The inhumane Mur de Monieux with 21% ramps
France, europe
1.5 km
836 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, picture this: You're in southeastern France, surrounded by the beauty of Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, ready for a cycling challenge. Then you meet the Mur de Monieux. This isn't your average hill; it's a beast of a climb packed into just 1.5 kilometers.
You'll start on the D1 at 836 meters above sea level, thinking, "How bad can it be?" Oh, you'll find out! The road is paved, sure, but narrow, and the gradient quickly kicks up. You'll be grinding your gears as you try to conquer the 175-meter elevation gain.
The average gradient is a leg-burning 11.66%, but that doesn't tell the whole story. Prepare for sections hitting over 21%! Trust me, this climb is brutal. Some say it makes even the infamous Sormano feel easy. But the views from the top (661 meters) are worth the pain... maybe.
Road Details
- Country
- France
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 1.5 km
- Max Elevation
- 836 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in europe
hardFurggen
🇮🇹 Italy
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! High up in the Valle d'Aosta region, nestled between Italy and Switzerland, you'll find Furggen peak. We're talking a whopping 2,949 meters (9,675 feet) above sea level - seriously high! Forget smooth asphalt, this road is all about the rugged stuff. Think rocky gravel tracks that double as a chairlift access trail for the Cervinia ski resort. And when I say steep, I mean *steep*. Loose stones under your tires and gradients hitting up to 30% in places? You bet. The window to tackle this beast is super tight – late August, if you're lucky. Oh, and did I mention the wind? It's a constant companion up here, howling year-round. Even in summer, you could be battling snowy conditions. Winter? Let's just say you'll need some serious thermal gear. But the views, people, the views! The Matterhorn lords over everything, offering incredible, ever-changing perspectives with every twist and turn. Get ready for an unforgettable ride!
hardHow To Travel The Road 619 In Iceland
🇮🇸 Iceland
Road 619, or Ketildalsvegur, is a must-do if you're exploring the Westfjords of Iceland! Picture this: you're cruising along the coast of Arnarfjörður, with views that just won't quit. This 25km (15.5 mile) stretch runs between Bíldudalur and Selárdalur. Word to the wise, though: this road is *entirely* unpaved. Seriously, you'll want a high-clearance vehicle, preferably with 4-wheel drive. And keep an eye on the tide! Hugging the southern edge of Arnarfjordur fjord, this road is scenic with a capital S. Imagine sweeping vistas of the coastline, all backdropped by the mighty Kaldbakur Mountain (the Westfjords' tallest peak at 1000 meters!). Plus, it's your ticket to Samúel Jónsson's Art Farm, a quirky local treasure. Fair warning: it's a bumpy ride, with some narrow sections, steep climbs (up to 12% grade!), and a generally rough surface. Get ready for an adventure!
moderateWhere is Superbagnères?
🇫🇷 France
Okay, picture this: You're in the French Pyrenees, ready for an epic climb up to Superbagnères ski station. This isn't just any drive; it's a fully paved adventure on the D46, starting from Bagnères de Luchon. The road is in great shape, but be warned, there are some seriously steep sections – over 12.5% in places that’ll test your mettle! The whole climb stretches for 18.5 kilometers (almost 11.5 miles), and you'll gain a whopping 1,170 meters in elevation. That’s an average gradient of 6.3%, so get ready to work those gears. This road has even seen Tour de France finishes, though a bridge weight limit means it's off the route for now! But trust me, the views are worth every hairpin turn! Winding around the mountain, you get these incredible, ever-changing vistas. And the payoff at the top? A full 360-degree panorama surrounded by fifteen snow-capped peaks towering over 3,000 meters. On a clear day, it's absolutely breathtaking. This road really snakes its way up and up, promising amazing views. You absolutely have to experience it!
hardThe road to Rikoti Pass isn’t an easy one
🇬🇪 Georgia
Okay, adventure-seekers, listen up! There's this totally epic mountain pass in Georgia called Pereval Rikotskiy, sitting pretty high at 1,011m (3,316ft). It's perched right on the edge between Shida Kartli and Imereti, connecting the east and west of the country. Now, this isn't your grandma's Sunday drive. The road, aka შ 56, is paved, but hold on tight – it's steep, like up to 10.6% steep in places, and pretty narrow. Think twisty-turny fun with a side of "wow, that's a drop!" Nestled in the Likhi Range of the Greater Caucasus mountains, this 4.4km (2.73 miles) stretch is a feast for the eyes. Imagine lush green scenery and views so stunning they'll make your jaw drop. Seriously, bring your camera! Word is, the old Tbilisi-Kutaisi highway route was a bit much, so they built the Rikoti Pass Tunnel back in '82 to make things easier. But guess what? The original road is still there, totally open, and waiting for you if you’re up for the challenge. Ditch the tunnel and take the road less traveled!