Tunnel de Peter Both
France, europe
N/A
167 m
hard
Year-round
Alright thrill-seekers, listen up! If you're ever cruising around Réunion Island (that little gem east of Madagascar), and you fancy a real adventure, you NEED to check out the Tunnel de Peter Both.
Carved way back in 1960, this tunnel punches a 166-meter hole through the mountains on the Route Nationale nº5, connecting Saint-Louis and Cilaos. Now, here's the kicker: it's NARROW. Think "cozy" rather than "spacious." Seriously, two cars at once? Forget about it! And with a height of only 3 meters, watch those oversized vehicles!
The road surface is paved, so that's a plus. But the real draw is the sheer audacity of the thing, and the killer views you get on either side. Just be prepared for a tight squeeze and maybe a little heart-pumping action. Trust me, it's worth it for the bragging rights!
Road Details
- Country
- France
- Continent
- europe
- Max Elevation
- 167 m
- Difficulty
- hard
Related Roads in europe
hardWhere is Finisterre lighthouse?
🇪🇸 Spain
Hey fellow adventurers! Ever dreamed of driving to the *end of the world*? Well, pack your bags and head to the Finisterre Lighthouse on the wild Atlantic coast of Galicia, Spain. This isn't just any old lighthouse; it's perched on one of the westernmost points of the Iberian Peninsula – a place that used to be considered the edge of civilization! The ride to this legendary spot is about , a winding road that climbs to 138 meters above sea level. The views? Absolutely breathtaking! Imagine rugged coastlines meeting the endless ocean. Keep your eyes peeled, though, because this cape is known for its treacherous, rocky shores, the site of many a naval battle. Once you reach the end of the road (a parking area), it's just a short 300-meter stroll to the lighthouse itself. This octagonal stone tower, built to guide ships through these tricky waters, still flashes its beacon every 5 seconds, visible from miles away. Trust me, standing here, you'll feel like you're on the edge of the earth, with the vast ocean stretching out before you. It's a truly unforgettable experience!
extremeA Narrow Road to Col du Solude in the French Alps
🇫🇷 France
# Col du Solude Ready for an Alpine adventure that'll get your heart racing? Col du Solude is a seriously epic mountain pass sitting pretty at 1,680m (5,511ft) in the Oisans region of the French Alps, right in southeastern France's Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes area. This 13.6 km (8.45 miles) north-south route—officially the D210—connects Ornon to the notoriously tricky D219 Road near Villard-Notre-Dame, and it's absolutely not for the faint of heart. The northern section is smooth asphalt, but once you hit the southern portion, things get real with gravel sections that'll test your driving skills. What makes this pass truly legendary is its sheer intensity. We're talking nail-biting hairpin turns, narrow sections that'll make you hold your breath, and some seriously exposed drop-offs that remind you just how high up you are. The road even cranks up to a brutal 15.8% gradient at its steepest points. It's the kind of drive that demands respect, focus, and nerves of steel—but damn, it's unforgettable once you've conquered it. This is proper "balcony road" territory, where the scenery is as dramatic as the driving conditions. If you're chasing that authentic Alpine experience and you've got the skills to back it up, Col du Solude is calling your name.
easyWhere is Col du Petit Mont Cenis?
🇫🇷 France
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through the French Alps in the Savoie region, headed towards the Col du Petit Mont Cenis – or Colle del Piccolo Moncenisio, if you're feeling Italian. Some say this might even be the spot where Hannibal famously marched his elephants across the Alps! You'll find a mountain hut called Refuge du Petit Mont Cenis close by. The road is paved the whole way, which is a major plus. It's generally in decent shape, so you won't be battling potholes the whole time. Traffic is usually pretty light, meaning you can soak in the views. You'll be winding your way up to around , at a latitude of 45°13'06.5"N and longitude of 6°52'07.1"E. Get ready for some serious scenery, because this drive is a feast for the eyes!
extremeWhere is Basera Pass?
🇮🇹 Italy
Okay, picture this: the Basera Pass, straddling the border between France and Italy. We're talking serious alpine vibes here, way up high where the air is thin and the views are epic. This isn't just any road; it's an old military track, carved into the mountains between Piedmont (Italy) and the Alpes-Maritimes (France). History buffs, get ready to geek out because you'll be cruising past the remains of old fortresses and artillery batteries - remnants of the "Vallo Alpino" and "Ligne Maginot Alpine." On a clear day, you can even glimpse the Mediterranean glittering in the distance. Now, for the nitty-gritty. Yes, it's unpaved, and yes, it's rocky. Think loose stones and crushed rock, which can get super slick when it rains. This isn't a Sunday drive for your Prius. You're going to need a high-clearance 4x4, nerves of steel, and a healthy respect for heights because the road is narrow and hugs some seriously steep slopes. Starting from Col de Tende, it's only about 10km to the pass itself. Don't let the short distance fool you – it's a slow and steady adventure. And keep in mind, Mother Nature calls the shots up here. Usually, the pass is only open from late June to October, depending on the snow. Trust me, you don't want to get caught in the Alps during winter. One last thing: make sure your vehicle is in tip-top shape before you go. You're out in the middle of nowhere, so breakdowns are not an option!