
Plan Maison
Italy, europe
N/A
2,552 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! Plan Maison, nestled way up in the Italian Aosta Valley, is calling your name. We're talking a dizzying 2,552 meters (8,372 feet) above sea level!
Now, this isn't your typical smooth tarmac cruise. Think rocky, think gravel, think chairlift access trail – because that's exactly what it is. This is seriously one of Italy's highest roads, so bragging rights are definitely on the table.
Be warned, though: "steep" doesn't even begin to cover it. We're talking loose stones, and it just gets steeper and rockier as you climb. The window to tackle this beast is tiny – late August, usually. The wind? Relentless. Seriously, pack layers because even in summer, snow isn't out of the question. Winter? Forget about it – brutally cold. Expect a ski-station service road with some insane sections clocking in at a 10% gradient.
But hey, the summit? Totally worth it. You'll find restaurants, hotels, and shops. A welcome oasis after that climb.
Road Details
- Country
- Italy
- Continent
- europe
- Max Elevation
- 2,552 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in europe
extremeColle della Boaria is a challenging drive in the Cottian Alps
🇮🇹 Italy
# Col de la Boaire-Colle della Boaria Sitting pretty at 2,102m (6,896ft) above sea level, this international alpine pass connects France and Italy right on their border. It bridges the Queyras valley in the French Hautes-Alpes with the charming Italian town of Pontechianale in Piedmont's Cuneo province. This isn't just any mountain road—it's got serious history. Originally carved out in the Middle Ages to haul salt from Ventimiglia to Turin via Limone Piemonte, the route was later expanded during WWII with military purposes in mind. The French and Italians beefed it up to connect the string of border forts, and you can still feel that military heritage as you wind through. Here's the real talk: the entire road to the summit is unpaved—a proper dirt track called the Via del Sale. We're talking genuinely gnarly conditions that demand serious respect. This isn't a casual Sunday drive; a 20km/h speed limit tells you everything you need to know. Regular cars? Not recommended. You'll want something with proper clearance and nerve. Nestled in the Cottian Alps, the pass shuts down from November through March every single year. Winter here is no joke—avalanches, heavy snow dumps, and treacherous ice patches can appear without warning. Conditions shift fast and can turn brutal in a heartbeat. But here's the payoff: when conditions allow, this wild dirt ribbon hugs the Maritime Alps ridges with jaw-dropping views that stretch from the sea to the mountains. It's raw, it's remote, and it's absolutely stunning for those brave enough to tackle it.
hardDriving the remote A331 road on the edge of the Arctic Circle
🌍 Russia
Ever dreamed of escaping to the edge of the world? Then pack your bags (and your warmest gear!) for the A331, aka the Vilyuy Highway, a seriously remote road in eastern Siberia, Russia! Starting near Yakutsk (yep, the coldest city on Earth!), this epic route winds its way to Tulun, a town in the Irkutsk region, stretching for about 725 miles. Be warned: pavement is a luxury here. Only the first 18 miles or so are smooth sailing. The rest? Mostly unpaved, and you'll even need a ferry to cross the Vilyuy River. Speaking of challenges, Mother Nature doesn't hold back here. We're talking seriously brutal winters with average January temps dipping to -46°F! Plus, watch out for heavy mine truck traffic. If it's been raining or snowing, a 4x4 is practically a must. But hey, if you're up for the adventure, you'll be rewarded with some seriously stunning, isolated scenery! Just be sure to travel during daylight hours!
hardThe Most Scenic Drives in Tenerife
🇪🇸 Spain
# Scenic Drives in Tenerife: Your Guide to the Island's Best Routes Sure, most people come to Tenerife for the beaches and sunshine, but if you really want to fall in love with this island, you've gotta get behind the wheel. Trust me—there are some absolutely incredible drives waiting for you. ## Adeje to Los Gigantes: The Coastal Classic If you're a coastal drive enthusiast, the TF47 from Adeje to Los Gigantes is basically mandatory. This stretch is seriously gorgeous, hugging the coastline as you pass through charming resort towns like Playa de la Arena, Playa San Juan, and Puerto Santiago. The finale? Those dramatic Los Gigantes cliffs that'll have your jaw on the floor. Perfect if you're staying in Costa Adeje and want to explore without straying too far. ## Mount Teide National Park: The Must-Do Here's the thing—Mount Teide National Park is absolutely unmissable. The drive through this volcanic wonderland is otherworldly, with landscapes that feel almost alien. Just a heads-up though: it's *popular*, so you won't have the roads to yourself. There's a 70 km/h speed limit, which actually gives you plenty of time to soak in the views. ## The Spinal Route: Hidden Gem For something more off-the-beaten-path, take the Spinal Route between La Laguna and El Portillo. It's called the backbone of Tenerife for a reason—you'll experience both sides of the island in one drive. Think dramatic rock formations and pristine pine forests. Bring your camera; you'll be stopping constantly. ## Masca: For Confident Drivers Ready for a proper adventure? The drive to Masca is stunning but not for the faint of heart. From south Tenerife, head toward Santiago del Teide via the TF-1, then follow signs to TF-436. Those final stretches get narrow and twisty with some serious hairpin turns. If you need a breather and some killer photos, pull over at Mirador de Cherfe—it's the perfect, safe spot to take it all in.
hardHautacam is a legendary Tour de France climb
🇫🇷 France
Okay, picture this: you're in the French Pyrenees, ready for an epic climb up to Station du Hautacam. This ski resort sits pretty at almost 5,000 feet, and getting there is half the adventure! Starting just outside Argelès-Gazost, you've got about 8.3 miles of paved road ahead of you. "Highland" is what Hautacam translates to, and it lives up to the name. Some sections get seriously narrow, so keep your eyes peeled. Oh, and did I mention it's steep? We're talking gradients hitting a whopping 16% in places. Over the 8.3-mile climb, you'll gain over 3,500 feet in elevation, averaging around 8% grade. Keep an eye out, it's been featured in the Tour de France, so you know it's a leg burner! Once you make it to the top, there's a big parking area and views that'll make it all worthwhile.