What’s Place Charles de Gaulle?
France, europe
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hard
Year-round
Okay, so you're in Paris, right? And you absolutely HAVE to experience the Place Charles de Gaulle, formerly known as Place de l'Étoile! This crazy roundabout is where 12 avenues converge, including the legendary Champs-Élysées. Think of it as a symbol of Parisian traffic, and trust me, it lives up to the hype! It's HUGE, like 241 meters across, so you have plenty of space to get lost.
Seriously, it's a wild ride any time of day, so be prepared for some serious gridlock. If you're new to this, stick to the outer lane. Yeah, you'll have to deal with the lights, but it's way less stressful. Honestly, just surviving a lap around the Arc de Triomphe in this thing will give you bragging rights for years! It’s insane, chaotic, and totally Parisian. You'll remember this drive forever!
Related Roads in europe
extreme5 Great Roads in the UK
🇬🇧 England
Craving an epic UK road trip that goes beyond the tourist trail? Ditch the motorways and dive into these five stretches of tarmac that demand respect, skill, and a well-maintained ride. Get ready for a true taste of the British landscape! First up, the legendary Snake Pass! This beast winds through the Peak District, topping out at 1,680 feet. Think hairpin bends, crazy cambers, and views of the Ladybower Reservoir. But don't get distracted! Landslides and black ice are real possibilities, making this a proper test of your car's handling. Next, brace yourself for the raw power of the Northern Irish coast. Nine distinct drives hug the edge of the Atlantic, with insane cliffside roads near Carrick-a-Rede and seriously steep climbs in the Glens of Antrim. Coastal winds are fierce, and saltwater spray can make grip unpredictable. Prepare for a wild ride! Down in the southwest, the A39 Atlantic Highway snakes through Devon and Cornwall. Forget the beaches—we're here for the technical descent between Barnstaple and the Cornish border! Your brakes will be working overtime, especially on hills like Porlock, where that 25% gradient will challenge even the best engine braking. Venture into the North York Moors National Park, where you’ll find dense forests and rollercoaster roads. Routes to Mallyan Spout and through Dalby Forest are narrow and isolated, demanding your full attention. Watch out for farm equipment and wandering sheep on those tight, stone-walled turns! Finally, for something completely different, explore the serene but deceptive Norfolk Coast. Here, the roads skirt the edge of the Broads, navigating a fragile landscape of salt marshes. Expect tidal flooding, soft verges, and a tranquil atmosphere that hides some tricky road conditions. These routes aren't just scenic drives; they're a masterclass in British road craft. Whether you're conquering the Pennine passes or navigating the Norfolk marshes, mechanical respect and local awareness are your keys to success. Buckle up and get ready for an unforgettable adventure!
moderateA 5-star road to Passo Campo Carlo Magno in the Italian Alps
🇮🇹 Italy
# Passo Campo Carlo Magno: Where Legend Meets Alpine Roads Perched at 1,682 meters (5,518 feet) in Italy's stunning Trentino-Alto Adige region, Passo Campo Carlo Magno is a mountain pass with serious historical swagger. According to legend, Charlemagne himself crossed here in 800 AD on his way to Rome for his coronation—though historians might roll their eyes at that claim. What we do know for sure is that the pass got its official name in 1909, inspired by a gorgeous fresco of Charlemagne hanging in the nearby church of Carisolo, painted by the famous Baschenis family from Bergamo. This isn't just any mountain road. We're talking about the Adamello-Brenta region of the northern Italian Alps, where serious cyclists tackle the pass during the Giro d'Italia. The fully paved Strada Statale 239 (SS239) connects Val Rendena and Val di Sole with a respectable 30.6 km stretch. Coming up from Pinzolo? You're looking at 15.3 km of climbing with 932 meters of elevation gain—that averages out to a manageable 6.1% gradient, though the steepest sections will push you to 11.4%. From the Dimaro side, it's nearly identical: 15.2 km with 917 meters gained and a 6% average grade. Either way, the road's in pretty solid condition, making this an epic alpine drive through some truly breathtaking scenery.
moderateHow To Travel The Dunas de Corralejo Road
🇪🇸 Spain
# FV-1A: Fuerteventura's Desert Dream Drive Picture this: you're cruising through Spain's Canary Islands on a perfectly paved 18.1 km (11.24 miles) stretch that feels like you've stepped onto a movie set. Welcome to FV-1A, nestled along Fuerteventura's northeastern coast and running through the jaw-dropping Dunas de Corralejo. This road is basically a golden-sand paradise sandwiched between epic dunes and pristine beaches within the Corralejo Natural Park. Built back in 1975, it's become famous enough to serve as the backdrop for Wonder Woman 1984—yeah, *that* Wonder Woman. The whole drive has this immersive desert-film-location vibe that'll make you feel like you're in another world. Stretching from FV-1 Road down south all the way to Corralejo up north, the route takes most drivers somewhere between 20 to 25 minutes if you're just powering through (though you probably won't want to). The landscape is absolutely surreal—endless white sand dunes rolling right up to the coastline on both sides. Just remember: the dunes are strictly off-limits for driving, so keep those wheels on the asphalt. Plenty of free parking spots line the route, making it super easy to hop out and soak in the scenery whenever the mood strikes. It's one of those drives that doesn't feel dangerous or intense—just mesmerizing.
hardWhere is Pico Tres Mares?
🇪🇸 Spain
Okay, so picture this: you're in northern Spain, right on the border of Cantabria and Castile and León, surrounded by the stunning Cantabrian Mountains. You're headed to Pico Tres Mares – that's "Peak of Three Seas," named because three major rivers start here. Now, the road... well, "road" is a generous term. It's more like a super-rough, unpaved trail that climbs steeply to the top. Forget about it in winter – totally impassable. You'll definitely need a high-clearance vehicle, and 4x4 is your best bet. The fun starts from the parking lot at Collado Fuente del Chivo, where the paved CA-916 ends (cyclists might recognize it from the Vuelta a España). From there, it's a short but intense 1.3 kilometers (0.8 miles) to the summit. Don't be fooled by the distance – you're gaining 148 meters of elevation, making for a butt-busting average grade of over 11%! But trust me, the views are *totally* worth it.