The road to Crete de la Pendine is not for the faint of heart
France, europe
6.7 km
2,705 m
hard
Year-round
# Crête de la Pendine
Want to experience one of France's most thrilling mountain drives? Head to the Hautes-Alpes department in southeastern France, where you'll find Crête de la Pendine towering at 2,705m (8,874ft) – seriously one of the highest roads you can drive in the country.
This isn't your typical scenic cruise. Starting from Station 1600, the 6.7 km (4.16 miles) route to the summit is pure adrenaline. We're talking a completely unpaved chairlift access trail that's brutally steep and narrow, with a punishing 14.92% average gradient and 1,000m of elevation gain. Yeah, your brakes will be working overtime.
Nestled in the Massif des Écrins of the French Alps, this adventure is strictly a summer-only affair – and you'll definitely need a 4x4 to tackle it. But if you're up for the challenge and your vehicle is up to spec, you'll be rewarded with some absolutely spectacular alpine scenery.
Where is it?
The road to Crete de la Pendine is not for the faint of heart is located in France (europe). Coordinates: 46.7183, 2.7600
Road Details
- Country
- France
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 6.7 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,705 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 46.7183, 2.7600
Related Roads in europe
hardA 5-star road to Port de la Bonaigua in the Pyrenees
🇪🇸 Spain
# Port de la Bonaigua Nestled high in the Pyrenees at 2,080 meters (6,824 feet), Port de la Bonaigua is a seriously impressive mountain pass tucked away in the Province of Lleida, deep in the western reaches of Catalonia, Spain. This scenic connector links the charming village of Esterri d'Àneu with Vielha e Mijaran, cutting through some of the most dramatic alpine terrain you'll find in northeastern Spain. The famous Baqueira-Beret ski resort sits right at the summit—perfect if you're planning a winter adventure. The pass itself has some real history. The road was first carved through this mountain landscape back at the start of the 20th century, and today it's crowned with a legendary café-restaurant and sprawling parking areas that make for an ideal rest stop. Here's what to expect on the drive: the 43.3 km (26.90 miles) route follows the C-28 from Vielha to La Guingueta d'Àneu, and it's not for the faint of heart. The road climbs steeply with grades hitting 7.7% at their peak, plus you're dealing with constant twists, turns, and plenty of hairpin curves that'll keep you focused. The good news? The pavement is in excellent condition throughout. While the pass is generally accessible year-round, winter can throw a curveball—snow and nasty weather sometimes force temporary closures, so check conditions before you go. If you're up for the challenge, the views are absolutely worth it.
hardCol de Savel
🇫🇷 France
# Col de Savel Tucked away in the Alpes-Maritimes of southeastern France, Col de Savel sits pretty at 972 meters (3,188 feet) above sea level. This scenic mountain pass connects Coarze to the southwest with Col St-Roch to the northeast via the D15 road. Fair warning: this isn't your typical cruise down a highway. The D15 is narrow and seriously steep—think white-knuckle switchbacks and tight corners. The road is paved, which is a plus, but don't expect wide shoulders or any hand-holding from the road designers. You'll need to keep your wits about you and your eyes on the road. What makes it worth the effort? The stunning Alpine scenery unfolds as you climb, with panoramic views that'll make you forget all about those hairpin turns. It's the kind of drive that feels like a proper adventure—challenging, rewarding, and absolutely gorgeous.
hardEstany de Filià
🇪🇸 Spain
# Estany de Filià: A High-Alpine Adventure Nestled in the heart of Catalonia's Vall Fosca valley, Estany de Filià is a stunning glacial lake that sits pretty at 2,050m (6,725ft). Getting there? That's half the fun—or challenge, depending on your perspective. The route follows Camí de Filià, a gloriously rugged gravel and rocky track that'll test both your vehicle and your nerve. Think steep gradients, hairpin turns galore (we're talking 21 of them), and sections that'll have you gripping the wheel a little tighter. Starting from the L-503 at 1,308m, you've got 8.8km of climbing ahead, gaining 742 meters in elevation with an average gradient of 8.43%. **Fair warning:** This isn't a summer-only road—it's practically a winter ghost road from October through June, when snow and weather conditions make it impassable. A 4x4 is seriously recommended if you want to attempt this. Along the way, you'll ford several river crossings and eventually reach the Cabana del Pastor mountain refuge near the summit. The payoff? Jaw-dropping high-mountain scenery and the kind of elevation achievement that makes for an epic travel story. Just respect the conditions and come properly equipped.
moderateA memorable road trip to Vratnik Pass in the Balkan Mountains
🌍 Bulgaria
Okay, buckle up road trippers, because Vratnik Pass in Bulgaria is calling your name! Nestled in the eastern Balkan Mountains (Stara Planina) of Sliven Province, this mountain pass climbs to a cool 921m (3,021ft). The road, also known as Road 53, winds for about 23.2km (14.41 miles) between Stara Reka in the north and Byala to the south. Now, the pavement is there, but let's just say it's seen better days. Expect a bit of an "off-road" experience with plenty of potholes and some loose gravel thrown in for good measure. But hey, that's part of the adventure, right? Just take it slow and soak in the views – because trust me, the scenery in these parts is totally worth it!