Tunnel des Montets
France, europe
50 km
1.386 m
hard
Year-round
# Tunnel des Montets: Your Alpine Escape Route
Tucked away in the Haute-Savoie region of France, the Tunnel des Montets (also called Col des Montets Tunnel) is a clever bit of engineering that's been saving travelers since 1907. Located just past Argentiere at Montroc village, this dual-purpose railway and road tunnel is your lifeline when Mother Nature decides to throw a tantrum in the mountains.
At nearly 1,900 meters long and sitting at 1,386 meters elevation, this tunnel is all about practicality. When the Col des Montets pass gets hammered with snow or avalanche danger spikes, cars can slip straight through to Le Buet and Vallorcine instead of getting stuck outside. It's that simple.
Just keep a few rules in mind if you're using it: your vehicle can't exceed 2.5 meters in height or 5.5 meters in length, the speed limit caps out at 50 km/h, and you need to maintain at least 100 meters between you and the car ahead. These aren't suggestions—they're there for a reason in this narrow underground passage.
After a major renovation and reopening in December 2014, the tunnel is back in action and ready to get you safely through the mountains when conditions demand it. It's the kind of road feature that doesn't make headlines, but mountain travelers definitely appreciate it.
Where is it?
Tunnel des Montets is located in France (europe). Coordinates: 45.8623, 0.7390
Road Details
- Country
- France
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 50 km
- Max Elevation
- 1.386 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 45.8623, 0.7390
Related Roads in europe
moderateWhere is Plateau de Bure?
🇫🇷 France
Wanna feel like you're driving on the moon? Head to Plateau de Bure in the Hautes-Alpes department of France! Perched way up high at 2,560m (8,398ft), this remote plateau is home to some serious radio astronomy gear. You'll find it nestled in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region in southeastern France. It's where the NOEMA interferometer hangs out, with its ten giant antennas scanning the skies. Now, about getting there... the road is a wild 10.3 km (6.4 miles) stretch of unpaved terrain that kicks off from Le Pré. Think lunar landscapes, killer panoramic views of the Vercors and Écrins massifs, and an adventure only suitable for 4x4s. Built back in the late 80s, this road is usually snowed in during winter, so plan accordingly. Keep in mind that private vehicles are not allowed to drive to the plateau.
hardPaion Refuge
🇮🇹 Italy
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! I just found a killer off-road experience in the Italian Dolomites that you HAVE to add to your bucket list. We're talking about Rifugio Paion, a mountain hut perched way up high in Trentino's Val di Fiemme at over 7,200 feet! Getting there is not for the faint of heart, though. Picture this: a super steep, gravel track winding its way through the Alpe Cermis ski resort. You'll need a 4x4 for this one, trust me. Oh, and plan your trip carefully – this road is usually snowed in from October to June. But the reward is SO worth it! Once you conquer that climb, the views from the Rifugio Paion are absolutely mind-blowing. Seriously, a full 360 degrees of pure alpine glory! You can see iconic peaks like Marmolada, Pale di San Martino, Brenta, Cevedale, and even the Ortles group. Just imagine that panoramic shot for your Insta! Keep in mind, this is primarily a service road for the chairlift, so expect rugged conditions. Get ready for an unforgettable ride!
hardMotorcycle Fatality Hotspots: Analyzing the UK’s Highest-Risk Arteries
🇬🇧 England
Okay, buckle up, thrill-seekers! Let's talk about the A483 in Powys, Wales. This isn't your average Sunday drive; it's a ribbon of tarmac stretching through some seriously stunning scenery. Think rolling hills, epic vistas, and that fresh Welsh air filling your lungs. Now, this beauty isn't for the faint of heart. We're talking about a route where you can open up the throttle, leaning into high-speed curves that'll put your skills to the test. But here's the catch: this road demands respect. Unpredictable weather can swoop in out of nowhere, and you might just find yourself sharing the asphalt with some woolly locals! Yep, sheep are a real hazard here, so keep your eyes peeled. The stats don't lie: most accidents happen on clear, sunny days. It's easy to get carried away in perfect conditions, but overconfidence is the enemy. So, if you're heading to the A483, remember to keep your wits about you. This road will reward you with unforgettable views, but it'll punish any mistakes.
extremeIs the Albanian SH36 road unpaved?
🇦🇱 Albania
Alright, adventure seekers, listen up! If you're heading to northeastern Albania and craving a drive to remember (or maybe forget!), check out SH36, snaking between Lezhé and Dibër counties. Fair warning: "road" is a generous term here. Let's just say the pavement plays hide-and-seek. This 54.7 km (34-mile) route connects Muhurr to Burrel (or Burreli, if you’re feeling fancy). Budget around two hours to soak it all in – and trust me, you’ll want to stop. SH36 throws down the gauntlet with over 40 hairpin turns and some serious cliffside exposure. Reaching 1,147m (3,763ft) high, the narrow sections and lack of guardrails will definitely get your pulse racing. Not for the faint of heart! While technically open to all vehicles, a high-clearance 4x4 is your best bet. Seriously, attempting this in your average sedan might leave you stranded… or at least wishing you had a different ride. But the views? Totally worth the nail-biting journey!