Road trip guide: Conquering Col de l’Eychauda
France, europe
N/A
2,433 m
hard
Year-round
# Col de l'Eychauda
Looking for an Alpine adventure that'll get your adrenaline pumping? Welcome to Col de l'Eychauda, sitting pretty at 2,433 meters (7,982 feet) in the Hautes-Alpes region of southeastern France. This chairlift-access trail takes you up through the stunning Massif des Cercès range, but fair warning—it's not for the faint of heart.
The route up to the summit is pure raw mountain experience: think gravel, rocks, ruts, and plenty of bumpy patches that'll keep you honest. You'll be navigating some seriously steep sections with single-track traverses that feature genuinely heart-stopping drops on either side. If you've got even a mild fear of heights, this one might not be calling your name.
Here's the real talk: this trail demands serious wheeling skills and nerves of steel. You'll absolutely need a 4x4 vehicle—no exceptions. The road is only passable from late June through September (weather depending), so winter and spring are total no-gos. If unpaved mountain roads aren't your specialty, do yourself a favor and skip this one.
But if you're an experienced off-roader who laughs in the face of Alpine challenges and doesn't get queasy at cliff edges? Col de l'Eychauda will reward you with one heck of a mountain experience and some truly spectacular scenery along the way.
Where is it?
Road trip guide: Conquering Col de l’Eychauda is located in France (europe). Coordinates: 45.5753, 1.7834
Road Details
- Country
- France
- Continent
- europe
- Max Elevation
- 2,433 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 45.5753, 1.7834
Related Roads in europe
hardDriving Strada dei Cannoni, a military mountain road in Italy
🇮🇹 Italy
# Strada dei Cannoni: Italy's Hidden Alpine Adventure Ready for a road trip that feels like stepping back in time? The Strada dei Cannoni is calling your name. Tucked in the northern Italian Alps between the Maira and Varaita valleys, this legendary 56km route climbs from a modest 680m to a breathtaking 2,287m (7,503ft), delivering some seriously jaw-dropping views of the Maritime and Cottian Alps—with the iconic Monviso dominating the skyline. Here's the deal: about 75% of this road is unpaved, which means you're getting the full off-road experience. What started as a military engineering marvel in 1744 (built by the Piedmontese army to block French-Spanish forces during the War of the Austrian Succession) has evolved into a bucket-list route for adventurous travelers and cyclists. The road wasn't actually completed in its current form until 1893 and was adapted for cars in the 1940s, but it's kept that raw, authentic alpine character that makes it so thrilling. The scenery is genuinely spectacular—you'll follow the watershed ridge with panoramic views at every turn. But here's what you need to know before you go: this isn't a casual Sunday drive. Expect coarse gravel, hairpin bends so tight they'll test your nerves, steep climbs, and unprotected drops that plunge hundreds of meters. You'll need serious off-roading skills and a vehicle that can handle it. Access is strictly managed during summer (July–September). Weekends and holidays see closures from 9am to 6pm for vehicles, and nighttime restrictions apply year-round. Winter? Forget about it—heavy snow makes the route impassable. Stick to clear weather and daylight hours, and only attempt this if you're an experienced off-roader. The historical touches are everywhere—old military barracks dot the landscape, telling stories of its strategic past. A small paved section built in 2014 creates a fantastic loop for cyclists. This is raw, real alpine adventure, and it's waiting for you.
moderateTake An Unforgettable Drive to Puerto de Escullar in Andalusia
🇪🇸 Spain
# Puerto de Escúllar: Spain's Hidden Mountain Pass Want to experience one of Spain's most underrated Alpine drives? Head to Puerto de Escúllar, a spectacular 2,036-meter (6,679-foot) pass nestled in Granada's Sierra de Baza mountain range in Andalusia. This is the kind of place where you'll feel like you've discovered your own secret—seriously, hardly anyone drives here. The route runs north-south for 57.5 kilometers (35.72 miles) between the villages of Caniles and Abla, and the entire road is paved, which is always a win. You'll navigate the AL-5404 from the south and GR-8101 from the north. Fair warning though: the road surface deteriorates a bit on either side of the summit, but nothing that'll ruin your day. What *might* be slightly annoying? The summit itself is weirdly anticlimactic—it's super flat up there, and there's no proper sign marking the actual highest point. You'll be scratching your head wondering if you've already passed it. Buckle up for some serious climbs. This pass is famous (well, in cycling circles at least) for hosting stages of the Vuelta a España, and it's easy to see why—gradients hit a gnarly 10% on some sections. But here's the beautiful part: the road sees almost zero traffic, so you'll have the curves all to yourself. Plus, the pass stays open year-round, so you can tackle it whenever you're feeling adventurous.
moderateHow long is Zig Zag Road Box Hill?
🇬🇧 England
Okay, buckle up, road trip enthusiasts, because Zig Zag Road in Surrey is an absolute gem! Picture this: a super smooth ribbon of asphalt snaking its way up North Downs, right in the heart of the South East of England. They call it England's twistiest road, and it lives up to the hype. This beauty stretches for about 6.6 kilometers (or a little over 4 miles) from Westhumble to the M25. It's a real leg-burner, especially for cyclists, but the views are so worth the effort. Speaking of effort, get ready for a climb! This road steadily gains 120 meters (almost 400 feet) over 2.5 kilometers (about 1.6 miles). Sure, it's no alpine pass, but with an average gradient of around 5%, it'll definitely get your heart pumping. Zig Zag Road leads up to Box Hill, a mountain pass that sits at a lofty 212 meters (nearly 700 feet). This route has been a cyclist's paradise since the late 1800s and even played a starring role in the 2012 Olympics!
hardStrada Militare del Colle della Vecchia is an old military road built in the 1880s
🇮🇹 Italy
# Strada Militare del Colle della Vecchia Want to step back in time? The Strada Militare del Colle della Vecchia is a beautifully preserved piece of history tucked away in Turin's mountainous backyard. Built way back in the 1880s as a military route, this 10.7 km unpaved trail takes you on an adventure through the Piedmont region, right near the French border in northwestern Italy. This isn't your typical Sunday drive—it's a serious climb. Starting from Strada del Colle delle Finestre (SP172), the road relentlessly ascends toward Cima Ciantiplagna (2,849m) and Colle della Vecchia (2,605m), gaining elevation up to 2,000m. With an average gradient of nearly 11%, your legs will definitely feel this one if you're hiking it. Here's the thing though: motor vehicles have been banned since the end of World War II. The Italian authorities officially deemed it "un-useful and difficult to maintain," so it's been closed to cars ever since. But that's actually part of its charm—the road remains beautifully wild and untouched, with scattered military structures dotting the landscape as reminders of its strategic past. The entire route is unpaved, making it perfect for hikers and mountain bikers seeking an authentic alpine experience without the crowds. Finish your journey near the historic Forte del Gran Serin, and you'll have earned some serious bragging rights.