Taking on the Twists and Turns to Col du Val d'Ese in Corsica
France, europe
15 km
1,615 m
hard
Year-round
# Col du Val d'Ese
Nestled in the heart of Corsica, Col du Val d'Ese sits pretty at 1,615 meters (5,298 feet) above sea level in the Corse-du-Sud department. This mountain pass sits right between the Prunelli and Taravo valleys, making it a scenic gateway to some seriously impressive terrain.
The real magic happens at the summit, where you'll find the charming Ski resort Val d'Ese. But here's where it gets exciting — this pass is basically your launching pad to Col de Scaldasole, Corsica's crown jewel and the island's highest drivable road at a jaw-dropping 1,938 meters (6,358 feet).
Now, let's talk about the drive itself. The D27A road is fully paved (though fair warning: it's seen better days), but what it lacks in pristine asphalt, it makes up for in character. This route is seriously curvy, impressively steep in spots — we're talking 13.3% grades — and it's refreshingly narrow with countless hairpin turns that'll keep you on your toes.
Starting from the village of Bastelica, you're looking at a 15-kilometer (9.3-mile) climb that'll elevate you 859 meters. The average gradient sits at a manageable 5.7%, but those steep sections definitely add some spice to the experience. It's a thrilling ribbon of road that showcases Corsica's dramatic alpine landscape at its finest.
Where is it?
Taking on the Twists and Turns to Col du Val d'Ese in Corsica is located in France (europe). Coordinates: 47.4953, 1.9156
Road Details
- Country
- France
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 15 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,615 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 47.4953, 1.9156
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