Le Petit Cordeil
France, europe
7.2 km
1.121 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, adventurers, listen up! Deep in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence region of France, you'll find Le Petit Cordeil, a peak soaring to 1,768m (5,800ft). This isn't your average Sunday drive; the 7.2km route kicks off near Thorame-Basse (1,121m) and climbs a hefty 647 meters, boasting an average gradient of almost 9%!
Expect a properly rugged, unpaved mountain track, rocky and bumpy enough to test your mettle. If off-road driving isn't your thing, maybe give this one a miss. A 4x4 is seriously recommended! Once you conquer the climb, you'll be rewarded with views fit for the gods – and the knowledge that you've reached one of the area’s top spots for paragliding launches!
Road Details
- Country
- France
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 7.2 km
- Max Elevation
- 1.121 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in europe
extremeWhat is the BAM in Siberia?
🌍 Russia
Looking for the ultimate off-road adventure? Then BAM Road in Siberia needs to be on your radar! This isn't your average Sunday drive. We're talking about a roughly 4,324 km (2,687 mi) beast of a trail that follows the Baikal–Amur Mainline railway through the wildest parts of Russia. Imagine this: you, your trusted off-road vehicle or adventure motorcycle, and mile after mile of rugged Siberian landscape. This former railway service track has seen better days, to say the least. Think broken wooden bridges, waist-deep river crossings, and sections so remote you'll feel like you're the only person on Earth. Speaking of challenges, the BAM road throws them at you left and right: rickety bridges, boggy terrain that sucks you in, and the ever-present risk of encountering a train while riding across a railway bridge. And let's not forget the infamous Vitim River Bridge, a nerve-wracking 570-meter (1870 feet) long crossing that will test your courage. The best time to tackle this epic route is during the summer months (June to August), but even then, be prepared for unpredictable weather. Rain can quickly turn the track into a muddy mess. The BAM road is not for the faint of heart, but for those seeking a true test of skill and endurance, it's an experience you'll never forget.
hardWhen do F-roads open?
🇮🇸 Iceland
Iceland's F-roads: When Can You Tackle Them? Dreaming of exploring Iceland's wild highlands? You'll need to navigate the famous F-roads – unpaved gravel tracks that lead to the country's stunning interior. But when can you actually drive them? The F-roads are usually open once the snow melts, typically between early June and late July. Most roads open by early July. Keep in mind, river levels and road construction can affect things, but snow is the main factor. "Impassable," "closed," and "no winter service" all mean different things, so stay informed! Colder weather and heavy snow will delay openings. Warmer springs speed things up. The roads deepest in the highlands open later. And when do they close? Usually between late August and mid-October, with closures most common in late September as the first big snow hits the highlands. These roads are rough and unpaved, but they lead to incredible, crowd-free scenery! Opening dates depend on weather, snow, and location, but aim for June-July. As summer fades, the F-roads close to explorers.
moderateDriving the Scenic Fylkesvei 50 (Fv50) Road in Southern Norway
🇳🇴 Norway
# Fylkesvei 50 (Fv50): Norway's Alpine Beauty Ready for one of Norway's most breathtaking drives? Fylkesvei 50 in Vestland County is calling your name—seriously, pack your camera because you'll be stopping constantly. This 94 km (58.40 miles) ribbon of asphalt stretches from Aurlandsvangen (sitting pretty on the east side of Aurlandsfjorden) all the way east to the tiny village of Hagafoss in Buskerud. What started as a summer-only route back in 1974 is now a year-round adventure, though fair warning: you'll encounter some genuinely steep and narrow sections with grades reaching up to 10%. Don't let that intimidate you though. The road is fully paved, and the engineering is solid—you'll cruise through 12 tunnels, including the epic 4.2 km Berdal Tunnelen. These aren't just practical passages; they're part of the experience. The real magic? You're driving through Hallingskarvet National Park with jaw-dropping views of Strandavatnet lake unfolding around every corner. And here's the bonus: this route is basically the front door to the spectacular Aurlandsdalen valley, a glacially-carved wonderland that'll make your jaw drop. Whether you're a serious road-tripper or just someone who appreciates stunning scenery, Fylkesvei 50 delivers.
moderateHow to drive the scenic balcony road through Gorges de l'Aude in Occitania?
🇫🇷 France
# Gorges de l'Aude: A Thrilling Canyon Drive Through France Ready for one of France's most breathtaking balcony roads? The Gorges de l'Aude, tucked away in the Aude department south of Quillan in Occitania, is absolutely not to be missed—though you'll want to keep your wits about you! The River Aude has spent millennia carving this stunning canyon through white limestone, creating towering sheer rock faces that'll leave you speechless at every bend. The 20-km (12-mile) stretch along the D118 from Notre-Dame d'Escouloubre to the D117 junction is totally paved, but here's the catch: it's *narrow*—like, seriously narrow. You're looking at sections where passing another car means someone's backing up around a blind corner, and rockslides are a genuine concern, so stay sharp! Honestly? This is one of those roads where driving and sightseeing don't mix well. Seriously consider walking or cycling instead—you'll actually get to soak in the incredible geology carved into the mountainside without white-knuckling the steering wheel. The slow, patient work of water erosion has created something truly special here, and it deserves your full attention. If you do drive, build in plenty of time for stops. This isn't a road to rush through. Take a breath, soak in the views, and respect what the River Aude has created over thousands of years.