How to drive through Col des Montets in the French Alps?
France, europe
39 km
1,461 m
extreme
Year-round
# Col des Montets
Ready for an Alpine adventure? Col des Montets sits at 1,461m (4,793ft) in Haute-Savoie, France, nestled in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region of southeastern France. This 39 km (24.2 miles) mountain pass connects Chamonix—sitting pretty at the base of Mont Blanc—to Martigny in Switzerland, and it's been famous enough to feature in the Tour de France multiple times.
The good news? This is a driver's dream. The entire route runs on pristine asphalt (the D1506), with gradients that max out at a manageable 8.3%—nothing too gnarly here. The road surface is in excellent condition, and the slopes stay nice and easy throughout. You'll navigate through stunning Alpine scenery, and at the summit, you can explore the Aiguilles Rouges chalet reserve and hit up some natural trails to spot authentic Alpine flora and fauna.
Winter is when things get interesting. While the pass typically stays open year-round, heavy snow can roll in, and avalanche danger means closures happen. If conditions get sketchy, chains or winter tires are absolutely essential. When the pass does shut down, there's a clever backup: the Tunnel des Montets, a dual-purpose railway tunnel that also handles cars and trucks on the French side, so you're never completely stranded.
Bottom line? It's a spectacular, accessible Alpine crossing that delivers stunning views without the white-knuckle stress.
Where is it?
How to drive through Col des Montets in the French Alps? is located in France (europe). Coordinates: 46.3725, 2.0041
Road Details
- Country
- France
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 39 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,461 m
- Difficulty
- extreme
- Coordinates
- 46.3725, 2.0041
Related Roads in europe
moderateHow to drive to the summit of Col d’Eylac in Cantal
🇫🇷 France
# Col d'Eylac If you're craving a proper mountain adventure in France, Col d'Eylac is calling your name. Perched at 1,442 meters (4,730 ft) in the Cantal department of south-central France, this pass sits proudly within the stunning Massif Central range. The 32-kilometer (20-mile) D680 road winds its way from Salers to Dienne, offering a fully paved but seriously challenging drive. Don't let that "fully paved" part fool you though—this route means business. Expect tight hairpin turns and steep sections that'll keep your hands firmly on the wheel, with gradients hitting a punchy 15% in places. It's the kind of road that demands respect and rewards you with incredible mountain scenery. Reaching the summit feels like an accomplishment (and it should). There's a welcoming little bar and parking area up top—perfect for catching your breath and soaking in the views. The pass has earned its stripes as a Tour de France climb, so you'll be following in the tire tracks of cycling legends. While the road typically stays open year-round, winter can throw curveballs with occasional closures, so check conditions before heading out during colder months. This is proper mountain driving through one of France's most dramatic landscapes. Thrilling, demanding, and absolutely worth the drive.
hardWhere is Kireçli Geçidi?
🇹🇷 Turkey
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! If you're cruising around Erzurum Province in Turkey and crave a serious mountain thrill, you NEED to check out Kireçli Geçidi. Nestled way up in the Eastern Anatolia region, this pass climbs to a whopping 2,420 meters (that's 7,939 feet!). The road stretches for 42.1 kilometers (about 26 miles) from Tortum to Narman, and while it's paved, don't think it's a simple Sunday drive. We're talking seriously steep sections maxing out at a 12% gradient, hairpin turns galore, and the occasional risk of rock slides to keep you on your toes. This isn’t for the faint of heart, but the views? Absolutely worth it. Just be aware that snow can shut this road down without warning, so plan accordingly. Get ready for an unforgettable ride!
hardAn epic road to Port de Bales in the French Pyrenees
🇫🇷 France
# Port de Balès: A High-Alpine Adventure in the Pyrenees Sitting pretty at 1,760m (5,774ft) in the heart of the Occitanie region, Port de Balès is one of France's most thrilling mountain passes. Straddling the border between Hautes-Pyrénées and Haute-Garonne—just a stone's throw from Spain—this is seriously dramatic territory. The fully paved route (D925 and D51D) is no joke. This narrow, winding climb demands respect, with vertiginous drop-offs, zero guardrails, and some seriously hair-raising sections that'll get your adrenaline pumping. The good news? You'll barely see another car up here. The bad news? There's absolutely nothing at the summit, so come prepared. The road has quite the backstory. Until 1980, this was literally a mule track. When it finally got paved, Mother Nature had other ideas—winter snow and neglect trashed it so badly it became nearly impassable. Enter the Tour de France organizers in 2006, who resurfaced the entire route while scouting new Pyrenean stages. Talk about a dramatic makeover. This 25.3km (15.72-mile) route climbs from Bourg-d'Oueil in the south to Mauléon-Barousse in the north, with maximum gradients hitting a punishing 13.3%. Both the Tour and Vuelta have tackled this beast. Winter? Forget about it—snow closures are the norm for extended periods. But when conditions allow, you'll reach a spectacular broad summit with jaw-dropping 360-degree views of snow-capped Spanish peaks. Absolutely worth the white-knuckle drive.
extremeA Dangerous Road from Kontogianni to Chelidona You May Want to Explore
🇬🇷 Greece
# The Kontogianni-Chelidona Road: Greece's Most Thrilling Mountain Drive Looking for an adrenaline rush? Head to Evrytania in central Greece for what might be the country's most heart-pounding road experience. The Kontogianni-Chelidona route is absolutely not your typical scenic drive—it's a legitimate test of nerves and driving skill. This 7.1 km stretch connecting the villages of Kontogianni and Chelidona is seriously intense. We're talking hundreds—possibly thousands—of feet of sheer drops right alongside the pavement, with virtually no guardrails to save you. The road clings to the mountainside as it winds along the Rema Krikeliotis river, offering stunning views of the region's dramatic natural landscape. Just don't look down if you're afraid of heights. Most of the road is paved, though you'll hit some gravel sections toward the end. What makes this route genuinely dangerous isn't just the altitude—it's the combination of tight hairpins, zero safety barriers, minimal shoulder space, and the very real possibility of meeting oncoming traffic around blind corners. There's almost no room for error here. **Bottom line?** This is strictly for experienced, confident drivers who can handle tight mountain roads without breaking a sweat. If your passengers get queasy at heights, maybe suggest a different route. But if you're up for the challenge and want to experience some seriously beautiful (and seriously sketchy) mountain driving, this is your road.