Where is Belvédère du Cirque du Mont-Viso?

Okay, picture this: you're in the French Hautes-Alpes, practically straddling the Italian border in the gorgeous Queyras Regional Natural Park. You're headed for the Belvédère du Cirque du Mont-Viso, a natural viewpoint that's a staggering 2,147m (7,043ft) above sea level.

This Route du Viso was born to give access to the Haut Guil valley and let tourists soak up the views of Mont Viso’s north face. The locals kicked things off way back in 1864, and then everyone chipped in: the government, the army, even Michelin got involved! It officially opened in 1931.

Now, heads up: this road's up in the Cottian Alps, inside the Ristolas Mont-Viso National Nature Reserve, so winter usually shuts it down with heavy snow.

The road to the top? Mostly paved, but expect some rough patches and gravel sections. It's a leg-burning 19.3km (12 miles) climb from Aiguilles, gaining 676 meters. The average gradient is a gentle 3.5%, but don't be fooled, there are ramps of up to 11.5%! Expect some killer switchbacks, false flats, and occasional flat stretches to catch your breath. The views? Absolutely worth it. There's even a small parking lot at the top to reward your efforts. Mountain bikers, this climb is calling your name!