Is Route de Maronne difficult?

Is Route de Maronne difficult?

France, europe

Length

4.5 km

Elevation

N/A

Difficulty

extreme

Best Season

Year-round

Okay, picture this: you're cruising through the French Alps in the Isère department, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region. You're on Route de Maronne, a crazy-scenic mountain road that's not for the faint of heart!

Seriously, this fully paved road is *narrow*. Like, "hold-your-breath-when-another-car-comes" narrow. And those drop-offs? Forget about guardrails! If you're not a fan of heights, maybe focus on the road ahead, 'cause it can get a little intense.

The views, though? Absolutely worth it. You're winding through La Foret De Maronne forest, surrounded by stunning alpine scenery. Just be ready for some seriously steep climbs – we're talking up to a 20% gradient in places!

This little adventure is only about 4.5 km (2.79 miles) long, running from south to north from [start location unspecified] to Le Rosay. Get ready for 8 hairpin turns that’ll test your driving skills. Oh, and heads up – this road often closes in winter due to wild weather. So, buckle up and get ready for an unforgettable drive!

Share this road

Road Details

Country
France
Continent
europe
Length
4.5 km
Difficulty
extreme

Related Roads in europe

How to drive to Alpage d'Eison in the Val d'Hérens?hard

How to drive to Alpage d'Eison in the Val d'Hérens?

🇨🇭 Switzerland

# Alpage d'Eison: A Swiss Alpine Adventure Tucked away in Switzerland's Valais region, Alpage d'Eison sits at a breathtaking 2,400m (7,874ft) in the heart of the Pennine Alps. This isn't just any mountain spot—it's a working alpine pasture where cattle spend their summers grazing on lush hillside meadows, surrounded by dramatic 4,000-meter peaks that'll make your jaw drop. Located in the District of Hérens, the alpage overlooks the charming village of Saint-Martin and sits just west of Lac de Moiry. When you arrive, you'll find a picturesque cluster of traditional stone and wooden buildings that look straight out of a postcard. Now, let's talk about getting there. Starting from Saint-Martin, the road stretches 10.7 km (6.64 miles) and climbs 952m—that's an average gradient of nearly 9%. But here's the kicker: this is a proper mountain track, unpaved and seriously narrow. In most spots, only one vehicle can squeeze through at a time, so meeting another car means someone's backing up. The technical driving is real too. Expect 12 sharp hairpin turns whipping back and forth as you gain elevation, all on a rugged surface that demands respect. This is the kind of road that rewards careful, confident driving and absolutely thrills cycling enthusiasts willing to tackle the challenge.

Loma del Caballohard

Loma del Caballo

🇪🇸 Spain

Okay, adventurers, let's talk Loma del Caballo! Tucked way up in the Sierra Nevada National Park in Andalucia, Spain's Granada province, this mountain pass is a real stunner. We're talking serious altitude here – 2,480 meters (that's 8,136 feet!). One of the highest roads in the whole country, so you know the views are going to be epic. Word to the wise: this isn't your Sunday drive kind of road. It's unpaved and pretty steep, with grades hitting up to 15% in places. You'll definitely want a 4x4 for this one. Aim for late spring to early fall – you don't want to get caught in the snow, trust me! But if you time it right, you'll be rewarded with incredible views of the snowy Mulhacén and Veleta peaks. Get ready for some serious photo ops!

Where is Col de Soudet?moderate

Where is Col de Soudet?

🇫🇷 France

Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! Col de Soudet, nestled high in the Pyrénées-Atlantiques department of France, is calling your name. This baby tops out at a cool 1,540m (5,052ft), so be prepared for some stunning views. You'll find it just north of the Col de la Pierre Saint-Martin, in the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region of southwestern France. Ready for a climb? Yep, it's paved, all 25 km (15 miles) of it. Starting in Aramits and heading south to the D132, this route isn't for the faint of heart. We're talking hairpin turns galore and some seriously steep sections, pushing gradients of 14.5% in places. The scenery? Absolutely breathtaking. Just keep your eyes on the road! This one's a leg burner!

Where is Glaubenbielen Pass?hard

Where is Glaubenbielen Pass?

🇨🇭 Switzerland

Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! You HAVE to experience Glaubenbielen Pass. This high-altitude stunner sits pretty at 5,298 feet in central Switzerland, near Giswil and Flühli. Locals also call it Schwendi-Käppeli Pass. Picture this: a winding road, carved by the Swiss army and completed just after WWII. It’s paved, thankfully, but don't get too comfy. This baby's narrow and steep – we're talking up to 18% grades as you hug the northern slope of the Fürstein! Be prepared to share the road, because you might find yourself stuck behind a tractor. Clocking in at 18.20 miles, the pass connects Giswil (in Canton Obwalden) and Flühli (in the Lucerne district of Entlebuch). Is it worth the drive? Absolutely! The panoramic views of the Alps are insane. Heading towards Giswil, you'll be floored by the views of Lake Sarnen. Cruise toward Flühli, and the majestic Pilatus massif will steal your heart. Oh, and did I mention it's been featured in the Tour de Suisse? Feeling ambitious? From Giswil, it's a 7.2 km climb, gaining 530 meters at an average of 7.3%. From Flühli, brace yourself for an 8.3 km haul, ascending 520 meters at a 6.3% average. Trust me, the views are worth the burn!