch hugs the western shore of Eidfjordvatnet, treating you to absolutely stunning lake views at every turn. Here's the cool part: this road is now exclusively for bicycles and pedestrians—no cars allowed. Back in the day, it was the main route, complete with a tunnel that King Oscar II himself opened. You can still spot that historic tunnel today, a testament to the road's bygone era as a motorway. The entire route is paved and manageable, making it ideal for a leisurely bike ride or scenic walk. That said, keep your eyes peeled for the occasional rockslide, which is a real hazard in this mountainous region. It's a small price to pay for the experience, honestly. So what happened to all the traffic? In stepped the Eidfjordtunnelen, a modern tunnel that's part of Norway's National Road 7 (Rv7). The new route is wider, faster, and comes loaded with multiple tunnels—perfect for those in a hurry. But if you're anything like us, you'll skip the highway and stick to this beautifully preserved old road for an authentic Norwegian adventure.