Travel guide to the top of Col du Grand Renard
France, europe
N/A
2,455 m
extreme
Year-round
# Col du Grand Renard
Tucked away in the Savoie department of France's Rhône-Alpes region, Col du Grand Renard sits at a breathtaking 2,455m (8,054ft) and is absolutely not for the faint of heart. This is serious mountain pass territory.
Fair warning: the road here is intense. We're talking gravel all the way, following old unpaved ski-lift service roads with a rocky, loose surface that'll keep you on your toes. Plenty of slippery gravel to navigate, though thankfully the gradient never gets completely bonkers. Still, you'll want excellent vehicle control and nerves of steel.
The real kicker? Being this high up means Mother Nature calls the shots—the pass can shut down without warning whenever snow decides to roll through. That's just part of the adventure at this elevation.
The Alpine scenery is worth every white-knuckle moment, though. This is raw, rugged mountain beauty that'll stay with you long after you've conquered it.
Where is it?
Travel guide to the top of Col du Grand Renard is located in France (europe). Coordinates: 46.6573, 1.1321
Road Details
- Country
- France
- Continent
- europe
- Max Elevation
- 2,455 m
- Difficulty
- extreme
- Coordinates
- 46.6573, 1.1321
Related Roads in europe
hardWhere is San Boldo Pass?
🇮🇹 Italy
San Boldo Pass in Italy's Treviso province? Buckle up, because this isn't your average Sunday drive! We're talking a twisty, turny, tunnel-y adventure that'll leave you breathless. Nestled in the Veneto region, at the edge of the Alps, this road is a true feat of engineering. Just imagine: a completely paved route, officially SP 635, snaking its way up to 712 meters (2,335 feet) above sea level. The highlight? A mind-blowing 1km stretch packed with 5 tunnels carved straight into the rock, 8 numbered hairpin turns that'll test your steering skills, and 6 bridges that offer insane views. The whole pass stretches 11.6km (7.20 miles) from Tovena to Sant'Antonio Tortal. This road has a fascinating history, built by the Austro-Hungarian army in a mere 100 days during WWI as a crucial supply route! Be warned: this beauty is no walk in the park. Some sections are brutally steep, hitting a maximum gradient of 37%! And those 18 hairpin turns? They're not for the faint of heart! Traffic flows one-way only, regulated by traffic lights. Keep an eye on your speed (30 km/h or 19 mph max) and watch your height (3.2 m or 10.5 ft limit). Despite being in Italy, the pass is named after a Spanish hermit, Saint Boldo, who once lived in these mountains! So, get ready for an unforgettable ride filled with incredible scenery and maybe a little bit of adrenaline!
moderateWhere is Pas de la Confession?
🇫🇷 France
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region of southeastern France, and you stumble upon the legendary Pas de la Confession. This mountain pass, sitting pretty at a lofty elevation, got its name for a reason. Back in the day, it was so treacherous that travelers were encouraged to confess their sins before braving it! You'll find this fully paved beauty (D211B) clinging to the mountainside way, way above the valley – hence its nickname, the "balcony road." Buses are a no-go, and rockfalls are a real threat. This route isn't for the faint of heart; a single slip-up could be disastrous with those sheer drops. Is it worth it? That depends. You’ll need laser focus behind the wheel, making it tough to soak in the views. But if you can steal a glance at the few viewpoints along the way, prepare to be wowed. Perched high above the valley, the scenery is nothing short of spectacular. The whole experience clocks in at just under 4 kilometers. Until 1980, this was the *only* way into Villard-Reymond, before it was finally connected to Le Bourg-d'Oisans. Get ready for an unforgettable ride!
hardPuerto de Cotefablo
🇪🇸 Spain
# Puerto de Cotefablo Tucked in the stunning northeastern corner of Spain's Huesca province, Puerto de Cotefablo sits pretty at 1,423 meters elevation, offering some serious Pyrenean mountain vibes right near the French border. Here's the good news: the N-260 highway leading up to the summit is in fantastic condition and fully paved. The not-so-easy news? It's genuinely steep, with some sections hitting 9.2% grades that'll definitely test your legs (or your car's engine). This pass has earned serious cycling credentials too—it's been featured in Spain's prestigious Vuelta race. You've got two solid options to tackle this beast. Coming from **Broto**, you're looking at a 13-kilometer push uphill, gaining 518 meters of elevation with an average grade of 4%. If you're starting from **Biescas** instead, it's a slightly longer 14-kilometer haul with 548 meters of elevation gain at a more forgiving 3.9% average. Either way, you're in for a rewarding climb through gorgeous mountain terrain that'll make the effort totally worth it.
moderateWhere is Jito de Escarandi-Alto de Sotres?
🇪🇸 Spain
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through northern Spain, deep in the Picos de Europa National Park, about to tackle the legendary Jito de Escarandi (or Alto de Sotres, if you're feeling fancy). This mountain pass sits way up high, and the views? Epic. Think dramatic peaks, rolling hills, and lush meadows—seriously, the landscapes here are out of this world! Known locally as the "Carretera de las 3 Villas," this paved route stretches for about miles from up in Cantabria. But hold up, it's not all smooth sailing. This road isn't for the faint of heart. Be prepared for some seriously steep sections, hitting grades of up to . And watch out for poor asphalt, loose gravel, and some pretty gnarly potholes – this climb will test your skills and your suspension! The average gradient is a thigh-burning but those ramps near the top crank it up to . Once you conquer that final push, the summit delivers a knockout panorama of the surrounding mountains. Fair warning: fog often rolls in, giving the place an almost mystical vibe. Trust me, the Jito de Escarandi is an adventure you won't soon forget.