The Steep, Rough Road to Col de la Vallee Etroite is Not for the Faint of Heart
France, europe
21.9 km
2,735 m
moderate
Year-round
# Col de la Vallée Étroite
Ready for a serious Alpine adventure? Col de la Vallée Étroite sits at a breathtaking 2,735 meters (8,973 feet) in France's Savoie department, nestled within the stunning Vanoise National Park in the southeastern Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region.
This isn't your typical scenic drive—we're talking about one of France's most challenging mountain roads. Starting from the small village of Saint-Martin-d'Arc, you'll tackle a rugged gravel track that climbs 21.9 kilometers (13.6 miles) with a punishing elevation gain of 2,014 meters. The average gradient sits at around 9.19%, so your vehicle better be up to the task: a sturdy 4x4 is absolutely essential here.
Perched high in the Massif de la Vanoise range within the French Alps, this road ranks among the highest in the entire country. The payoff? Jaw-dropping mountain scenery that'll make every white-knuckle moment worth it. Just plan your trip wisely—the road is completely impassable during winter months, typically closing from October through May, so summer is really your only window to conquer this beast.
Where is it?
The Steep, Rough Road to Col de la Vallee Etroite is Not for the Faint of Heart is located in France (europe). Coordinates: 46.9415, 2.8115
Road Details
- Country
- France
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 21.9 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,735 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- 46.9415, 2.8115
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