Discovering the narrow steep road to Col du Sabot in France
France, europe
10.2 km
2,100 m
extreme
Year-round
# Col du Sabot
Tucked away in the Isère département of southeastern France, Col du Sabot sits pretty at 2,100m (6,889ft) in the heart of the Central French Alps. This pass is part of the stunning Oisans region, just beyond the famous Alpe d'Huez.
The adventure kicks off from Vaujany, a charming ski station, and winds upward for 10.2 km (6.33 miles) through gorgeous alpine pastures. Fair warning: this climb doesn't mess around. You'll encounter some seriously steep stretches with gradients hitting 15.6% at their gnarliest.
What you're dealing with is a narrow, single-lane tarmac road that's seen better days, complete with 17 hairpin turns and some pretty vertiginous drop-offs. The asphalt is a bit worn and patchy, with occasional gravel and loose stones adding to the challenge—especially on the way down. Keep your wits about you and take it slow.
The reward? A small parking lot at the top and a quick 100-meter walk that opens up to spectacular views of the Croix de Fer reservoir. Traffic is typically light, so you'll have the road mostly to yourself to soak in the Alpine scenery. It's demanding, it's technical, but it's absolutely worth the effort if you're up for a proper mountain driving experience.
Where is it?
Discovering the narrow steep road to Col du Sabot in France is located in France (europe). Coordinates: 45.7826, 2.7078
Road Details
- Country
- France
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 10.2 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,100 m
- Difficulty
- extreme
- Coordinates
- 45.7826, 2.7078
Related Roads in europe
moderateSusten Pass
🇨🇭 Switzerland
# Susten Pass: Switzerland's Underrated Alpine Gem At 2,224 meters, the Susten Pass is an absolute stunner that deserves way more love than it gets. Stretching 45 kilometers between Innertkirchen in the Bernese Oberland and Wassen in Uri, this route connects two valleys with some seriously impressive mountain engineering. Built between 1938 and 1946, the road is a masterclass in how to tackle alpine terrain. You'll notice it immediately—those perfectly banked curves, sleek modern tunnels, and pristine asphalt that just begs you to actually enjoy the drive instead of white-knuckling it. Coming up from Innertkirchen on the western side is where things get dramatic. The Gadmental valley reveals itself in stages: first waterfalls appearing alongside you, then the Stein Glacier coming into view (though it's been retreating, so cherish the sight). As you climb toward the summit, you duck through a quick tunnel before popping out at the pass itself, where a restaurant and parking area let you soak in panoramic views of the surrounding peaks. The eastern descent is a different kind of magic—long, graceful curves flowing through lush alpine meadows that just feel good to drive. Here's what makes Susten special: the Gotthard Pass handles most of the north-south traffic, so this road stays refreshingly quiet. That means you actually get to experience the stunning scenery without fighting a convoy of trucks. For driving enthusiasts, that's basically paradise.
moderateWhere is Serrù Lake?
🇮🇹 Italy
Okay, picture this: you're cruising along the Strada Provinciale 50 (SP50) in Italy's Piedmont region, heading toward Lago Serrù. This isn't just any lake; it's a stunning, high-altitude reservoir sitting pretty at 2,275 meters (that's 7,464 feet!). You're smack-dab in the eastern Graian Alps, right between the Aosta Valley and Piedmont, and inside the Gran Paradiso National Park – nature overload in the best way possible! The road itself is paved, but hold on tight – you'll be tackling some seriously steep sections, with gradients hitting up to 12.3%. Weekends in the summer can get crazy busy, so plan accordingly. Just a heads-up, this road is typically closed from October 15th to May 15th due to snow. And on Sundays in July and August, the last six kilometers are often closed to cars. But trust me, the views are absolutely worth the effort. You're surrounded by those amazing Alps, so get your camera ready!
hardMas de la Costa
🇪🇸 Spain
Mas de la Costa is a mountain pass tucked away in the Alcalatén region of Castellon, Spain, sitting at a punishing 980 meters (3,215 feet) above sea level. Don't let the short 4km length fool you—this is seriously one of Spain's most brutal cycling climbs, and for good reason. The road itself is paved, but it's narrow and relentlessly steep. You'll be dealing with an average gradient of 13%, which is already no joke, but the real kicker comes with those brutal 22% pitches that'll have you questioning your life choices. Yeah, the Vuelta has featured this beast, so you know it's legitimately tough. If you're thinking about tackling this one on two wheels or four, come prepared. The scenery might be gorgeous, but Mas de la Costa isn't messing around—it's the kind of climb that separates the serious riders from everyone else.
moderateDriving the scenic Stoderzinken Alpine Road in the Austrian Alps
🇦🇹 Austria
# Stoderzinken Alpenstraße: Austria's Alpine Gem Ready for one of Styria's most spectacular drives? The Stoderzinken Alpenstraße (aka Panoramastraße Stoderzinken) is a must-do for anyone craving stunning mountain scenery paired with an adrenaline-pumping road experience. This 10.9 km (6.77 miles) ribbon of asphalt climbs from the charming town of Grobming all the way up to the Stoderzinken ski area, topping out at an impressive 1,836 meters (6,023 feet). Fair warning: you'll need to pay a toll for the privilege, but trust us, it's worth every penny. The road itself is totally paved but doesn't pull any punches. It's narrow in places, carved dramatically through bare rock, and features a gut-wrenching 20 hairpin turns that'll keep your hands glued to the wheel. With an average gradient of 9% and max slopes hitting 13%, this isn't exactly a leisurely cruise. Plan around 25 minutes for the drive (longer if you want to stop for those panoramic photos—which you absolutely will). Nestled in the Low Tauern range of the Central Eastern Alps, this road has some serious heritage. Built between 1958 and 1961 by the Stoderzinken road association, it was completed in 1962 and fully renovated in the early 2000s. It's even bragging rights-worthy as Styria's highest alpine road. So buckle up and get ready for an unforgettable alpine adventure.